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

Emily, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

When I got sober I never thought I’d work again in the modeling or fashion industry. Felt that door kick me on the way out. Hitting a rock bottom in addiction and coming out the other side gave me a new perspective on where I felt my life going. Firstly to just be a stable functioning human but then to understand what saved me and how I could give back.

God fascinated me and I saw religious organizations on the front lines in my community providing housing and food assistance to unhoused people in my community so I leaned in there. My own addiction had left me homeless. My spiritual and social justice journey in sobriety led me back to school to study religion and public policy which eventually led me to a favela in Rio de Janeiro studying urban density and community organizing for 4 years. But what emerged in Rio was photography. Photographing social projects, community leaders, and women creating schools out of nothing. These friends inspired me to pursue art AND social justice and after 4 years in Brazil, I received a full-ride scholarship to study that intersection at one of the oldest seminaries in the country- Union Theological Seminary

Since setting my intention into the world to do my master’s thesis as a photographic project capturing the stories of historical and living day female priestesses, divinities, and goddesses, I have been aligned with brands that uplift women to their Goddess reflection.

Most recently the all-female-owned business Nectar Nectar NYC and I have partnered to create a campaign for their upcoming Zodiac line of jewelry and I was able to capture the 12 signs in 2 continents over 5 cities including Miami, New York, DC, and Rio. This campaign has introduced me to so many powerful and inspiring women and allowed me for the first time to fully incorporate my old life with the one Spirit is unfolding for me now. For that, I am forever grateful.

Emily, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a fashion, lifestyle, and portrait photographer based out of NYC but travel A LOT. I started in the fashion industry as a teen model in the PNW working for companies like Nike, Adidas, and Fred Myer.

I got m big break when I traveled to Europe at 19 with some friends who were photographers and across Europe, we shot an amazing book including sunrise shots at an empty Louvre courtyard and sweeping beach images off the coast of Spain- all on the budget of a broke and starving 19-year-old. After that, I was signed to an agency in Paris and moved there. My experience in the industry which included many horrific incidences of sexual assault and harassment has inspired me into the work I do today.
I dedicate my photography business to capturing women as the Divinities and Goddesses they are and enjoy working collaboratively with models, and brands to holistically develop campaigns where everyone feels heard, and the images are fire.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn to copy. And am still learning to follow MY gut and pursue even deeper my niche. The more I create what is uniquely coming from my heart and my unique interests and perspectives the more clients and communities I build who align with my brand. Don’t copy, create from the heart and dive deep into your niche. Best lesson yet.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Instagram has consistently been the most effective way I have been able to reach new people but reaching out and making initial contact with companies in my area through me sending messages on Instagram has brought the clients. Not waiting for them to come, but going out, doing the market research, mediating on who my ideal partners and businesses are, developing mood boards to submit to them, then messaging them both on Insta and through email.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://emilyfarthingart.com/
• Instagram: @emilyfarthingart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyfarthingart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyfarthing/

Image Credits
All photography by me- Emily Farthing