Meet Trailblazer Emily Taylor

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

Thanks for sharing your story with us Emily. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was in high school, I wrote a scholarship essay on “what I want to be when I grow up.” The answer was simple for me, I wanted “to be happy.” I went through college mostly unaware of how I was going to make gravy for the rest of my life, but always followed in my parent’s unconventional footsteps, and just did what I love doing. A variety of workscapes and landscapes later–I found my passion in life [ photography ], and turned it into a career.

I’d love to tell you the story of how it all started in a darkroom… but no, it didn’t. It did start when I was a kid, with a film camera, and dropping film off at Costco to be developed. Eventually, I grew into a digital point-and-shoot, and finally a DSLR.

Nowadays? Well, through the process of becoming a photographer, I have worked in several different avenues from wedding photography to shooting fabricated landscapes, craft beer, product, events, tourism and the great outdoors. The majority of the work I do currently revolves around outdoor lifestyle photography geared toward brand marketing, and also working with small tourism boards to boost travel to unique, off-beat destinations with Herrmann Global. I love what I do!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way? Any advice for other women, particularly young women who are just starting their journey?
I would call my road something like a gravel road. Mostly smooth, but definitely some washboards and potholes in the mix. Struggle happens, but it’s important to take a step back and use it as a learning opportunity. Being your own boss is amazing… like totally amazing, but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication also. Work is not going to find you, you have to hustle and make your career what you want it to be. Meet people and network. Never settle, and keep practicing and learning. Stay positive, and keep self-talk positive. From a financial point-of-view, I would never recommend going all-in from the beginning. Find part-time work, at least, that will pay your bills while you build your brand and business.

Please tell us about Emily Sierra Photography – what should we know?
I love natural light, and my best work is in the outdoors. Specifically photographing people in the outdoors interacting with their surrounding environment. Lighting in the outdoors is not a given and can be totally unpredictable, but I love that challenge. Seeing a warm cast of light against a moody backdrop after a storm clears is incredibly rewarding.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
There are a lot of both men and women leading the photography industry. If you want a job, you have to go after it as if there weren’t any barriers in the first place.

Contact Info:

• Website: emilysierra.com
• Email: emily@emilysierra.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/em.sierra
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmilySierraPhotography

Image Credit:
Emily Sierra Photography

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