Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emma Gibbs. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Emma, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
In such a saturated and competitive industry like photography, breaking into freelance wedding photography can feel incredibly challenging and isolating—especially if you don’t know anyone in the field. I was fortunate to have a friend who had started her photography business a bit before me, and she generously took me under her wing in those early stages. Once I gained some footing and began to establish myself, I knew I wanted to pay that kindness forward. My mom, who also ran her own business at one point, always emphasized the importance of giving back. She instilled in me the value of returning the kindnesses you receive. That’s why I now make it a priority to share knowledge and support others when they need it.
Things that seem second nature to me now—like which camera to use, how to direct poses, and how to edit—were completely foreign concepts when I first started. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills, refined my workflow, and built a strong client experience, and now I’m happy to share that knowledge with other beginner photographers who feel as lost as I once did. At times, I allow aspiring photographers to shadow me on wedding days (with the couple’s permission, of course) so they can learn firsthand in a real-world, yet somewhat controlled, environment. There’s no better way to learn than through experience, with a bit of guidance along the way. I believe more established photographers should embrace this approach—not only to pay it forward, but to help nurture the next generation of wedding photographers. This allows them to absorb important lessons in etiquette, technique, and professionalism from those who’ve already paved the way.
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?
I am a professional wedding and lifestyle photographer, born and raised in San Diego, California. My photography journey began in 6th grade, and after years of hobby shooting and dedication, it has grown into a full-time business.
I absolutely love what I do. If I could tell my high school self that I’m now a full-time photographer, I’d probably pass out from excitement! I never imagined I’d come this far in the industry, and I’m thrilled to be where I am today. When I started, my goal was simple: to help people preserve their most precious memories. That intention remains at the heart of every shoot I do.
It’s easy to get caught up in the routine of weddings and other shoots, but I make a conscious effort to stay present and connect with what my clients are experiencing. After all, if it’s important enough to capture in photos, it’s important enough for me to fully engage in the moment.
Currently, I’m focused on growing both my clientele and my team to take on more sessions. I’m even exploring the idea of building a team of associates so I can be in multiple places at once. While it’s still in the early stages, expanding my team is one of my key goals as my workload grows beyond what one person can handle.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three skills that had the most impact on my journey and success were technical proficiency, creativity, and communication. Mastering my camera settings and learning how to handle any lighting scenario laid a strong foundation, helping me overcome technical challenges with confidence. Developing my own creative style allowed me to produce work that not only I enjoyed but that others connected with as well. Lastly, fostering a welcoming environment for my clients and building genuine connections enables me to capture authentic moments and tell their stories more meaningfully.
My biggest piece of advice for beginner photographers—or any business owner—is to never give up on yourself or your dreams. Imposter syndrome is real, and even now, I still experience it from time to time. But what’s crucial is that after every setback, you pick yourself up, learn from it, and keep going. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. See others in your field not as competition but as potential allies. If you ask 100 people for help, at least one will offer a hand. Building connections within your field not only creates a sense of community but also opens your eyes to new perspectives and ways of doing things.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I usually have a good handle on my business, but tasks can pile up quickly, and sometimes it feels impossible to keep up—especially during my busiest seasons in fall and spring. When things start to get overwhelming, whether it’s with emails or editing, I’ve learned to schedule what I call a “CEO day.” I dedicate however much time is needed to sit at my desk, make a list of everything I need to accomplish, prioritizing from most important to least important, and work my way through it. Emails typically come first since editing is more labor-intensive and time-consuming. To make the day more enjoyable and less of a grind, I always have a favorite drink or snack on hand to help me push through.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emmagibbsphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmagibbsphoto/
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