We recently had the chance to connect with Emerald Terrell and have shared our conversation below.
Emerald, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Typically I start my days around 9am by taking my dog outside & feeding him breakfast! Then I make myself a matcha w/ vanilla cold foam and drink that while i doom scroll through social media. After i finish my matcha i shower & get ready for the day!!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Of course! Hi everyone my name is Emerald and I am a dance & portrait photographer! I’m currently on tour with a dance convention, photographing both the excitement of competition and the beauty of classes. As a former dancer, I have a trained eye for technique, line, and shape — which helps me freeze those perfect moments that tell a dancer’s story. What I love most about dance photography is how every performer brings their own unique style and energy, creating endless possibilities in every frame. Photography allows me to blend my two worlds — dance and creativity — and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My mom taught me what it truly means to have a strong work ethic. She’s the hardest worker I know — someone who gives her all to everything she does and never settles for less than her best. What inspires me most is that she doesn’t just work hard for herself; she pours her heart into caring for everyone around her. She’s the kind of person who shows up, even when she’s tired, and still finds a way to make others feel supported and loved.
Growing up watching her balance everything with such grace and determination has shaped the way I approach my own work.
From the photography work aspect- I’ve learned so much about photography and the industry from Naeem Munaf and my former coworker, Andrea Royal. They really taught me everything I needed to know — not just the technical side, but how to discover my own creative style. Watching the way they approached their work inspired me to push myself, experiment, and truly fall in love with the art of photography. I’m endlessly grateful for their guidance, patience, and belief in me. They helped me turn what started as a simple interest into a real passion that continues to shape who I am today.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self to laugh more. When I was younger, I took life way too seriously — I wanted everything to go perfectly and put so much pressure on myself. Emotions already feel huge when you’re a kid, so adding that extra pressure didn’t help (lol). Looking back, I realize that all those little things I used to stress about really didn’t matter as much as I thought they did. Over time, I’ve learned to loosen up and not take everything so seriously. Everything happens for a reason, even the messy parts, and sometimes the best thing you can do is smile, laugh it off, and keep going.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
If you would have asked me this a few years ago I would have said no but over the past few years, I’ve really grown into being unapologetically myself. I’ve learned to let go of the pressure to fit in or be what others expect me to be. For a long time, I thought I had to act a certain way for people to like me, but I’ve realized that the right people will appreciate you for who you truly are — not for who you pretend to be.
Becoming more authentic has brought so much peace and confidence into my life. It’s freeing to show up as myself — flaws, quirks, and all — and know that the people who stay are the ones who genuinely value me. When you stop trying to please everyone, you make space for real connections, deeper friendships, and genuine happiness.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I only had ten years left, I’d make every single one count. I would stop fearing and really start living more. I’d move to a new city every year, just to experience as much of the world as I could. I’d love to live somewhere near the beach — maybe somewhere along the California coast or a tropical island. I’d also spend a year in New York City, soaking up the energy and endless opportunities, then maybe wander off to Paris and London to enjoy the culture, art, and history. Most of all, I’d make sure to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends — creating memories, laughing until it hurts, and appreciating every moment we have together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emeraldtookthese.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @emeraldtookthese
Image Credits
all photo credit: @emeraldtookthese
