Emily dunn shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Emily, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
That is such a tough question to answer because there so many things! Id say the number one answer is my beautiful kids. I have two girls who are little and so full of love and laughter. Being a mother is such a dream come true for me and the greatest joy in my life. My husband and my best friends are also constantly keeping me laughing. I am so glad I came from a family who loves to laugh and to bring laughter to others. Just ask me about karaoke nights!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a photographer in the north east texas area who specializes in weddings, elopements and boudoir! I love to shoot new projects too! Branding has been so fun lately and of course I love seeing my families year after year grow! Something I bring to the vendor table is that I definitely love quirky clients cause I can relate to them. I love to sneak a joke in, do a funny noise or dance – whatever it takes to get the shot! I was homeschooled in my high school years but was very social! I got the opportunity to do many things that really helped me connect with people in ways I didnt know how. I think that is my favorite part of this job is connecting with people and bringing joy.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents hands down have always been supportive of me! If you know me, you know how close I am to my parents. We didnt grow up having a ton of money but my parents did everything to provide for us. When I first started out, I had to use my uncles old dinosaur of a camera and a kit lens. When I got a little older my parents were able to gift me my own camera and that moment really meant a lot to me. I had two loving parents who believed in me and my talent and that’s something money definitely can’t buy.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Id say there were several times over the years but more so recently. Nobody likes to admit when they’re struggling but with the lack of booking lately its made me question if I should continue or find a different path but the Lord keeps leading people to me and keeping my doors open. So as long as people keep booking, I’ll keep staying open! I feel that I have talked to so many other photographers and vendors who are also feeling the same way so I know Im not alone and that helps! So if you’ve ever seen someone who appears booked and busy – just know we all have struggled at some point!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
Unpopular opinion – you dont need to have the latest and greatest gear. You dont have to have a studio to be successful. You dont have to buy your way up to the “top”. You just simply have to show and work hard.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
Id like to think they’d miss me – just me. Im so grateful to have made so many connections over the years that have made me feel apart of so many families. Some of them my kids have even gotten to know my clients so it would be sad to not see them yearly for photos but there’s a few I’d just have to find an excuse to see them again!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.lacedingracephotography.com
- Instagram: @lacedingracephoto
- Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/somewhatphotography
