From Survival to Storytelling: How I Became a Family, Branding & Wedding Photographer in San Antonio

Hi, I’m Lindsey Murphy—a family, branding and wedding photographer based in San Antonio, Texas, and the founder of Vibe Studio San Antonio. My photography business has grown beyond what I ever imagined. But my path here wasn’t typical. It’s a story of survival, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

Growing Up in a World I Didn’t Choose

I was born in September 1991 and raised in a strict, high-control religious group—a cult, to be exact. From an early age, I was taught that my future was already written: marry a high-ranking church elder, live in obedience, and never question authority.

But I did question it. Even as a child, I knew I didn’t belong. I wasn’t meant for silence—I was meant to create, connect, and lead.

At age 15, I made the hardest decision of my life: I walked away.

Leaving meant losing everything—my family, my home, my sense of identity. I was completely shunned. My mother, stepfather, and sisters cut off all contact. In the years that followed, I grieved deeply and felt profoundly alone. But I also began to rebuild. On my terms.

Finding Structure and Purpose in the Military

At 21, seeking stability and direction, I joined the United States Air Force. I served as a Public Affairs Specialist, where I worked as a Broadcast Journalist and videographer. I documented everything from special operations missions to crime scenes. It was gritty, demanding work—but it showed me something vital: I didn’t just capture images—I told stories.

While my peers moved quickly through content, I lingered, interviewing subjects longer than necessary because I wanted to connect. That ability—to see and honor people’s stories—was my strength, even when the system didn’t reward it.

A Global Journey—and a Spark of Something New

My first assignment was a dream: Aviano Air Base in Northern Italy. I was newly married and soon became a mom. My Air Force journey would later take me to Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Ramstein AFB in Germany, Charleston, SC, and eventually Randolph AFB in San Antonio. Along the way, I experienced a divorce, messy dating apps, and eventually married a man I had once been stationed with in Vegas—a wild, unexpected love story I never saw coming.

But it was in Germany in 2018 that everything changed.

While working as a morning show host at the American Forces Network, I picked up a camera to photograph a group of high school interns. And something clicked—literally and emotionally. The joy of capturing real moments and seeing people’s reactions to their portraits—it lit a fire in me I couldn’t ignore.

Thanks to the generosity of my friend Amanda Tanefski, who loaned me a camera, and a community of military spouse photographers who mentored me, I dove in headfirst. I soaked up every bit of knowledge I could and realized that photography gave me something I’d never had before: a sense of purpose, freedom, and belonging.

Turning Passion into a Full-Time Photography Business

What began as a side hustle soon grew into something bigger than I could’ve ever dreamed. Over the next few years, I photographed families, weddings, personal branding sessions, and everything in between.

My secret sauce? Connection.

I make people feel seen, heard, and comfortable in front of the camera. That superpower—once considered inefficient in the military—became my biggest asset as a photographer.

In 2024, I made the leap: I left the military and went full-time in photography. With the support of my friends and family, I poured my energy into growing Vibe Studio San Antonio. In 2025, I expanded the team by adding a second photographer and content creator. Now, we’re a vibrant team bringing bold, meaningful stories to life through the lens.

Why I Do What I Do

My work as a San Antonio branding photographer and wedding photographer is more than just taking beautiful photos. It’s about giving people something I once longed for: to be truly seen. To be celebrated. To have their story told with honesty and heart.

If you’re looking for a photographer who brings real experience, deep empathy, and creative energy to every session—I’m your girl. Whether you’re launching your brand, getting married, or just want to capture this season of your life, I’d be honored to be part of your story.

Lindsey Murphy | Brand/Wedding Photographer in San Antonio, Texas.
Capturing bold brands, authentic energy, and unforgettable vibes.

Ready to Tell Your Story?

Let’s create something unforgettable together.
👉 View my portfolio and book your session here.