The Photographer
Someone once told me, “You are the only one being untrue to yourself if you don’t follow what you love.” That quote hangs in my studio and reminds me every day how fortunate I am to get to do the job I love!
Inspiration
I draw inspiration and wisdom from my parents, who are creative, hardworking and business savvy. My mom studied art in college and exposed me to various media when I was young. She bought me my first camera, and I grew up studying and appreciating art. My pops, on the other hand, had an eye for color and shape. He has restored classic cars all his life: first as a hobby and then as a business. It was my father who taught me what I know about working hard to keep your clients happy. I saw him transform customer relationships into close friendships over and over again for 30 years!
What I enjoy about being a photographer
One of my favorite things about being a photographer is getting to be a part of a family’s happiest moments. There are so many wonderful moments that I capture as a photographer: the miracle of a new baby, the proud mom watching her youngest child get his senior photos taken, or the exchanging of vows. Being a witness to such powerful events has a profound impact on me. I get choked up when I hear wedding vows! The joy and happiness seep into my soul, and I can’t help but get excited about what I do. I love what I do and my clients tell me it shows through in my work.
Getting to know my clients
I love getting to know people. It may be the result of my journalism degree, but I learned the valuable lesson of listening. When I ask someone a question, I make sure to listen carefully. After all, it is all about them and not about me! I understand the importance of getting to know my clients, and I hope they see the benefits of getting to know their photographer.
People tell me all the time they want a photographer who is fun, someone who can move about unobtrusively, catch candid moments, and step up to organize and capture the group shots. I can say with 100% confidence that I do all that! When you’re comfortable around someone, you’ll create amazing pictures! When future generations look back at your photos, I hope they will say, “Wow, I know what my great grandparents were really like.”
Spokane Born and Raised
I was born and raised in Spokane, WA. I’m a graduate of University High School, Spokane Falls Community College, and Eastern Washington University. I’m proud to be an Eagle: I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Journalism from EWU. I studied photography at all three schools: I started on 35mm film in the dark room, and then I learned all things digital at EWU. I would never have guessed the benefits of journalism on my photography career! While attending EWU, I was the Photo Editor of The Easterner, the student newspaper. I had the opportunity to photograph everything from guest speakers to student-athletes, former First Lady Michelle Obama and Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute from The Office) and sports such as football, basketball, and volleyball. I tell my clients that covering sports and covering a wedding is so similar it amazes me! There’s great action, there’s a sweeping story to be told, there are star players, and family is like a team!
I have photographed all over the Northwest, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe and Mexico. I love to travel! Some of my favorite places to shoot, other than Spokane, are the Flathead Lake in Kalispell, MT, and the Oregon Coast.
One of my favorite things to do with my grandpa is to look through old photographs. I think that’s something that many families cherish. I love working with clients who see the importance in the investment they make when hiring a professional photographer.
Cheers!
Emma