We recently connected with Emily Choy and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Yes, I have been able to make a full-time living from my creative work. I was able to step away from my full time career as an occupational therapist to pursue photography, and have exceeded my income. My journey has been characterized by continuous learning, significant investments in education, and a commitment to pushing my boundaries and comfort zones.

From the outset, I recognized the importance of acquiring both virtual and in-person education to hone my skills. I dedicated numerous hours to learning and practicing my craft, absorbing knowledge from various sources. This commitment to continuous improvement allowed me to stay ahead in a competitive field.

Financially, I invested significant dollars in my education, both through virtual platforms and in-person workshops or courses. This financial commitment was crucial in acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in my creative endeavors.

The key to my success was the willingness to step outside of my comfort zone. I actively sought opportunities that challenged me and forced me to grow both personally and professionally. This approach not only expanded my skill set but also opened doors to new and lucrative avenues within my creative field.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges, and success was not immediate. I encountered setbacks and obstacles along the way, but each hurdle became a learning experience that contributed to my growth. The ability to persevere through difficulties and adapt to changing circumstances was fundamental to my success.

Looking back, I realize that investing in education, embracing discomfort, and dedicating countless hours to practice were pivotal steps. If I were to offer advice to someone starting a similar journey, I would emphasize the importance of strategic planning and perhaps finding ways to expedite the learning process. This might involve seeking mentorship or networking with experienced professionals in the field to gain insights and guidance. Additionally, leveraging available resources and technology could potentially speed up the journey, making the path to a full-time living from creative work more efficient.

In summary, my success in earning a full-time living from my creative work can be attributed to a combination of continuous learning, financial investment in education, stepping out of my comfort zone, and persistent dedication to improvement. While the journey was not without challenges, the lessons learned along the way have been invaluable to my overall growth and success.

Emily, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello, I’m Emily, a destination wedding photographer based on Oahu, Hawaii. I am passionate about capturing beautiful moments for couples not only on the islands but also around the world, with a special focus on Hawaii, the west coast, and Europe.

My journey into photography began around six years ago when I dabbled in this art form and quickly fell in love with it. Over time, my passion grew, leading me to make the transition from a career as an occupational therapist to pursuing photography full-time.

In my role, I offer a highly customizable and personable approach to meet the unique needs of each couple. My goal is to provide a gentle and natural experience, easing couples into collaborating on beautiful wedding photography artwork for their special day. My relaxed and calm demeanor serves as a calming presence, creating a comfortable atmosphere for couples to express their love authentically.

What sets me apart is my versatile approach, drawing inspiration from editorial, fashion-forward, and documentary styles. I use a hybrid of mediums, including digital photography, 35mm film, and 120 film, to capture the essence of each couple. I love pushing boundaries, showcasing in-between moments, and telling the full story of the wedding day through interesting compositions and emotive imagery.

The main problems I solve for my clients include providing a stress-free and enjoyable photography experience and delivering a unique and personalized visual narrative of their wedding day. I am most proud of my ability to create a customized and memorable experience for each couple, reflecting their personalities and the essence of their love.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that I am dedicated to creating not just photographs but lasting memories. My brand is built on authenticity, creativity, and a commitment to capturing the beauty of love in its truest form. I invite you to explore my work, join me on this visual journey, and let’s create timeless memories together.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to not only craft beautiful imagery that transports individuals back to their wedding day but also to create a calm, relaxed, and safe environment for them. The power of visual storytelling allows me to capture and immortalize the unique and precious moments of a couple’s wedding, preserving the emotions, joy, and love they experienced.

Beyond the aesthetics, knowing that my work contributes to a sense of calm and comfort for my clients is truly fulfilling. Weddings can be emotionally charged and sometimes stressful events, and being able to provide a sanctuary through my creative process adds a layer of meaning to my work. It’s about more than just the images; it’s about curating an atmosphere that allows couples to fully embrace and enjoy their special day.

The reward lies in creating an experience where couples not only appreciate the final artistic product but also value the journey of collaboration and trust that we build together. Knowing that I’ve played a role in making a significant moment in their lives more serene and memorable is the most gratifying part of being an artist.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Certainly. In my creative journey, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of community, maintaining balance, utilizing time-blocking on schedules, and finding spaces to recharge outside of work. These aspects have significantly contributed to my overall well-being and productivity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emilychoyphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_emilychoy/