Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Crisp.
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.
I have always loved taking photos, but I started seriously pursuing photography when my husband gifted me a camera. In an attempt to get comfortable and familiar with my camera, I started photographing family members and friends, and I realized I had a deep passion for helping women see their beauty and value. So often, women are behind the camera and shy away from having their photos taken, and I wanted to change that. I also wanted to share hope with women because after living with suicidal depression for nine years of my life, I knew how it felt to be alone with no one you could relate to seemingly. I started a simple photo project that paired women’s portraits with their stories and testimonies and held weekly portrait sessions for women. Soon after, a couple from my church asked if I could photograph their wedding, and from then on, I pursued wedding and elopement photography. I’m now a permitted photographer in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and regularly photograph elopements that are officiated by my pastor husband.
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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but most of the struggles have been internal ones. Yes, I have had difficult moments with clients, but clear communication and a willingness to serve have been my two greatest tools when interacting with others. The internal struggles, such as fear and imposter syndrome, have been the hardest for me to overcome, but if I continue to foster creativity within myself and regularly revisit the why behind my desire for this business, it helps to recenter me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based in the Smoky Mountains, and I specialize in couples’ photography. I’m most proud of my ability to encourage and help people feel comfortable in front of my camera, and I think my ability to read individuals is what sets me apart. I never want to push my couples into an uncomfortable place for the sake of my art, as I’m here to serve them, so I’ll always switch it up if something (a pose, location, or even a family member’s vibe) isn’t working. My goal for every session is to capture the essence of the couple, whether they’re playful, quiet, outgoing, etc. along with the landscape of our location. I’m very inspired by nature, especially mountains, so they play a big part in my work.
Any big plans?
As of right now, I really like how everything is going. I was intentional about booking less this year because I was tired after two years of being booked almost every weekend, and the rest has been nice. I’ve been able to focus on and immerse myself in more of what inspires me, and I’m excited to see how this season of creativity influences the future of my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emilyrcrisp.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/emilyrcrisp
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildfirehearts
