Today we’d like to introduce you to Hadonica Murphy
Hi Hadonica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my portrait business during a time in my life when I was seeking light through the struggles of on-and-off depression. As a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with 10 years of experience in critical care, working in the ICU and Emergency Room was both rewarding and deeply demanding. Over time, the emotional toll of being surrounded by life’s most fragile moments led me to search for a creative outlet. That’s when photography found me.
Through the lens, I discovered a new way to help people—by showing them the beauty and light that I see within them. No matter their background or physical appearance, I recognized that everyone carries a story worth celebrating. I wanted to create a space where clients could feel free to embrace who they are, bringing their passions—whether painting, dancing, DJing, or simply reading—into the studio. From twirling in stunning gowns to rocking leather jackets—or even nothing at all—my goal was to capture their essence in the most authentic and empowering way.
Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my craft to offer a full-service, luxury experience, including hair and makeup, wardrobe styling, and exquisite products like handcrafted albums and wall art from Italy. Now in my second studio and celebrating 8 successful years in business, I specialize in legacy, beauty, branding, boudoir, and maternity portraits. I also have a deep love for photographing couples and hearing the unique stories that make their love extraordinary.
Photography has truly transformed my life. It has given me the freedom to travel the world, spend more quality time with my family, and nurture my own well-being through meditation. Stepping out on faith, I transitioned fully from my role as a Nurse Practitioner to pour my heart into this business—and it has grown beyond my wildest dreams. My mission is to create timeless portraits that honor your beauty, your story, and your legacy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The obstacles were mainly trusting myself knowing that it was possible to succeed. Given my background of being in foster care I was always taught the only way to success was through school and education so that was the route I started on, only to realize that I needed more. Learning the business aspect to build a profitable business was also a difficult hurdle.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from others is I truly create a space where people can come in and drop the masks that they constantly wear throughout the day. Everyday as men and women in corporate America or businesses we get up and we get dressed but we also put a mask on hiding our truest self. In my studio you get to drop that masks and simply be yourself that doesn’t always look like dressing up or wearing makeup it may mean taking the makeup off and letting me capture the truest version of you.
I love photographing human beings in general because I believe we all have a unique story that should be documented after all we are apart of history and time goes by quickly. One moment you’re a young spring chicken the next thing you know you’re married with kids or 10 years into a job and it’s been decades since you’ve been properly photographed.
I am known for my beauty and boudior portraits but also my branding because I infuse my clients personality into their branding pictures that way their clients can truly connect with them.
I am most proud that I have created a space and excuse my French but where women can come into my studio Intially they are shy and timid but by the end they are running around in their birthday outfit wanting to photographing parts that were once considered flaws. It is watching them look at my computer screen saying “she is beautiful” until it clicks that “she is me, and I am beautiful” these are some of the best moments for me.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is living in the Bahamas by the beach front. My sister and I would wake up early and go fishing right there in the ocean. My mom was there and created a space for us to have these memories for that I am thankful and hold on to this memory.
Pricing:
- Express sessions ranging from $450-1200
- Custom experience sessions ranging from $2500+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hadonicasphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hadonicasphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EBzZRNPPq/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadonica-murphy
