Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emily Fay. 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. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success as an entrepreneur, especially in creative industries like photography, requires an intricate balance of vision, resilience, adaptability, and consistency. It’s not just about having talent or skills; it’s about creating systems that allow you to grow, thrive, and overcome inevitable challenges. Markets change, trends evolve, and so must you. When I noticed a shift toward video content on social platforms, I invested in learning videography even though it wasn’t initially in my comfort zone. That pivot not only expanded my service offerings but also made me a go-to resource for clients needing both stills and dynamic video content.

For me, success has always hinged on a willingness to embrace discomfort. When I first started my photography business, I assumed the quality of my work would speak for itself. But I quickly learned that talent alone doesn’t guarantee clients or a sustainable income. I had to become a marketer, a salesperson, an accountant, and a negotiator. I remember my first pitch to a potential client—it was nerve-wracking. I spent days rehearsing, fine-tuning my portfolio, and crafting a proposal that I thought would blow them away. And you know what? They passed. That rejection stung, but it also fueled me to understand the client’s perspective better, keeping the focus on them and what they will benefit from using my services, and keep going.

One moment that shaped my view on success as an entrepreneur came early in my career when I took a leap on a passion project with no guaranteed return. A bakery was struggling to attract customers despite having an incredible menu. I offered to do a pro bono photo series showcasing their bread-making process—the hands in the dough, the golden crusts fresh from the oven, the steam rising as loaves were cut. Those photos went viral locally. They were featured in a community newsletter, then shared widely on social media. Within weeks, the bakery saw a surge in foot traffic, and their sales skyrocketed.

They ended up hiring me for ongoing projects, but what stuck with me wasn’t the payday—it was that entrepreneurship often requires leading with generosity and believing that the effort you invest upfront will come back tenfold. Sometimes, the risks you take aren’t just financial—they’re emotional bets on your own belief in the value you bring. And when those bets pay off, they’re worth every ounce of effort.

In essence, success comes from being persistent enough to push through setbacks, curious enough to adapt, and courageous enough to put yourself out there. If you can combine that with a genuine love for what you do, you’ll not only find success but also enjoy the journey getting there.

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’m a professional food & product photographer with over a decade of experience helping brands, restaurants, bloggers, and chefs bring their culinary creations to life. My journey into the industry started with a deep appreciation for storytelling.. and food—specifically, how food connects us to moments, people, and cultures. What began as a hobby while being a stay at home mom to 2, shooting meals with an old family camera for friends’ blogs, quickly turned into a full-time career as I realized the impact that high-quality visuals can have in shaping how people perceive food.

Today, I specialize in creating imagery that not only captures the essence of a dish but also evokes emotion and builds a narrative around it. My services range from traditional food and product photography for menus and marketing to styled editorial shoots, recipe visuals, and dynamic content for social media. I also offer consulting on visual branding strategies to help clients maintain consistency across all their platforms. For those venturing into video content, I provide short-form recipe and promotional videos to meet the ever-evolving demands of modern digital audiences.

One of the biggest challenges my clients face is standing out in a highly saturated market. Whether it’s a restaurant needing mouthwatering shots that bring diners through the door or a food brand trying to differentiate itself from the pack, I solve this by delivering visuals that are not just beautiful but also strategically crafted to connect with their target audience. What sets me apart is my holistic approach—I work closely with clients to understand their brand, voice, and goals, ensuring the final product isn’t just pretty but also powerful and impactful.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with clients over the years. Seeing a small café turn into a community favorite or helping a food entrepreneur launch their product into national stores gives me a profound sense of purpose. My goal isn’t just to take photos—it’s to be a creative partner in my clients’ success. My brand is rooted in collaboration, authenticity, and a relentless commitment to quality, and I strive to inspire the same passion for food and storytelling in everyone who works with me and views my work.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building strong relationships and leveraging the power of word of mouth. In the food photography world, visuals are crucial, but trust and reputation are equally important. Delivering exceptional results consistently and going above and beyond for my clients have naturally led to them recommending my work to others.

One example that stands out was when I worked with a small, family-owned restaurant on a photo shoot for their revamped menu. They loved the final images so much that they shared them with their entire network—on social media, in emails, and even with fellow restaurant owners they knew. That one project resulted in three new referrals within weeks, which in turn led to more referrals. It’s a ripple effect that starts with doing great work and genuinely caring about your clients’ success.

In addition to word of mouth, I’ve also found that showcasing my work in a way that resonates with the audience is key. I make it a point to share behind-the-scenes content, stories about my shoots, and tips for creative food styling on my social channels. This not only gives potential clients a glimpse into my process but also positions me as approachable and knowledgeable in my field. When people see your passion and expertise in action, they feel more confident in recommending you.

Another strategy that’s worked well is nurturing existing relationships. I regularly check in with past clients, not just to pitch new work but to see how they’re doing. It’s amazing how often this leads to new opportunities, whether it’s a refreshed menu, a seasonal campaign, or even a referral.

Ultimately, the combination of exceeding expectations, fostering genuine connections, and keeping my work visible has been the foundation of my growth. Word of mouth is powerful, but it starts with being someone worth talking about.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative—especially in food photography—is the ability to transform something as universal as food into a powerful story that connects people. One of the greatest joys is seeing the impact my work has on my clients. When a restaurant owner tells me that my photos brought in more customers, or when a food brand shares how their product gained recognition because of the visuals we created, it reinforces why I do this. Knowing that my work can help others succeed is deeply rewarding.

I also love the creative freedom this career provides. Every project is a new challenge, whether it’s finding the perfect light to highlight a glistening glaze on a cake or styling an intricate scene that tells a story about a dish’s origins. There’s a thrill in experimenting, problem-solving, and constantly pushing myself to grow as an artist.

But above all, what I cherish most is the connection. The collaboration with chefs, brands, and creatives who share a passion for their craft fuels my own creativity. Seeing how a single photograph can evoke hunger, curiosity, or nostalgia in someone is incredibly powerful. It’s a reminder that art—in any form—has the ability to inspire and connect us in ways words often can’t. The most rewarding part of this journey is knowing that I get to do what I love every day and, in doing so, bring value and beauty to others’ lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emilyfayphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flavorinframe/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyfayphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyfayphotography/