Conversations with Emily Martinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Martinez.

Hi Emily, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Photography became one of my hobbies when I was given the opportunity to visit Germany, in the summer of 2019. I was so excited to experience a new culture and wanted to capture all my memories; for this reason, I bought myself a camera with the birthday money I was gifted a few days prior to leaving for my trip.

I was fifteen years old at the time, and I had little to no experience with a camera. During this summer, I spent so much time taking photos of all the places I visited, learning how to work my camera better, and how to edit in a style that fit my liking. I was so eager to learn more and show people my work that I was spending hours googling how to become a better photographer, and I even made a separate Instagram account just for my photography.

When I returned home to Arizona, I switched my focus from landscape photography to portrait photography by using my siblings and their boyfriends as my models. It came to a point where my Instagram feed was just filled with the same people, so I began taking photos of any clients I could get to practice on and build my portfolio. At this point, my intention was never to turn my photography into a business; however, I began to receive a handful of messages from strangers asking how much I charged for sessions.

Eventually, the demand became too high for me to continue to give them out for free, so I turned it into my own little business and began to make a profit off of it. Fast forward to now, I am super grateful to have a busy schedule doing what I love and having the opportunity to capture people in a way where they can feel comfortable and feel beautiful in their photos!

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?
Being a photographer has many benefits. It allows me to be creative, make my schedule, meet new people, explore new places, and be my own boss.

However, there are a few things I have struggled with. I’ve learned that it is a very competitive field and I tend to struggle with comparing myself to others, as do many people. Since Instagram is a big part of my business, it’s easy to get stuck scrolling through other countless photographers and tear myself down because I don’t have as many followers, likes, or connections as they do.

At the end of the day, I just have to remind myself that every photographer has their own style and I am still learning, growing, and I am confident in my work.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am most proud that I take the time to get to know my clients during my session with them.

I try to be a friend to them and make them feel as comfortable in front of the camera as I can. I want taking photos to be fun for people, not a chore. I like making each gallery I send out to be unique in a way that shows their personality.

If a couple is super playful and outgoing, I’m not going to make them do scripted poses for the entire session, I want to be able to capture the in-between, candid moments of them being silly and happy around each other.

What’s next?
I’m transitioning from weddings to elopements! My original dream was to become a wedding photographer, but I’ve realized that I prefer intimate weddings much more after spending 10 hours running around making sure to capture every moment in large weddings.

Elopements seem perfect to me because I adore traveling, they’re more intimate which allows me to connect more to the bride and groom, and there isn’t as much pressure on everyone. I like that there isn’t the stress to make sure the guests are happy, the photographer is catching every moment happening, and every little moment is on schedule.

The bride and groom tend to be more relaxed and enjoy their special day without the fear of having to please so many people; they can simply enjoy each other’s presence together.

Contact Info:

• Email: emeraldphotographyaz@gmail.com
• Website: https://emeraldphotographyaz.pic-time.com/client
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeraldphotographyaz/

Image Credits
Emily Martinez, @emeraldphotographyaz