We were lucky to catch up with Emily McClure recently and have shared our conversation below.
Emily , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Working as a full time creative, requires focus on business to be successful. While I might be strong in the creative area, I have forced myself to learn about budgeting, when to upgrade gear, how to network authentically and why taking care of clients one at a time matters. I started 14 years ago in weddings shooting with a friend which led to family photography. About 5 years ago, I had two family clients ask me to take a headshot for them, and I graciously declined initially. Then I decided to give it a go, how hard could it be?! That makes me laugh now, because headshots have their own set of tricky things to manage. I really enjoy the sessions, working with one person is rewarding and just fun for me. The next major step was about six months after those first sessions, my husband lost his corporate job, our main source of income. I was then able to say yes to every gig that came to me, and I quickly started to build a fabulous portfolio and learn at a rapid pace. It was awesome, although not the way I would’ve chosen! From day one, I enjoyed headshots and that hasn’t changed. Now I look back and am so grateful for my journey and God knew me well, and let me run in that creative lane and almost forced me to succeed due to our situation. I’m forever grateful to Him, my husband constant support & my incredible clients who trust me year after year.
Emily , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I started a while ago in photography but not as a business. One Christmas I got a Pentax film camera and my husband got a hunting gun. Taking photos was always really fun for me, to freeze time, to have tangible memories of a moment in time. A good friend of my photographed weddings and knew I liked taking photos, so asked me join her as her second photographer. We had the best time!! That was about 15 years ago I think. From there I built a family brand, and now about 3/4 of my work is corporate, and I love it!
Working with companies to navigate their content needs, from headshots, team photos, structures to video content, my goal is to set them up for success. My job is to help them bring clarity to future clients how their brand could make their lives better. I think my work sets itself apart in a great way. I’m proud of the work I’ve put in, the mistakes I’ve learned from to get here. What I would like potential clients to know is that we pride ourselves in quality work, professional communication & service from start to finish.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Pivoting to headshots five years ago was scary for me, but I’m so glad I did it. I would advise anyone in a creative field, if something interests you, give it a go. It might not be for you, but you will learn something in the process, and then step more into what is for you.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is provide quality photos & video to any client that chooses to work with me. I believe having amazing photos makes a difference to your clients and/or patients so they can find your office, know what you look like, and make decisions that are best for themselves and their families.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emcorporate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/em_corporate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emcorporatetx
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emcorporate/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/em_corporate
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa8buP-YS-Ac64PRYh1bHHw
Image Credits
EM CORPORATE