Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Boring.
Hi Emily, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started with a big heart for people and channeling my art into photo journaling. I always wanted to be an artist and having people who supported that has been everything. But as time went on, I realized that being an artist did not just mean sketching and painting but capturing people in a way I wish they would see themselves. I discovered that God had provided me a gift in a deep love for people and as well as the skill behind a camera.
I began taking pictures when I was in middle school, 24/7. With my friends, my dogs, myself–I constantly wanted to document life. It was my favorite thing to do. Later in life, college rolls around, and I felt the urge to pick back up a camera. I bought a simple DSLR kit where I started taking pictures of friends, family, and my husband. I finally had a friend sit me down and say, “Emily, you need to start charging people.” I realized she wasn’t wrong when a friend demanded to pay me for their senior session. This is where I used this money to invest in what has become a full-time business with thousands of dollars in equipment and taking to you today about my story.
Together, I have been able to serve clients by documenting their journeys and creating images that reflect the emotion of that season. Making what has been a stiff awkward experience for decades an opportunity to empower people to be who they are, to love each other, and most of all, HAVE FUN.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This has NOT been a smooth road to say the least. There have been many challenges in beginning a photography business in a saturated field. Who doesn’t love taking pictures? Jokes aside, it was not a smooth journey as I had to come to the hard realization that it was not just about journaling life but also business ethics, organic marketing, networking, advertising, time management, A LOT of research, and self-growth. I’d say self-growth has been the hardest of this journey as all of these things are learnable, teachable, and obtainable. However, being able to believe in yourself and listening to the voice of support around you can be the most challenging thing. Although, yes it is a business, you are also almost selling a piece of yourself when you are selling your art. You are putting your vulnerable self out there to hope that others cherish your works as much as you do. Especially when you are making it your life’s investment and a way to support your family.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I have said before, I am a photographer. I have been specializing in wedding photography for the past three years, going on four. Through this, I will have the opportunity to truly get to know my clients for months at a time, learn the things that they love most, and finally, the day of, I will do my best to journal all of this into one spectacular day. And I would say that is both what I am most proud of and what sets me apart from others. I am a huge believer in a community and there are many talented photographers out there, but one thing that I do see that is unique about me is my priority of the client experience over the image. I care more about my clients having an amazing day and wedding season. Sometimes this means that my assistant ends up driving the golf cart escorting elders, correcting the reception table to be as neat as possible, or collaborating with other vendors when the coordinator was missing. I have learned that I have a priority of people over photography and I see very quickly that photography is still completed at the end of the day. The images still come out beautiful and my clients come out even happier.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I would say something surprising about me as a wedding photographer is that I am a mental health therapist. Oftentimes, my clients and I get too caught up prioritizing our conversation to not realize why they may feel so comfortable with me. Most of it is an innate being about myself but it is also the mental health training I have received. I could and won’t decide between my two loves. I love being able to cheer people on during the weekend behind a camera but I also love being able to cheer them on from my chair, hearing the darkest parts of their lives become a distant past.
Contact Info:
- Website: simplyemilylifestyle.com
- Instagram: @simplyemilylifestyle
Image Credits
All images are edited and created by Simply Emily Lifestyle and graced by my lovely clients.
