Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emily Graham. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Emily thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
My journey into photography started almost by chance. I was a sophomore in college when my husband, who was my boyfriend at the time, mentioned he had an old camera sitting unused in his closet. He handed it to me and said, “Do whatever you want with it.” That single moment sparked something I hadn’t felt in a long time—a creative curiosity. I began playing around with the camera, capturing anything and everything, and quickly realized I had a genuine love for photography.
At first, it was just for fun, but as I practiced and shared my work, people started to notice. Friends and family encouraged me to explore it further, and I began wondering: could this passion be more than a hobby? Could I turn it into something that not only brought me joy but also helped me financially?
The process of moving from idea to execution was gradual. I spent countless hours teaching myself the basics of photography—settings, lighting, composition, and editing. I scoured YouTube tutorials, read blogs, and practiced relentlessly. My weekends were filled with experimenting—first with nature shots and eventually with portraits of friends.
Once I felt confident enough, I decided to take the leap. I created a simple portfolio using free tools online, showcasing the best of what I had captured. I announced my services to my small circle on social media, offering low-cost or free sessions to build my experience and reputation. Every photoshoot became a learning opportunity.
Soon, I started receiving inquiries—first from friends, then from friends of friends. I realized I needed to take this seriously if I wanted it to grow. I began researching how to run a photography business, from understanding pricing and contracts to learning how to communicate effectively with clients. I invested in better equipment as my earnings allowed and slowly but surely turned my passion into a business.
The real turning point came when I saw the impact my work could have—not just on me, but on others. Photography became my way of helping people preserve their most important memories while also helping me pay for school and, eventually, our wedding.
Looking back, it wasn’t one big leap but a series of small, deliberate steps. Each new challenge was an opportunity to learn and grow, and each victory—no matter how small—kept me moving forward. That’s how my photography business was born: from an old camera, a bit of courage, and the willingness to start where I was and build from there.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a documentaryish-style wedding and couple photographer, I’m passionate about capturing love stories as they truly unfold. My brand is built on a belief that the best moments in life aren’t staged—they’re the authentic, raw, and emotional connections between people. That’s what I strive to preserve for my clients, creating timeless images that bring their memories to life for years to come.
My photography is about more than just beautiful pictures; it’s about storytelling. I specialize in capturing the in-between moments: the uncontrollable laughter, quiet tears, stolen glances, and spontaneous hugs. These are the moments that define your story, and I’m here to document them with care and creativity.
I understand that your wedding day isn’t just about photos—it’s about living in the moment, celebrating with loved ones, and making memories. My goal is to seamlessly blend into your day, capturing its essence without interrupting it, so your photos reflect exactly how it felt! But of course I’ll be there to guide you for those poised moments – worry not camera-shy friends!
Beyond the images, I’m proud of the relationships I build with my clients. I take the time to truly understand your story, your style, and what makes you unique as a couple. This personal connection allows me to deliver an experience that’s as meaningful as the images themselves.
When you choose me as your photographer, you’re not just hiring someone with a camera—you’re gaining a storyteller and friend who is committed to celebrating your love, preserving your moments, and creating something truly special.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, celebrating an engagement, or simply documenting a milestone in your journey, I’m here to provide a personalized experience and images you’ll treasure forever! Reach out on my socials and we’ll create something unforgettable together!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building my social media audience has been a journey of stepping outside my comfort zone and learning to embrace the process—imperfections and all. In my field as a photographer, I’m constantly coaching others on how to feel comfortable in front of the camera, encouraging them to let go and just be themselves. It hit me one day: if I can empower my clients to do this, why can’t I take my own advice?
So, I started by simply showing up. I told myself that it wasn’t about being perfect or polished—it was about connecting with people and sharing what I love. I focused on posting content that felt authentic to me, even if it wasn’t “perfect.” Whether it was behind-the-scenes snippets of photoshoots, tips for couples preparing for their big day, or even moments where I felt silly or vulnerable, I realized it wasn’t that serious. What mattered was that I was putting myself out there.
For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest piece of advice is to stop overthinking and start posting. You’ll never get it perfect the first time, and that’s okay! Every post is a chance to learn what resonates with your audience and refine your voice. Don’t let the fear of looking silly hold you back—lean into it. Authenticity is what draws people in, and often, the moments you least expect to resonate are the ones people connect with the most.
It’s also important to remember that growth takes time. Consistency is key, but so is allowing yourself grace along the way. Treat social media as an extension of who you are, not as a performance. Share what excites you, what you’re learning, and what makes your work unique.
Ultimately, building an audience is less about going viral and more about creating a community. When you focus on being real and showing up for the people who support you, you’ll find that the right audience will naturally come to you.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
One resource that I will always recommend to both photographer and entrepreneurs is Cassidy Lynne’s podcast, Oh Shoot! Her episodes are packed with valuable insights into the photography industry, from navigating client relationships to marketing yourself as a creative professional. Cassidy’s ability to break down complex topics into actionable advice has been a game-changer for me. She also has a way of making you feel like you’re chatting with a friend who genuinely understands the ups and downs of running a creative business.
Beyond Oh Shoot!, I’ve found inspiration in a few other resources that have shaped my thinking and philosophy. Books like Atomic Habits by James Clear, a practical guide to building habits that support your goals, have been incredibly influential. I also love watching behind-the-scenes videos from photographers and entrepreneurs on YouTube, with creators like Jessica Kobeissi offers a perfect blend of technical advice and creative inspiration. I also recommend tuning into my own podcast, The Glow Getter Podcast, which focuses on self-improvement and balancing wellness with work!
Lastly, engaging with local and online creative communities has been invaluable—sharing ideas and learning from others’ experiences has been just as impactful as any book or podcast. These resources remind me that building a business is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https//www.instagram.com/emilygraham.photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/EmilyGrahamPhotography/100091537013927/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Xoemilygraham
Image Credits
Emily Graham Photography