"If you don't think photos are important, wait until they are all you have left"
Missy Mwac
Hi, I'm Kara—photographer, mama, and professional memory keeper.
I'm the heart and soul behind K Murphy Photos, a Roanoke, Virginia photographer serving families, couples and small businesses across Southwest Virginia. With a camera in hand and a deep love for storytelling, I help you hold onto the moments that matter most. The quiet snuggles, messy giggles, growing families, new beginnings, and all the little in between moments that deserve to be remembered.
As a mom of two, I know how fast life moves. The days feel long, yet somehow the years pass in a blur of goldfish crumbs, bedtime songs, belly laughs, and big emotions. That's why photography means so much to me. I'm not simply taking pictures, I'm preserving seasons of life that one day you'll look back on and miss deeply.
My work is rooted in honesty, connection, and presence. I believe the most meaningful images are the ones that feel real. Not overly posed or perfect, but genuine and full of emotion. Whether we're documenting your family at home, exploring the mountains together, or creating something meaningful for your business, my goal is always the same: to create photographs that feel like you.
When I'm not behind the camera, you can usually find my nose in a book (please ask me about my latest read), spending time with my hubby and kids, Facetiming friends, or shopping at Target with an iced coffee in hand.
My journey into photography began over 10 years ago, sparked by a love for documenting family memories and weekend adventures with friends. Over time, that passion grew into a deep appreciation for the unscripted moments that often go unnoticed. A child's laughter, the gentle squeeze of a hand, the way someone looks at the people they love most. Those are the moments I never want families to forget.
Photography, for me, is more than a profession—it's a way to freeze time and honor the details that tell your story. The way light falls across a face, a genuine smile, the gentle touch of a hand... it's these little moments that create timeless memories.
I believe some of the most beautiful moments in life are also the simplest. And it's truly an honor every time someone invites me into their story to capture them.
Thank you for considering me to be part of your story. I can't wait to create something beautiful together.
Fun Facts About Me
- I love to read - especially romance and fantasy books. Some of my favorite authors are Sarah J. Maas and Anastasis Blythe (and yes, I'm fully invested in the worlds they've created).
- I love to travel. A few of my favorite countries so far are Japan, Spain & Zimbabwe, but exploring Norway is still high on my dream list.
- Give me an iced coffee with coffee jelly and a cinnamon roll, and I'm in my happy place.
- Both the mountains and ocean have a piece of my heart. I could never choose just one.
- If I have to watch a kids' show, it's Bluey, hands down, every time. Though Grizzy and the Lemmings ranks pretty high on my list too.
- I'm a mama of two, so I know firsthand how chaotic and beautiful the everyday can be.
- My favorite part of any photo session? The in-between moments, the belly laughs, the unposed hand-holds, the way your kids look at you when they think no one's watching.
"Trust me, I know how much you want to hold on to every second"
Time has a way of slipping through our fingers - one day, you're rocking your newborn to sleep, and the next, you're chasing them as they run through the park with endless energy. I know how precious these fleeting moments are, and how deeply you want to keep them close, even as they pass. That's why I've dedicated my craft to helping families like yours freeze time, if only for a little while.
As a mom, I've lived those sleepless nights, the chaotic mornings, and the tender moments in between. I know the beauty of the everyday - the messy kitchens filled with laughter, the impromptu cuddles, and the tiny hands that seem to grow bigger by the day. These moments are priceless, and they deserve to be captured just as they are: raw, real, and full of love. Through my lens, I strive to document your story with the same care and intention that I bring to capturing my own family's milestones.
Every photo I take is a reminder that even as time moves forward, the love and connection within your family are timeless. My goal is to create images that bring you back to these moments, letting you relive the joy, the chaos, and the beauty of this season of life. Because as a mother, I know how much you treasure these seconds - and as a photographer, I'm here to make sure you can hold onto them forever.
