Conversations with the Inspiring Emily Carter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Carter.

Emily, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Photography was never something I expected to fall in love with. I have been dancing since I was three and acting in theatre productions since I was eleven. I am graduating college this year with a major in Theatre Education. The stage is my home, but photography is something special.

Unlike my other hobbies, I distinctly remember when I developed an interest in photography. During the summer of 2014, my family took a trip to Indiana to visit family. My cousin and I decided to conduct a photoshoot together, using her dad’s camera. I put on a makeshift ballet outfit and my pointe shoes so Julia (my cousin) could take artsy dance photos of me around her family’s apartment complex. A day or two later, we took advantage of this “Golden Hour” I had just read about and took photos in a field near our uncle’s house. I was the photographer that time. I played around with the focus and depth of field before I really ever knew those terms. I came back from that trip and immediately put a Canon camera on my wish list.

In high school, “hanging out with the girls” usually involved a camera. My best friends were my first models. I never took a photography class; I learned everything I know from pure hands-on experience and experimentation, and it shows. In the early days, I’d usually produce one good picture for every 30 I took. Now, that ratio is much smaller: about one every five. As my talent grew, my desire grew. I wanted to photograph more than just the family and friends who knew I liked photography. So, I posted a flyer for $20 headshots in the theatre building on my campus. I made a website and a logo. I took photos for theatre productions and even took product photos for a company because I am a part of their rep program. I’m always looking for and making opportunities to grow this little photography business that this passion has grown into.

Any advice for other women, particularly young women who are just starting their journey?
My advice is: if you can’t find opportunities, make them. There have been plenty of moments in which potential clients chose another photographer over me and I started to think, “I’ll never book a photo shoot.”

You don’t have to wait for someone to ask for you, you can ask for them. Ask people in your community if they’d be interested in being a part of a photo shoot. Use it as an opportunity to practice your craft, try new things, and most importantly, network. You may think you are giving away free photos or just doing the photoshoot for fun, but you’ve also given them an experience and a taste of what it’s like to do business with you. They’ll remember you in the future and possibly recommend you to people who are in their network of connections.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’ve dabbled in all kinds of photography, but portrait photography is where my passion lies. I pride myself on capturing my client’s style and personality when taking their photos. Couple photos are the most fun for me in this aspect: I get to capture both their individual personalities and the unique relationship they have with each other. I want my clients to truly see themselves in their photos, not them posing to look trendy or look like someone they’re not. That’s always my focus: to truly capture the client and make sure they’re comfortable with the whole process. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable to be in front of a camera. There’s a reason I’m usually behind it.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Going to a theatre arts school, I’m constantly inspired by my peers and fellow artists. I’m surrounded and totally immersed in an artist’s world at my school and I love it. I hear poems that inspire dances, or characters that inspire paintings, or stories that inspire photography. The young artists I’m surrounded by inspire my art, but my mom and my teachers inspire me to push myself, grow, and follow my passions.

Pricing:

• Senior Photos (depends on the package) $80-$170
• Couples Photos $100
• Quick Headshots $30

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emilytcarterphotography.com
• Phone: 7206848345
• Email: emilytcarter.photography@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.t.c._photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etcphotography98/?ref=bookmarks

Image Credit:
The headshot was taken by my cousin at Wonder Wonder in Boulder, CO.

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