Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emilee Marburger . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Emilee, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping my creativity alive as a photographer feels like an adventure. Imagine this: one day, I’m crawling in the grass to capture a flower from an ant’s perspective, and the next, I’m dangling fairy lights in front of my lens to add a dreamy glow to a portrait. It’s all about keeping things playful!
There was a day I challenged myself to photograph only reflections—puddles, mirrors, shiny spoons—you name it. By the end, I had a gallery of upside-down worlds that made me feel like I’d unlocked a secret dimension.
Another time, I created a “mystery bag challenge.” I tossed random objects into a bag, pulled one out, and had to use it creatively in a shoot. When a kitchen whisk turned into a halo for a dramatic portrait, I knew I was onto something!
When inspiration feels stuck, I love revisiting old locations with fresh eyes. Once, I returned to a park I’d shot in countless times but focused only on capturing textures. Suddenly, bark patterns, ripples in the water, and even cracked pavement became pieces of art.
The key is treating photography like a game or a treasure hunt. Each frame is an opportunity to tell a story or see something I’ve never noticed before. Every click of the shutter is a little “aha!” moment, reminding me why I fell in love with this craft.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Photography has always been more than a job for me—it’s a way to preserve the beauty of life’s fleeting moments. Through my business, Emijunesphotography, I’ve found a deep purpose in telling people’s stories. Whether it’s the joyful chaos of a family session, the quiet intimacy of a couple’s love, or the raw emotion of a wedding day, I strive to capture those moments that words often can’t express.
What excites me most is the connection I build with my clients. Every session is unique because every story is unique. I feel so honored when people trust me to step into their lives, even for a little while, to capture their memories. It’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about creating an experience where people feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
I think what makes Emijunesphotography special is my attention to the little details. I love incorporating personal touches, like a favorite location or a meaningful prop, because those are the things that make memories come alive. I want my clients to look at their photos years from now and feel every bit of the love, laughter, and emotion of that moment.
As for what’s next, I’m excited to introduce themed mini sessions for families and couples, designed to bring a bit of creativity and fun to the photography experience. I’m also working on creating beginner-friendly photography workshops, where I can share my love for storytelling and help others discover their creative voice behind the camera.
At the heart of it all, Emijunesphotography is about people. It’s about celebrating who they are and the relationships that matter most to them. I pour my heart into every session because I truly believe that life’s little moments are worth remembering. Being able to capture those moments and give them back to my clients is an incredible honor, and I’m so grateful to do what I do.
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?
Looking back, three qualities stand out as the most impactful in my journey: passion, adaptability, and empathy. Each one has shaped how I approach my work and connect with others.
Passion has always been my foundation. It’s what made me pick up a camera in the first place and kept me motivated to improve, even when things felt challenging. For me, it’s not just about loving photography—it’s about finding joy in telling people’s stories and bringing their emotions to life through my lens. My advice to anyone starting out is to embrace what excites you. Follow your curiosity, experiment, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The more you create, the more your passion will deepen and guide you.
Adaptability has also been key. In photography, no two sessions are the same—lighting changes, the weather surprises you, or you need to help someone feel comfortable in front of the camera. Learning to think on my feet and find creative solutions in the moment has made all the difference. If you’re just beginning, focus on trying different styles, tools, and environments. Be open to challenges, as they often become your greatest teachers.
Finally, empathy has been the heart of my journey. Photography isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about understanding people—seeing the world through their eyes and capturing what’s meaningful to them. Building trust and creating a safe space for clients to be themselves is what makes every session special. For those early in their journey, I encourage you to listen deeply and connect with the people you work with. The more you invest in understanding others, the more powerful and authentic your work will become.
These three qualities—passion, adaptability, and empathy—have shaped not only my work but also the way I see the world. If you focus on developing these, your journey will be as meaningful as the art you create.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I believe there’s value in both approaches, but I lean toward focusing on your strengths while strategically improving areas that could hold you back. When you lean into your strengths, you operate in a zone where you’re confident, capable, and uniquely you. However, addressing your weaknesses can help you grow and unlock potential you didn’t realize you had.
For me, photography started as a strength—I had an eye for composition and storytelling. But early on, I struggled with the technical side, like understanding manual settings or editing software. I remember one shoot where I missed capturing the best moments because I didn’t fully understand my camera settings. I felt defeated, but instead of walking away, I committed to learning the technical skills I lacked. It didn’t mean I became obsessed with perfection, but gaining those skills freed me to focus on my strength: connecting with people and capturing authentic moments.
The key is balance. Going all in on your strengths allows you to shine and build confidence. At the same time, improving weaker areas ensures they don’t limit you. Think of it like a tripod—your strengths are the sturdy legs, but even a small weakness can cause instability. Strengthen the areas you need just enough to support your goals, but let your strengths be the star.
A story that shaped my view happened when I first started my business. I loved the creative side but avoided marketing because it felt unnatural. At first, I only booked clients through word of mouth, and I thought that was enough. Eventually, I realized I was limiting myself. So, I invested time in learning how to promote my work in an authentic way that aligned with my strengths. I didn’t become a marketing expert, but I built enough confidence to reach more people while staying true to who I am.
Ultimately, I think the most important thing is self-awareness. Know where you thrive and where you struggle. Double down on your natural abilities, but don’t be afraid to stretch into areas that will help you grow. When you find that balance, you’re not just well-rounded—you’re unstoppable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emijunesphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emijunesphotography?igsh=bzB6YWE3d2FrbGo%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17kMcvtism/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Twitter: https://x.com/emijunephotos?s=21
- Other: Pinterest – https://pin.it/2DzN2EzXn
Image Credits
Emilee marburger | emijunesphotography
