Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Washburn.
Hi Emily , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began Emily Washburn Photography, LLC in 2021 when I really started to get serious about photography. I have been shooting since high school, but decided on a different career path at first. After graduating with my Bachelor’s degree and starting Graduate school, I realized where my heart truly was and that was to be home with my family. I decided to jump in full-time with photography because I loved it and I loved being able to give people in a similar situation to my family the ability to have their memories preserved. I couldn’t afford newborn photos after the birth of my third child, and I knew I didn’t want another mom to feel that way. My goal was to be an affordable photographer for all while still providing high-quality work that they could depend on. Now, a mom to four kids, I run my business full time with the help of my husband. I also volunteer as a photographer for a local non-profit called Sweet Grace Ministries that provides bereavement services to family going through infant loss. I take on a variety of projects from weddings and events to family portraits and newborns. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life because I get to provide a gift to each family walking their own journey and help them hold onto the memory of their child. I find that each type of photography offers its own unique challenges and rewards that allow me to grow as a photographer. I love being a photographer and getting to meet so many new people that become friends and life-long customers. I will forever be grateful to every client who has given me a chance and welcomed me to help tell their story.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road from the beginning. I had a love for photography at a young age, but I was told by many that I needed a “real” career to amount to anything. Once I stepped into photography full-time there were many expenses to consider and it took a leap of faith to start up my own company with the savings that we did have. My husband has been my number one supporter, and I couldn’t be more grateful for him. There have been some challenges since starting like dealing with trying to grow a clientele, get my name out to the public as a reputable business, dealing with the administrative side of owning a business, and dealing with comparisons. I struggle the most with my perception of myself and my work and would often compare myself and my business to others around me. I would highly advise anyone just starting out to focus in on your “why” instead of comparing yourself to others. Your time will come and you will find your people, it just takes time. I had moments of wanting to quit professionally because I didn’t feel adequate, but my husband was there every step of the way to remind me of my value.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I take on a variety of projects and love the diversity. I like taking on new challenges or opportunities because they force me to grow and learn something new. I specialize in family and children’s portraits, Newborns both lifestyle and studio style, and weddings and events. I am probably most well-known for the variety of mini sessions that I offer. Not ever photographer loves mini sessions, but I do! I try to offer two different sessions a month to give many options and opportunities for families to get pictures. I think what sets me apart from others is my unique visual style and creativity. I love to be creative and come up with new ideas for each session to provide a unique experience to every client. I am most proud of my ability to overcome challenges and work with a variety of people. Everyone has their preferences and I think that should be taken into consideration to give the client the best experience possible.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the photography industry is going to have to compete with a changing market. With phone cameras getting better and tools becoming more readily available, many people are starting to lose sight of the value of a professional photographer. While I am so glad that these tools exist for everyone to be able to capture memories on a daily basis, I want to point out that hiring a professional is an investment int your life. Photographers with quality gear and the knowledge to use that gear to the best of its abilities is priceless. Having someone who can work under various conditions and the pressure is important for the special moments that deserve the highest degree of attention. More and more people are picking up a camera and calling themselves a photographer. I believe there is a client base for everyone but that clients should really research a photographer before the book with them. Competing with new technologies will always be a challenge that photographers have to face, but in my opinion, nothing beats the hand-crafted attention to detail that a real person can give you.
Pricing:
- Full sessions- $225
- Mini sessions- $125
- Weddings- $1500
- Newborns- $650
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emilywashburnphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilywashburnphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilywashburnphotography
