Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emily Gahagan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Photography didn’t start with a camera in my hand. It didn’t begin with creative vision or even a love for the craft. It began with a simple word: “Yes.”
My story in media and photography really took shape at The Altar Fellowship, a place where I first stepped into production because a friend needed help. At the time, I didn’t know an XLR cable from an instrument cable, but he was in need, and I was willing to give it a try. It wasn’t glamorous. I spent my early days running lyrics on ProPresenter during church services, and honestly, I didn’t expect it to lead anywhere. But I kept showing up, learning, and helping out however I could. For about three years, I was behind the scenes, unnoticed but present.
Then, one day, things began to shift. I started taking pictures here and there—nothing serious, just a way to document moments that mattered. Slowly, I found myself drawn to the camera more and more. What started as an occasional thing turned into something bigger. I began running broadcast cameras during services, then transitioned to directing live streams, learning the ropes of production and media on the fly.
About a year later, the church offered me a full-time position. I left my job as a behavioral therapist—a career I had poured so much of myself into—and said “Yes” to a new path. The decision wasn’t easy, but it was something I had dreamed about for a long time. Growing up, I had always believed that success meant following in the footsteps of my parents. My dad was an engineer, my mom a CRNA. I saw them excel in their fields, and I thought that’s where I needed to be too. I wanted to make them proud and follow a logical, science-driven path.
But somewhere along the way, I found myself wandering into the art rooms at school. I was drawn to the creative process, to storytelling, to expression. In college, I realized that I didn’t want to chase success as it was defined for me. I wanted to create. I wanted to be part of something that allowed me to tell stories through a lens, through visuals, through the power of imagery.
Leaving the science field was a huge step, but taking that leap into full-time media felt like a goal I had been working toward for years. And while my journey in photography and media is still young, it’s been incredibly rewarding. Over the last year, I’ve learned more about the craft than I ever thought possible—whether it’s mastering my gear, diving deeper into composition, or simply learning how to better tell a story through my images.
I’ve grown in ways I never imagined, and I’m just getting started. Every shot I take, every project I work on, feels like a new opportunity to continue this dream I once thought was impossible. I’m excited for what’s ahead, for the growth yet to come, and for the chance to keep pursuing what I love—full-time, every day.
Photography, like so many risks in life, started with a single “Yes.” And I’m so glad I said it

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?

I serve full-time as the social media ministry director at The Altar Fellowship, where I create content, capture moments through videography and photography, and minister to people online. Learning videography this year has been an exciting challenge that’s grown my creative perspective.

Outside of work, my passion for photography continues to thrive. I love telling stories through my lens, whether it’s photographing weddings, families, couples, or simply fun, joyful moments. I’m drawn to the beauty in everyday life and consider it a gift to help others see and celebrate those moments too.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I often wish I had met mentors earlier in my journey. This past year, I’ve learned so much about gear, especially lenses, thanks to the guidance of those around me. Recently, I upgraded to Canon L-series lenses, something I didn’t fully understand when I first started—things like glass thickness and coatings were all new to me. I began with a crop sensor camera and a kit lens, and I remember feeling like it was a milestone when I got my first 50mm lens. Now, with a full-frame setup and L-series lenses, it’s truly been a game-changer.
I’m still diving into the world of flash and lighting, but the ability to tap into the knowledge of mentors has made the biggest difference in my growth. Their insights, whether quick or in-depth, have been invaluable in shaping my development as a photographer.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When Hurricane Helene struck the Appalachian region, I felt a deep calling to document the devastation. Having lived here all my life, I have a profound love for these people and these mountains. I grew up hiking the Appalachian Trail and snowboarding in the winter, and I’ve explored much of the area that was impacted. With my husband and family also living in these regions, it was especially close to my heart. When my church launched teams for relief efforts, I knew I had to be a part of it. God’s plan to reach His people was through the church body.
For three weeks, I ventured into the field every other day. Some days, I spent up to 12 hours in the field, navigating manmade dirt paths and sometimes eroded mountain roads. We brought water and supplies to families trapped by the floodwaters. Through my photography, I was able to share their stories and help raise awareness about the true extent of the damage. I believe that being there, seeing it firsthand, and understanding the impact made a difference in how people saw the situation. It was a gift to be able to show what God was doing and how people were supporting each other. I’m grateful to be able to share these stories.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Emmybeephotography

Image Credits

Emily B. Gahagan