We recently connected with Emma Petty and have shared our conversation below.
Emma, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
To be honest, I feel like most artists hardly overcome imposter syndrome fully. The difference for me has been a simple mindset switch from, “I don’t know if I should be here,” to “I’m here for a reason.” Self doubt may trickle in from time to time, I feel like that’s a part of creating, but understand that every step is a necessary part of the creative process and try not to spend time worrying about where you stand in a group of people. If they act any type of way toward you for wanting to grow, it’s not worth your time!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Emma Petty and I am a freelance videographer and photographer based out of Nashville, TN. I grew up in the suburbs of Nashville where everyone wanted to be surgeons and lawyers and orthodontists. I took the hard classes because pushing myself was all I knew how to do. By the time I had to decide what I wanted to do in college, I had pretty solid grades so I thought I should do something useful with my brain and become an engineer. Long story short, this wasn’t satisfying enough for my right brained self and I decided I would try to beef up my hobby of photography and videography. From making dance videos of me and my siblings on Instagram to travel videos, now on to working on feature films, music videos and promotional content for non-profits I couldn’t be happier with my career. I get to travel, learn so much about so many things I never would have thought about, and I get to meet incredible people who are just as excited and passionate as I am. My art is a reflection of who I am and how I see the world as is the case with most artists. At times it’s hard to see the beauty in the world but through videography and photography it allows me to hone in on moments. Moments that will forever be immortalized through my work that I can share with others for years and years to come. That’s what I think is truly special about what I do.
I have a few new projects coming out with an art collective that I collaborate with that I’m super excited about! Most of that will be featured on my Instagram if you’d like to check it out! 🙂
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think what helps me the most through my journey of becoming a creative is constantly wanting to learn and grow, mentors who helped accelerate my growth, and being curious about the world around me to find inspiration. My best advice for someone who is early in their journey to becoming a videographer or photographer is to find people who inspire you that are willing to try and help you succeed. My belief is that we make great art by pushing each other and building everyone in the community up together. Without competition there is no greatness.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking for people to collaborate with! Anyone with an open mind and some weird ideas that are easy to work with *chef’s kiss* If anyone wants to collaborate the best way to reach me would probably be through Instagram DMs!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emmapetty.com
- Instagram: Petty.visuals
