Tim Murphy is an Arizona based photographer. He focuses on two divergent shooting locations: the American Southwest and Ireland. In the American Southwest, Tim’s favorite subjects are Pow Wow dancers as well as the Sonoran Desert and “John Ford landscapes.” While in Ireland, his camera finds seascapes, castles and ancient abbeys.
Tim spent the majority of his business career with American Express in Global Sales Leadership. In 2000, he received American Express’ highest level of employee recognition – induction into their Worldwide Hall of Fame.
After retirement from the corporate world, Tim thought that his “Act II” was going to be filled by golfing in Arizona and Ireland, road biking, and other outdoor pursuits. But fate and health had a say in his plan. With the onset of a rare neurological disorder, Tim’s world was turned upside down. As his balance and mobility were affected, the impact was life changing for the Murphys. To fill the void in his life, Tim took his wife’s suggestion and returned to his old hobby of photography. As he says, “I traded in my golf clubs and bike for a camera and a cane.”
Since reinventing himself eleven years ago, the results have been remarkable. Tim has published nine photography books: Pow Wow Dancers, Three Summers in Ireland, Arizona Through My Lens, Chicago, Pow Wow Portraits, Irish Churches, Nite Lites, Irish Landscapes and Taliesin West. His photography has been featured in multiple publications and used by businesses in Arizona and Ireland. An Arizona bank even showcases Tim’s images on its debit cards! Tim has had exhibits in the Valley, at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale and Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, as well as art galleries. On the giving side, Tim has taught photography classes and delivered Arizona and Irish travel and photography lectures at senior and civic centers. Plus he has donated artwork and raised funds for fifteen different charities and foundations.
Two major recognitions for Tim’s photography and his inspirational life story occurred in 2022. In May, he received the Lifetime Excellence Award from his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. A month later, he received national recognition for his work promoting Ireland through his photography when he was honored with the Irish Echo’s Community Champion Award.
Tim and his wife, Debbie, enjoy life in Scottsdale and when the weather gets hot, in Ireland.
