Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Tyler.

Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

The journey to becoming a photographer has been anything but straightforward! I don’t have any formal training, and photography initially started as just a hobby. I’ve always loved taking photos (cliché, I know!), and after years of using whatever camera I could get my hands on, I finally saved up for an entry-level DSLR.

At the time, I was studying nursing at university, fully committed to a career in healthcare. Photography was simply a creative outlet—something I did for fun in my spare time. I’d take photos of my friends, family, and pretty much anyone who would let me. Then, my cousin asked me to photograph her wedding because she was on a tight budget. I had never been to a wedding before, let alone photographed one, but I jumped at the opportunity. Looking back now, it horrifies me that I said yes with so little knowledge or experience! But in hindsight, that leap of faith was the moment that set everything in motion.

After that first wedding, I continued photography as a hobby while working as a nurse. But everything shifted when I got married myself. Experiencing a wedding from the other side gave me a new appreciation for how important those moments are. I finally understood why people were so invested in their wedding photography and why it was such a deeply emotional experience. It was like all the pieces of the puzzle suddenly fit together.

Using the images from my cousin’s wedding, I started booking short coverage weddings, gradually building my portfolio. Over time, my passion for photography grew, and so did my business. I slowly reduced my nursing hours, balancing both careers for a while, until I finally made the leap and became a full-time photographer. I spent ten years as a nurse, and I’m incredibly grateful for that time—it shaped who I am today. But photography has become my true calling, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Oh, definitely not! Like most creative careers, it’s been full of ups and downs. One of the biggest struggles I faced early on was imposter syndrome. When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong, especially when you don’t have formal training or a massive portfolio to back you up. I constantly questioned whether I was “good enough” to call myself a professional photographer.

Building a portfolio was another huge challenge. When you don’t have much to show, it’s hard to convince people to trust you with something as important as their wedding photos. In the beginning, I had to be incredibly persistent, often taking on smaller jobs or offering discounted coverage just to gain experience. But I was determined to keep pushing forward.

Another lesson I learned is that running a photography business isn’t just about taking beautiful photos—it’s about marketing, networking, and understanding the business side of things. There were many moments when I felt completely out of my depth, especially when it came to pricing my work and valuing my time properly. Over the years, I’ve had to learn how to set boundaries, trust my instincts, and truly believe in the value of what I offer.

Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every struggle has taught me something valuable, and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I’m a professional wedding and celebration photographer, and my passion lies in capturing authentic, emotive, and timeless images. My goal is to document stories in a way that feels both artistic and deeply personal. You can find my work at https://www.EmilyTylerPhotography.com and on Instagram @emilytylerphoto.

One of the things that sets me apart is my approach—I don’t just show up and take photos. I take the time to get to know my clients, understand their personalities, and learn what matters most to them. Every couple is different, and I want their wedding photos to reflect who they truly are. I strive to create a relaxed atmosphere so that people feel comfortable in front of the camera, allowing me to capture real, unscripted moments rather than just posed shots.

I’m incredibly proud of the level of trust my clients place in me. It’s such an honor to document one of the most important days of their lives. I want my photographs to stand the test of time, not just in terms of quality, but in the emotions they evoke years down the line.

One of my career highlights was photographing a wedding celebration for royalty last year. It was a surreal experience, and I’ll never forget the moment I realized just how far my photography had taken me.

What was your favorite childhood memory?

Looking back, I think I was always destined to work for myself. Even as a child, I was constantly coming up with little business ideas. I remember making jewelry, sewing (very poorly made) clothes, and crafting anything I could sell to my family and friends. I would set up little “shops” in my house, convinced that I was running a real business!

I’ve always had this entrepreneurial spark, and even though I didn’t pursue it straight away, I think it was inevitable that I’d end up working for myself. There’s something so rewarding about building something from the ground up and knowing that you’re in control of your own success. It’s funny that now I have children myself, I see the exact same thing in my daughter – full of ideas and creating constantly so it’ll be interesting to see if she ends up working for herself, too!

Not at all! It’s been a journey full of learning curves, challenges, and moments of doubt. One of the hardest parts of starting out was overcoming imposter syndrome—I had to learn to trust myself and my abilities, even when I felt like I wasn’t “qualified” enough to be doing what I was doing.

Building a portfolio from scratch was also difficult. When you don’t have much experience, it’s tough to convince clients to take a chance on you. I had to be resourceful, taking on smaller jobs, shooting for other photographers, and even organizing styled shoots just to gain experience.

Running a business is also a whole different skill set from just being good at photography. There were times when I felt overwhelmed by everything from pricing my services to marketing myself in a competitive industry. But I was determined to make it work.

Through all the struggles, the most important thing I’ve learned is perseverance. You have to keep showing up, learning, and pushing forward, even when things feel uncertain. It’s been a long road, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything—I truly love what I do!

Pricing:

• All pricing is completely bespoke to each client. I don’t believe in a cookie cutter approach because no two weddings or events are the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emilytylerphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilytylerphoto/

Image Credits

Emily Tyler Photography