Welcome Jan Murphy

Jan Murphy at Twisted Photography and Twisted Arts, Model Mayhem, deviantART

"Shadow attitude"
Art Model Sam

Art Model Shaz Zenith

Self-called abstract and portrait photographer, Jan Murphy is an accomplished artist.

Working by turns soft or powerful themes, mainly in a strongly contrasted ambiance, her talent covers a wide range of genres, where she expresses herself with a great inventiveness.

The first thing which appealed me was her inexhaustible inspiration.
The second her compositions, so personal, without sophistication, showing her desire to capture the essence of her models.
And the third her deep wish to help me to write her first feature. I've discovered in our correspondence a passionate and committed woman, and you know how much I love that... Don't you ?

So, here she is, in the right place, at the right moment, to open the new year by a magnificent drum roll !

Welcome Jan ! And thanks for your support.

"Behind Bars"

Her favorite quote : "Like the pen, it is as good as the man who uses it. It can be the extension of mind and heart." John Steinbeck on Robert Capa

" Born in the county of Essex in 1964, living in London (UK), I am a passionate professional photographer since 2003 and a photographic artist.

I do love working on new creative concepts as I am very serious about my work. I enjoy my time when shooting but I definitely do not appreciate those that do not take this work seriously. It is my job and I wish others to respect this.

"Flattering Lines"
Art Model Sam

From as young as I can remember I wanted to share the world the way I see it. I found photography to be a fantastic outlet for this, greatly inspired by many others, some being : Henri Cartier Bresson, Man Ray, Lee Miller, Ansel Adams, the list really does go on as so many styles out there to appreciate.

And here I am, many years wiser, with evolving styles and a book out next year, still enjoying the road.

Travelling always inspires as you meet so many wise and wonderful others along the way, so many lost opportunites where not carrying a camera but always mentally remembering what was seen and capturing mental images instead.

Model Soneya




In 2006, I joined forces with my partner Mark Varley and together we created Twisted Photography. It seems to be the beginning of many new ventures, here's to embracing them all.

At present, I am working on a Portrait Photographic Book, primarily about people from all walks of life and how they ultimately wish to be portrayed. They get to show their essence, to get across to the camera, the true them !

Photoshoot's will be taking place throughout 2008. The book will be available, along with print sales either late 2008/early 2009 (if all goes to plan).

I will be working too on a "movement" project soon too with dancer's, acrobats, Capoeira groovers and yoga students (poses from this are stunning)."

"Sou being aloof"
Art Model Sou de Sade










"Do I look disturbed ?"
Art Model Sou de Sade

"Abstraction"
Art Model Skarlett Venom

Mark Varley and Jan Murphy about Twisted Photography :

Twisted Photography was formed in 2006 and brings together the photography of Mark Varley and Jan Murphy.

Mark Varley has been an active photographer since 1992 and his images have been published in many books, magazines, websites and art galleries throughout Britain, Europe and America. Best known for Fine-art photography but with extensive experience of landscapes, cityscapes and wildlife.










Art Model Sam




Jan Murphy has been taking photographs since she could hold a camera, extensively known for fine art, travel, reportage and portrait photography with an artistic flair.

Photographic credits include art galleries, websites, magazines and books in Britain, Europe and USA.

Twisted Photography are available to photograph events, locations, people and places to your specification, bespoke images with a difference.

Art Model Synthetic Cookie

Jan Murphy's interview

" Nobody asks me : "what it is like being a female photographer in a very male environment ?" My answer is I enjoy the challenge as most models I work with have never shot with a female before. It is always good to show others a different perspective to an image/subject." Jan Murphy

Model Shaz Zenith



Jan Murphy at Twisted Photography and Twisted Arts (with Mark Varley), Model Mayhem, Net-Model, deviantART.

Jan, your passion began very young. I'm sure you remember your first experience...

I remember being out with my father and seeing a bird framed by wrought iron fencing and I started shooting directly into sunlight. My father let me, and then explained how silhouettes are created and all about lighting techniques, angles of the sun etc. I kind of knew something different would happen in that image, I seemed very aware of the basics. I guess I had a creative "eye" at a very young age.

"She waits..."
Art Model Emma

What a wonderful beginning ! After that, did you decide to learn photography in an art school ?

Well I was an enthusiastic beginner. My father shared his knowledge with me and I did a course in BTEC B&W Darkroom Techniques much later in life. So no, I didn’t go to art school.

I did a lot of my own processing so was really aware of how light worked and am still learning (will forever be a student), I love that about photography and indeed the creative process.

"Fine Art 4"
Art Model Emma













Your passion is your full time job. Was it easy to make this choice, in a world where so many artists can't make a living from their art ?

I kind of fell into photography being my work as well as my passion. I met Mark Varley, we moved in together and in 2006, Twisted Photography was born. It just felt right to go into business with somebody who loved photography as much as me and then further down the line, it still feels right. Being paid to do what you love is just amazing. Occasionally, if it feels too much like work when I pick up my camera, then I always make sure that I still do free shoots and have a few muses with whom I create my concepts.

Re the money aspect and it being hard to make a living. I am a Shiatsu Practitioner (Zenki.co.uk coming soon) also so do not totally rely on photography being my only income. I do feel blessed to be living out two of my passions as my careers.


You're lucky, that's right ! But you work hard for. Jan, I find your style and your themes very powerful. You like the strong contrasts, the rich colors, often in minimalist decors... What is your look on your work ?

Firstly let me say thank you, your opinion and remarks on my work mean a lot to me.

Model Soneya

I try to make a statement with some of my images by finding the person within, by sourcing the essence.

At times, it comes across and other times, not but I always work at this. Other times, the simplicity of it all, the shapes, the contrast, the lines, shadows, the beauty of an image speaks for itself and needs nothing added to enhance it.

I enjoy my style but am always open to learning, embracing and trying different styles too.


Life is a school... And except art nude, is there another genre you enjoy ?

I know my DA account doesn’t reflect this but I really love travel photography, other countries inspire me. The lush countryside to the dusty cities, you can always find something interesting to photograph.

I also, love people and portraiture. There is nothing stronger at times, then a person going about day to day life, working or sitting playing backgammon on a backstreet. Statements I love as others can read something different into each and every one of them. My book is ultimate portraiture, allowing the person to be themselves, to express their true identity. It has been a very interesting and challenging project.

"Stars and Shadows"
Art Model Sam

"Slipping away"
Model Akemi

What is the part of improvisation in your work ?

This is a difficult to answer as it can change from shoot to shoot.

At times I work not knowing much until the model shows, and then I "feel" where the shoot is going. Other times, I plan the details finely and work that way. Along the way, it can change if I see a different angle. It really does depend on the place/location/model (if any)/lighting and so forth. An interesting question, thank you.


It seems you have a preference for indoors shootings. Am I right ? Are there other locations you like ?

My work has been very focused on indoor shootings for some time now but I love shooting outside too and will be looking for more models to work with on location in the very near future. The very cold weather has kept me indoors too this winter.

I love working outdoors and I will be working in derelict places, with Vernon Trent (when he gets to England) in June, so watch out for those images - should be most interesting.
I’m always on the look-out for outdoor locations so I guess I actually have a preference for outdoor shoots. Interesting as looking at my gallery, you would not think so.

"Red Anger"
Model Skarlett Venom

It was just an impression. Some words about your models ? With whom are you dreaming to work ?

I have been lucky with the models I have worked with, as they have been most open minded, enthusiastic, tested my creative boundaries and worked hard to achieve the images I needed often bringing a lot of energy to our photo shoots together.

I would love to work with Joceline as I simply admire her grace and beauty, alongside wishing to work with dancers on a motion and movement project to reflect them in an artistic way.








"Warm Silk"
Art Model Emma




A majority of photographers are excited to see the results of their shooting and exhausted by the performance. And you ?

I feel inspired, I feel alive and I feel excited to see what I have just captured.

What is your own favourite photo ? Could you choose one ?

One of my all time favourite images is "Timing of The Musée d'Orsay", as if this man was standing anywhere else, it would not have worked. The placing of the clock hands, the foreground shadow, the lighting – everything was on my side and it was not planned. I was in the Musee d’Orsay, Paris and there he was.

I have many more Fine Art photo’s that I love but the above image stands out the most in my mind.

"Timing of The Musée d'Orsay" (Paris, France)

"Goddess Kali"
Model Susie Wong

I heard you have some challenges you're dreaming about in the near future ?

My book is challenging and I look forward to seeing that published when I have completed it. I am enjoying working doing figure work and shall hope to publish a book of my journey one day in the near future and I always wish to better myself, read, learn and absorb informations to make me a stronger photographer and one that is remembered (well here’s hoping).


I wish you the best. You are presently working on a book. When will it be available ?

I am working on my Portraiture book, "True Selves" at present and am hoping this to be in print by September 2009, if all goes to plan.

"Fine Art 3"
Art Model Emma

Im' impatient to see it ! Where can we purchase your prints ?

You can purchase my prints via my website, Twisted Arts, Twisted Photography, deviantART, or email me with any requests, I’m most accommodating.


Is there a question nobody asks you and you would like to answer ?

Yes. Nobody asks me : "what it is like being a female photographer in a very male environment ?"

My answer is I enjoy the challenge as most models I work with have never shot with a female before. It is always good to show others a different perspective to an image/subject.

"Holding On"
Art Model Emma




A true question indeed ! I note it. As an experienced photographer, what advices could you give to a beginner ?

Learn from as many sources as possible, never stop trying to capture that image that makes you gasp, work hard and most importantly, have fun.


Any message you’d like to leave our readers ?

Never say never as anything is possible, you just need to believe.

Faith, self confidence, passion and hard work are the Keys ! A wonderful message to begin the year in the best conditions. Many thanks Jan !

Jan Murphy with Art Model Tidal Kitten, "Making Shapes" Series

"Making Shapes" by Jan Murphy, London, UK.
A series with Art Model Tidal Kitten.

Dear Jan, I've recently published one photograph of this exceptional series. You guess I see many things, but I would want to know your own feelings about it.
What inspired you ? What did you want to express ?


When working with this model, I saw such strength in her posing, character, even down to the tattoo's on her body, which were all intensely symbolic and of strong animals.

The series to me represents strength, creating and playing with shapes from the human form (in fact I named the series 'Making Shapes' after this), mainly though, it was trying to get across the powerful yet definite female energy and all that it represents.

This was my challenge.

I sense that others will appreciate the images as they are beautiful to the eye but possibly not understand them to the degree that I felt them that day.

What I love about art/photography though is everybody sees/senses someting different from all angles and from varying perspectives. The change and the different viewpoints is what makes the world a wonderful place.

Challenge accomplished ! How did you create it ?


This started out as a book shoot towards my Photographic Book 'True Selves' (due out later this year).

The model wished to show a childish side of herself as some say she has an innocence about her, a child inside an adult's body.

This was really wonderful as the model felt comfortable to share playing with expressions in her art, as she had never done before. We showed her childish side never forgetting that this was through the body of a woman.

I am not showing those in my choice in this article but some will be displayed in my book when in print. I will keep you up to date with my book and how it is coming along as I work on it further.









After shooting for the book, we had talked of working together on some Fine Art nude images. So, after consuming coffee and giving the model a prop to interact with, we started work.

The shoot was very natural as our connection was relaxed and we ''felt'' our way really and at times, the model was almost reading my mind as to what I wished for next so I didn't even need to ask her to change poses, it was really fluid.

Objects were given to interact with, chairs and suchlike and the end results you can see for yourselves. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed creating them.















Of course Jan !... There is such a strength. And what is your favorite photo in the series ? I must confess that it's difficult for me to choose one.


I love this image for many reasons :





Firstly the pose is so beautiful, the way one hand rests against the foot whilst the other slips under the knee, making it look so elegant yet the strength is there throughout, how can this be ?
Secondly, I love the eye contact as it reinstates the person sharing that they are happy within their skin and whilst on the subject of skin, during post processing, I created a really beautiful skintone, one which I feel adds to the overall 'feel' of the picture.


I must say it is so hard to choose a favourite image as I have many for very different reasons, so if the interviewer allows I would like to say that I do so very much love this one for the strength, the pride, the upright pose and the way you can see to the very core of this lady and this image :








Thanks a lot Jan. What a beautiful series ! I know many photographers and readers who will love it... And thanks to your amazing art model too.

Ciaran Whyte interviewed by Jan Murphy

Ciaran Whyte

" Being an artist is so much more than just knowing the rules. I'm continually amazed and inspired by some amazing photographers and models that produce art way above and beyond what I do today. But I hope to get there one day :)"

Interviewed by Jan Murphy
UdA Art Editor and Photographer

I was recently told about an Ireland based photographer by the name of Ciaran Whyte.

When looking at his work, it became clear that he was a very amazing artist and one that was happy to work hard to get the correct model for the image and/or message he was trying to convey.

He has worked with some amazing models and his work does truly show you a range of styles, forever evolving and I really would like you to hear the rest from the artist himself.

You'll find him on his official site (with his blog), Net Model, Model Mayhem, deviantART.

"Holly"
Art Model Ivory Flame

What I love about your work Ciaran is that it seems totally unpretentious - this is what pulled me into your images. When I read more about you, I can see that you REALLY enjoy what you do, you love the fun aspect but you take your work very seriously.



"Diptych"
Art Model MoniliciousYes, I really do love photography. In "real" life I have my own business, which can be very demanding both in terms of time and also work load. I started shooting 5 years ago, when the business was just 2 years old and really just in it's infancy.

What started out as a hobby, something to do in my down time, soon became an obsession. Now, it's my only release.

It's an outlet, which is so completely removed from what I do day to day and I enjoy it thoroughly. I enjoy the whole process, from the technical aspects of taking an image through to the art of it.

As for taking things seriously, this probably spills over from my working personality. From taking my first image, right through to the last one I've taken, I've always wanted to improve, so I've worked hard at it. This probably makes me come across quite serious - possibly more than I really am :)

"Madame Bink"
Art Model Madame Bink

What was it about photography that drew you to it ? Or did the art find you ?

I'm not ashamed to admit, that it was the gadget freak in me that drew me to photography originally.

When dSLR's came down to a reasonable price point, I rushed out and bought one - a Nikon D70 at the time. This was my first ever camera and I really just wanted it as a toy. But as soon as I started to delve into photography I started to love images.
As for "art"... well this is something that came much later. For the first few years I only ever really focused on the technical aspects of photography. Sure I followed the rules of composition etc. but I never really thought about the art of photography.

Now that I feel comfortable with the technicalities of capturing an image, I've started to try and develop my artistic side. I find this quite rewarding (at times) but also extremely frustrating. Being an artist is so much more than just knowing the rules. I'm continually amazed and inspired by some amazing photographers and models that produce art way above and beyond what I do today. But I hope to get there one day :)

"Iveta"
Art Model Iveta Niklova -

I really love the images with the stunning effect such as 'Monika' (shown here) - they really stand out to me. Would you share with us your favourite from this set and tell us a little about how and why you decided to do these works ?


 

"Monika"
Art Model Monilicious

In Ireland, we have a photographic federation which is called the Irish Photographic Federation (IPF), very similar to the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) in the UK. These societies offer various levels of distinctions to it's members, where you submit panels of images for accreditation. Your panel is judged and if it is successful you are awared a distinction.
There are 3 levels of award with different requirements for each level. Once you have received one, you are then allowed go forward for the second and then on to the third. This body of work was for my Fellowship panel (the highest accreditation), which I'm delighted to say was successful back in April.









"Montage"

I decided to opt for natural light, artistic nude images, with no styling or make-up (well maybe just a little make-up). The texture was something I added to try and make the images my own, something I've added to the image.

I wanted the panel to be viewed as art as opposed to a simple set of photographs and I certainly think the texture overlay helped achieve that goal.

As for my favourite image, it's probably the one you linked to of Monika. Unlike most of the models in the panel, I hadn't worked with Monika before and I was blown away by how beautiful she was. So yes.. probably that image out of them all :)

You can see here my whole fellowship panel and my previous panels here : Associateship and Licentiatship

The models you worked with have a specific look yet they are all so unique too. Why did you choose the ones you did and do feel free to share a little about those you shot with ?

I tend to work with models that focus primarily on artistic nude, as opposed to other genre's like glamour, fetish or erotic (although some models do cross over into these genres). I'm interested in trying to create beautiful images as opposed to sexy or sassy images, so pure art nude models are the perfect fit for the shots I'm trying to create.

It's a pretty small community in Ireland/UK and I've been really lucky with the models I've worked with so far. At this stage now, I've probably shot with over 40 models, primarily from the UK. Obviously I can't name them all... but I would like to say a big thanks to them regardless, because my images really are nothing without them. However there are a few whom I either continue to work with time and time again or ones that have made me think "wow" :

Art Model Ivory Flame

My all time favourite model has to be Ivory Flame - an Oxford based model. Ivory is the ultimate art nude model... beautiful (inside and out), graceful, elegant... everything ! Ivory Flame's images continue to inspire me.

"Morning Light"

Art Model Madame Bink
A model that frequently works with Ivory Flame, her partner in crime so to speak, is Madame Bink, another UK model and another outstanding model.

"The female Christ"Art Model Iveta Niklova 
Others of note are Iveta Niklova , who's featured on your site before.

"Feral"
Art Model and Illustrator Ulorin Vex -

"Kayt"

Art Model Kayt Webster Brown

"Ballet"
Art Model KatyT

Katy T, originally from the UK but now lives and work in the US but travels back to Europe once a year.

On your website you cover Street Photography and Places to name two other categories. Where do you feel most comfortable with your photography ? Or do you see that you have more then one niche so to speak ?




"Behind the wire" - Iran

Ever since I started shooting, I've been shooting people.

This is my main and possibly only personal interest in photography.

At the start I worked with models, simply until I had a grasp of the basics of capturing an image. From there I went out into the big bad world and started shooting on the streets.
I found it very easy if I have to be honest and had no problems approaching complete strangers asking them could I take their picture. I think this direct engagement with the people I was shooting added a lot to my images. So where ever I travel, I tend to bring my camera with me, walk the streets and capture the people I meet.

One great example of this was where I travelled to Iran spending two weeks travelling the length of the country shooting the people there.

Art Model Hannah Ashlea

But, as much as I love street photography, I don't find it as rewarding as working with models, simply because I'm not exercising my creative side as much. So I guess you could say I'm more comfortable at the moment in my model photography.

I enjoy the whole creative process from planning the shoot, choosing the model, the styling, the location, the lighting and the mood of the shot. This is something I don't get from street photography. But I'm hoping to try and combine both disciplines in the future.. watch this space :)



Ciaran, I would love you to tell to our readers some thoughts/tips/experiences, or just words of wisdom before you head back to creating beautiful artwork.

 

"Steps"
Art Model Ella Rose





This is a tough one ! I'm pretty good at giving specific technical advice or debating a technical point about photography, but I still feel very much a novice when it comes to "artistic" photography so it's hard to share any thoughts or offer any advice.

One thing that has certainly helped my photography and helped me enjoy this hobby which I love, is the models that have worked with me. So I guess I'd offer the suggestion that people should try and book and work with these models (not necessarily the ones I've named.. but models in general).

The models I know, spend so much time away from family and friends, travelling the length and breadth of their own countries as well as travelling internationally... all for very little renumeration. I think it's important that photographers support these people financially, by offering them work where they can. I know most of the models, model primarily because they love their art, but the income helps ensure they can devote their time to it and stay modelling for a longer time. So it's win, win for all of us.

"Polaroid"
Art Model Monilicious

Could you choose three of your all time favourite images and tell us why ?

Three of my all time favourites... you don't ask for much :) I won't order these if that's OK ? And I'm sure if you asked me on a different day, these would change :)

The first one I'll choose is this BW portrait of Lloyd. This was from my first and so far only shoot with a male model. It was a completely different experience, but one I really enjoyed. This shot has probably been published more than any others and has been in more exhibitions too. Unfortunately Lloyd doesn't have a website that I can provide links to :

'Lloyd. A Portrait'Art Model Lloyd

The second one and another B&W is one of Kayt Webster Brown. Kayt is an incredibly expressive model. I remember the sheer thrill and adrenaline rush I experienced when I was shooting her. I know I've said this about Ivory Flame, but Kayt's work and in particular her work with Paul Godfrey continues to amaze and inspire me. I was due to work with her again this year, but unfortunately the snow got in the way ! So hopefully I'll get the opportunity again in the future :

"Kayt in monochrome"Art Model Kayt Webster Brown

For the third, I'll opt for this shot of Lou. It was terrible weather on the day and we all feared we wouldn't get any images at all. This was grabbed quickly between a short break in the weather and it just all worked :

"A break in the clouds"

Art Model Lou

Is there anything else that you wish to share with us ?

I think I've blabbed on for long enough. I just want to say thanks again for asking me :)

Thank you for your time, your inner thoughts, your passion and for sharing a part of you today. It has been most insightful. Speak soon and see you sooner am sure.

Ciaran Whyte © - The Wonder Of Light