We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emmie Rotsky. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emmie below.

Hi Emmie, thanks for joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later?

Without a doubt I wish I would have started my business sooner. I started my business the summer after my senior year of high school, but starting it during high school would have been more beneficial. I think if I were to have started doing senior photos for students while I was also in high school, it would have gotten my name/business around a lot easier than it was right after, since I was amongst everyone daily. I believe my business would have been more established in the area by the time I graduated instead of just starting it the summer after.

Emmie, 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 am a 21 year old photographer from Cleveland, Ohio. I currently am going into my senior year of college at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, and am an Early Childhood Education Major. I have always loved photography and have had a camera for 9 years now, but like I mentioned earlier I didn’t start my business until the summer after high school. I specialize in senior/graduation, couples, families, and sports photos. When it comes to photography the most common issue that occurs is dealing with the weather. I am super flexible on needing to change times/dates to make sure you get the best photos from me. I think being on the younger side sets me apart from other creators that are in the area. I think I bring a fun energy to the shoots because of that. Especially, when it comes to senior/graduation shoots, I am very close in age with them, so I feel like I connect with them easily. Additionally, since I’m going to be an elementary school teacher, I think that sets me apart when it comes to family shoots since I love being around kids, and have learned how to work with them in the best way possible. When it comes to what I’m most proud of, I’d say how much I have grown my business at college. Last year I only had 2 graduation shoots, but this year I ended up having 10! It was awesome to see so many people interested in my work, and wanting to use me to capture such a special time for them.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I’d say the most rewarding part of this career is being chosen to capture such special moments in their lives. Knowing that my work is what they’ll look back on to reminisce, use for their save the dates, etc. is such a cool experience for me and any other photographer.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me would definitely be through social media (specifically Instagram and Facebook). Instagram has been great when it comes to getting my work out there the easiest since I can use hashtags and clients can repost my work. For example, I have taken photos for my colleges football team, and when I would post the guys would repost my work or tag me when they posted. With that being said, these photos I was taking were being seen by many students at Duquesne. In regards to Facebook, Facebook groups are a great way to go when it comes to getting the word out about your business. For all the graduation photos I did this year, I posted in the parent Facebook group for my school, and that’s how word got around.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emmierotskyphotography.squarespace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmierotskyphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmierotskyphotography

Image Credits
emmierotskyphotography