We were lucky to catch up with Emily Billington recently and have shared our conversation below.
Emily, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
Since I graduated from college, I have worked in the world of photography in some way or another…from a studio assistant in the basement of a publishing building, up the elevator to the photo department of a magazine, and everywhere in between. I’ve been both behind the lens and, occasionally and uncomfortably, in front of it. I took a break from the publishing world to start a family, and after my third child came along I yearned for something to distract me from the rigors of motherhood. I needed something that stretched my brain and connected me back to my creative flow. One night, I was at a dinner party of 30-somethings and a friend asked us to go around the table and say what we wished we could be “when we grew up”. “I would be a photographer,” I muttered sheepishly, and the universe heard it. The next day I bought an old Nikon D90. That week, I started taking pictures of friends with their babies, for free. And within a month I had booked my first client. Word of mouth helped my business grow at first. All of a sudden I had a pretty solid client base, but zero business skills, no frame of reference for how much to charge and a solid case of imposter syndrome. As with most things, time and experience helped me get over these humps. I dove into online courses on launching a photo business. I printed photo cards and left them at local businesses. I posted a pic or two on Facebook. I donated sessions to local fundraisers. I got my name out there as much as possible, just like any small business owner would, to create a buzz. I’d love to say that I have finally arrived and everything is a well-oiled machine, but that seems so limiting. My business is ever evolving, and I never could have dreamed that I’d be doing all the things I get to do now, and still loving it so very much.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I studied French and Studio Art in college, and let’s just say that once I took my first photography class (during the last semester of course…) I couldn’t look away. I have worked in many different roles in the world of photography, but I like the control and creativity of being the one behind the lens. I went from being a newborn photographer (with lots of practice on my own hatchlings) to family, branding, fashion, interiors, product and fine art photography. I have a pretty good understanding of how to use a camera and how to use and manipulate light, so I can tackle most photography needs that are thrown my way. But I don’t get caught up on all the gear….I have found an instrument that works for me, like an extension of my body, and I can let my creativity flow freely. I view the world with an artist’s eye, always framing scenes throughout the day, noticing the quality of light wherever I am. I am on a constant quest for dynamic light. I love a sunspot on the wall, a setting sun reflecting off a building, some good shadow play. I love the variety of subjects, it keeps me on my toes. I get on the floor with a two year old and remember what the world feels like to be young. I tell bad jokes to unsuspecting adults to get their truest smile out of them. I compose products like a still-life painting. I shoot up, I shoot down, I shoot upside down. I think that is what draws clients to me– my ability to think outside the box and create fine art out of ordinary, daily life.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Don’t make me get all spiritual here! I truly believe and feel in my body that when a person is in alignment with their purpose, it benefits all of us. Some people are triggered by the word “creative” and judge themselves for not being able to draw a picture or paint a landscape…. To me, being creative is accessing that part of you where you feel free, where your superpower resides. For some it may be painting, for some it may be cooking, writing, driving, spelunking (!) or even the most creative thing a human can do in their lifetime, producing a child. What is it that lights you up? Find that and share it. The most rewarding part of my job is not just that I get to use a camera, frame a shot, make people do crazy things for the sake of art… My biggest success is when my client walks away feeling seen, feeling lit up. I find communion in my work, and for me that resonates at the same vibration as a beautiful work of art.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice
NFWho? I have tried. Can’t get there. I own one by the way! Where is it though?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emilybillingtonphoto.com
- Instagram: @emilybillingtonphoto
Image Credits
My headshot was taken by Yan Palmer, the other images are all my own.