Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Ballard
Hi Emily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Emily & I live in the gorgeous Hill Country of South Texas.
I started my photography business over 15 years ago in Illinois, mainly family & newborns. I attended a Christian college where many people got engaged junior/senior year and a lot of them needed engagement photographs. My first paid client was a recently engaged couple & they’re still married to this day! I had a brief time of photographing weddings before I realized that was not for me. Since then, I have focused on family and newborn photography.
My husband & I moved down here in 2013 for his job & I left all that I ever knew back home near Chicago, IL. Since then we’ve been blessed with two boys, who are about 5 years apart to the day. I now photograph on-location for families, but I also am blessed to have a studio and a greenhouse space on our property. Those extra spaces are great for being able to photograph family, maternity, newborn & milestone sessions.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say my business growth has been slow but steady. The first few years it took a little bit to figure out exactly what types of photo sessions I was not only really good at but also enjoyed. As I mentioned above, I photographed weddings for a few years before realizing I didn’t enjoy that type of photography. Same goes for seniors, business branding and couples. Focusing on families, maternity and newborn sessions has helped to propel my business faster as I am able to cater better to those types of clients instead of trying to do it all.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a photographer likes to focus on lots of color, candid moments, connection & emotion. As a lifestyle photographer, my photography style is perfect for families who want to document their lives authentically while also creating visually stunning and emotional keepsakes. My on-location sessions typically take place in fields during the golden hour, that bring out an authentic, rustic feel through tall grasses, and warm sunlight. I also frequently photograph in my natural light, neutral studio and my rustic greenhouse, which set me apart in the area I service.
Working with me isn’t just a photo shoot and really amazing pictures— it is that, but much more. I provide each of my clients with personalized styling tailored specifically for that family. I have an extensive client closet for women filled with gorgeous dresses for all shapes & ages. I’ll send a gallery of all my dresses that I have to every client that books. They have the option of trying them on at my studio before their session. Choosing a dress from my client closet is one less worry & expense that my clients won’t have to deal with. Once we have mama set, then I move onto the rest of the family. I’ll send my client options for clothing for the rest of their family & all they have to do is pick which one they love best & I’ll send them the links to purchase.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My Bible, 100%. Without Jesus guiding my life, I would be lost.
My favorite podcasts that help my time spent in editing go faster are Joe Rogan’s & The Speakeasy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emilyannephotography.org
- Instagram: @emilyanne.photos
- Facebook: @emilyannephotos
