Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emilee Carpenter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Emilee, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
As a wedding photographer, I’m immersed in a world of storytelling, creativity, and celebrating love stories. My job entails working at weddings, elopements, surprise proposals, and engagement sessions — arguably the most exciting events this side of heaven — so you can imagine how this organically cultivates a deep sense of JOY!! Championing couples as they walk toward marriage is such a unique opportunity, and I absolutely love that I’m able to partner with them during the most beautiful moments of their lives.
As said by one of my past clients, wedding photography brings the “sparkle” out in me. 🙂 I’m naturally a bubbly person — but get me behind a camera, with a newly engaged couple, immersed in the grandeur of nature? You’ll see squealing that you thought only came from erratic kids after one too many sodas. I’m talking — bouncing up and down, out-of-my-mind excited, running around like a crazy person, all because I got “the shot!” The passion I’m able to infuse into my work is a direct result of just how meaningful I believe marriage is.
Perhaps that’s what ignites me the most — I believe that marriage is a mirror that points to Jesus Christ. It reveals a cosmic love that is found only in the God of all creation, Jesus Christ, which is why getting a front row seat to hundreds of weddings is such an extraordinary gift to me. Not only I am able to live out my dream, channeling my creativity to celebrate beautiful love stories, but I am able to celebrate God’s design and creation, echoing the perfect beauty, love, and truth found only in God.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My approach to wedding photography is highly personal and intimate. With every couple, it’s important to me that we lay a firm foundation so that I’m truly getting to know them, their relationship, and their dynamic. It’s through this deep friendship that I’m then able to cultivate a relaxed photoshoot environment, which of course lends itself to authentic, personality-fueled imagery. For couples seeking standard, run-of-the-mill photoshoots, I wouldn’t be their gal. But for couples desiring natural, artful, down-to-earth imagery? My arms are already outstretched to you! 🙂
To me, wedding photography is so much more than just a photoshoot. It extends beyond our session, our moodboard and outfits, and even beyond the laughs and memories of the day. Rather, photography is the art of storytelling — it’s the embodiment of a beautiful love story, to be preserved and treasured for decades to come. The result is imagery that will stir your heart and soul, now and forever.
That is why when building my brand, it was particularly important to me that I created a brand identity that reflected those values – one that revealed my passion, perspective, and heart towards photography and marriage. I hand-picked every floral element in my logo, both for their beauty and their symbolism, and each of them now represent a core value of my business. 1) Magnolia to honor my love of nature and it’s remarkable ability to inspire and revive my soul. 2) Bluebells, Lavender, and Sweet Pea to reflect the humility, kindness, devotion, and pleasure required and promised within marriage. 3) Wheat to recall Who it’s all for – the glory of Jesus Christ!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My greatest strength in business has always been PR. If you are a people person, relationship-building will be your biggest asset! In wedding photography, this has looked like 1) VENDOR referrals, 2) VENUE referrals, and 3) PEER referrals. Getting on different referral lists has been one of my most effective means of marketing, and it is something that comes easily to me (basically making friends and influencing people lol)!
When I was first starting out, I chased the shiny penny of online and social media marketing. But it wasn’t something I was good at, nor did I enjoy it. As a mom, I didn’t want to hand over my (very limited) free time to the endless hamster wheel of Instagram, so eventually I made the conscious decision to stop copying other people’s marketing strategies and start embracing my own unique approach. That was when my marketing began to flourish.
I’m also a huge believer in customer service (aka relationship building) that WOWs your clients. Through thoughtful gifts, helpful guides and resources, timely and responsive communication, and unexpected touches, you should make your client feel like a million bucks. On principal, this is in and of itself crucial — but it will pay off in dividends through word-of-mouth referrals! Take my word for it, make sure you prioritize your customer experience!
Lastly, I think it’s worth mentioning the importance of outsourcing. This applies to so many entrepreneurs, no matter your season… whether it’s creating efficiencies as a solopreneur, scaling for growth as a startup, or (as is in my scenario) juggling business and motherhood. Outsourcing allows you to maximize your time while leveraging the expertise of others’ unique skillsets. Do not underestimate this strategy!!
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Eight months ago, my husband and I welcomed our second baby boy, who naturally enriched our family in a million different ways. But what I never expected was one of the most beautiful realizations of all — motherhood equipped me with a toolbox so versatile and so comprehensive that it overflowed into the many ways I ran my business.
We planned a homebirth this time around, which was a dream of mine realized while I photographed a homebirth (10/10 recommend!) From then on, my heart was set on natural childbirth in the comforts of my own home. But when I was standing at our bathroom counter, doubled over with a powerful contraction, I turned to my husband and said, “I don’t think I can actually do this.”
The finish line was close, but all I could register was agony. The process of getting to my sweet reward, my precious baby boy, required more grit, resilience, and endurance than I ever thought possible, but just when I thought I “hit my wall,” my arms were greeted with a chunky baby boy. I looked at my precious son, an indescribable feeling of love sweeping over me — but then looked at my reflection in the mirror with an equally indescribable feeling of pride, appreciation, and accomplishment. I saw myself as a superhero. My special power? Persevering.
Giving birth taught me that I can do hard things. This looks different as a business owner who simultaneously is a stay-at-home-mom of littles, but motherhood has shown me that I am capable of so much more than I think. With a little hustle, a dash of gumption, and a heck of a lot of endurance, I can tackle tasks, goals, or any fill-in-the-blank project that seems insurmountable. It may be even be simple, like disciplining myself with a 5 a.m. wakeup time for uninterrupted work (after a sleepless night with an infant) or pushing myself outside my comfort zone by passing out a business card to a stranger.
No matter the hurdle, motherhood has taught me that challenges are disguised opportunities. I can rise to the occasion or fall to self-doubt, but whatever fears may be present, perseverance and resilience can carry me to the end. When I remember this, I remember that hard work won’t scare me.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://emileecarpenter.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/emileecarpenterllc
Image Credits
Headshot: The Lovewigs (https://www.thelovewigs.com)
All portfolio shots by me!
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
