Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Dowell.
Hi Emily, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I do not have the typical story of accidentally falling into photographing families. It was something I strived for before I even got my first DSLR. My background in early childhood education, fine art painting, and a huge interest in families and childhood coalesced into a photography business for Family, Maternity, and Newborn photography. I took every class I could from Click Photo School in order to take emotive family photos that would bring joy and nostalgia to families. I wanted my photos to be visually impressive to bring out lots of emotion and importance to the people in the photo. I am now a member of Click Pro Elite after submitting a large body of my best work and being accepted. I loved challenging myself further to design professional prints from my photographs for clients. I love leaving them with tangible home print art that makes the most of their photographs, elevates the look of their home, and gives them heirlooms to treasure and hand down to the next generation.
Lemme go back and say I was lucky enough to have a grandfather who loved photography and took beautiful lifestyle photos of me when I was a baby in the ’70s. They are one of most treasured possessions and are a reminder of how much I was loved and a part of a family and a fun time period. This is another driving force for why I love photographing young families. I especially love photographing families in their home because they love looking back on where they lived and how times have changed. It’s an amazing feeling creating photographs for other families that will grow in value year after year for them and be an important part of their heirlooms and legacy.
I can’t not include my disability as part of my story because while it creates a huge roadblock and struggle, my disability also has made me more fearless to go for my dreams. Learning to walk again and be independent again after becoming a paraplegic showed me how capable I am of accomplishing big things. That big things that feel impossible can be achieved by taking small steps forward every day, and how to treat setbacks as learning opportunities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I jumped into my business with two feet not really understanding what I was up against. But it wasn’t necessarily a bad way to do it. If I knew all the obstacles I would face, it would have been too intimidating to begin. Everything that went wrong I used as a learning experience. I also took many business and marketing classes over the years. There’s not much about business that I feel confident about. I have learned to fake it till I make it and basically do things scared. My 2 biggest struggles were learning the business and marketing part of my business and working around the issues my disability provided. I was really worried about the perception I made to new clients. The first time they see me I’m using a cane to walk and I’m unable to walk fast or run. I do things in my planning for a session that prevents physical problems I may have in photographing a session. For instance, scouting out a location well beforehand so I know it’s easy to walk from the parking lot into the park area. I found that everything I do to make it easier for myself is also beneficial for an expecting Mother or family with young kids. Then I just make sure to be super confident in my abilities to let them know they are in good hands.
Surprisingly I find my physical disability makes me more approachable and vulnerable which helps new clients open themselves up to me with more ease. This is a big attribute to have as a photographer when you are trying to capture authentic portraits.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am known for and most proud of designing a line of home print art for my clients. They don’t end a session with a DIY project of digital files that they will probably never get around to printing. They end a session with handcrafted, custom home print art to elevate the look and feel of their home. I design wall galleries, albums, books, folio boxes, large framed canvases, and specialty cards.
Any big plans?
At the end of this month, I am having new branding, a new website, and new logo designed by Bella Maven. I am so excited to have marketing materials and branding that better display the services, experience, and products I provide so clients can see the high-quality work they can expect.
I also have plans to enhance the services and products I provide. This year I will be adding velvet and silk-covered albums to my line.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emilydowellphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily_dowell_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilydowellphotography
