We recently connected with Dedra Walker and have shared our conversation below.
Dedra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
In 2010, I named my company, EmoryRose Photography, after my children’s middle names (my son, Emory, and my daughter, Rose). In 2016, my vision evolved into EmoryRose Photography, LLC.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am the founder and Chief Executive Officer of EmoryRose Photography, LLC. My company’s specialties include (but are not limited to) covering family, lifestyle, children, portraits, headshots, corporate events, parties, funerals, and action/sports related images.
I enjoy working with athletes, families, couples, children, authors, musicians, artists, political candidates, community advocates, for-profit, and nonprofit organizations to document their events through the scope of photography.
I have always been a photographer, not just a picture taker.
I can always remember moments seeing my uncle with his camera and his camcorder connected to his hands. I used to capture pictures with my family’s 110 film camera as early as elementary school. I can relive my elementary school’s May Days by simply looking at some of my photos (who could forget those green shirts?).
During high school, I took a graphic art design class where I had the opportunity to capture images and develop them in the classroom’s darkroom. Over the years, I’ve continued my love with photography by capturing events of my children (with film and paying for the images to be developed, I finally purchased my first digital camera, a Canon Rebel XT!)
I was taking pictures of everything; ranging from children’s sporting events, field trips, or birthday parties, you name it. One day after an awesome outing with my son’s pre-K class, I decided to explore the cool buttons on my digital camera. There were so many! The coolest button of them all was the “format,” button. Once I pressed it, within a matter of a seconds, my entire photographic life had disappeared.
Gone were the memories of the most recent soccer games to the memories of everything. From that moment forward, I vowed to learn more about the “cool buttons” on my camera and how they truly worked.
After multiple deaths in 2009 of family members, close friends, friends, and eventually the demise of my marriage (divorce), I sat still. My camera was still. I was still. I had taken pictures at more funerals than I was mentally prepared to endure. It took the encouragement from close friends to get up, put my camera back in my hands, and capture moments of life.
I finally got up!
Once EmoryRose Photography came into fruition, I was no longer just a friend/parent with a camera. I became a business owner with clients willing to pay for my talent.
Fast-forward to today, and now I’m a Grandmother who loves showing my Granddaughter and others how to use those cool buttons! I’m someone who loves capturing moments for enjoyment, but who also runs a successful photography business. I am someone who started out capturing my own children playing little league sports to now capturing semi-pro and professional athletes in their element.
With all that I do, I am inspired by the complete spectrum of life; this includes from birth to death, nature, and its larger energy and essence. I like to document people in their truth and true elements: who they are, who they aspire to be, and/or who they were.
My craft is the reflection of all of the people who have helped me, inspired me, mentored me, and who I have met along the way. My photography is a reflection of all that I am and who I aspire to be while capturing moments of time.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being authentically me while allowing people to get to know me through my craft. I am able to be behind the scenes influencing the narrative of what an African-American/Black, Female/Woman, Photojournalist/Photographer is like while capturing beauty in others, highlighting talented athletes and artists, and being in spaces people don’t expect someone like me to be.
I constantly look for ways to have a steady and influential presence in the field of photography, especially Sports Photography.
I created a photography club at a local school; likewise, I teach photography classes at an area Boys and Girls Club, Inc, along with mentoring novice/aspiring photographers. It is rewarding to me when I am able to leave a positive footprint within the larger community.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Dream Bigger and Do More!
In the past, I had limited myself by my own idiosyncrasies, obstacles, and self-doubt. I used to lose focus on realizing my own goals while helping others pursue their dreams. I believe in helping and supporting others, but no longer at the expense of delaying my dreams.
It’s ok to tell people, No!
Seek out mentors and surround yourself with a strong network.
My goal is to continue to Dream Bigger and Do More!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emoryrosephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emoryrosephotography
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/emoryrosepics
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/emoryrosepics
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwk6f7B5gCkkBTnZ1abAPWQ
- Other: TikTok: EmoryRose Photography https://www.tiktok.com/@emoryrosephotography Clubhouse: Emoryrosephotog https://www.clubhouse.com/@emoryrosephotog Twitter: EmoryRose Photography https://twitter.com/emoryrosepics Pinterest: EmoryRose Photography https://www.pinterest.com/emoryrosepics
Image Credits
EmoryRose Photography, LLC