Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Woods.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a Texas photographer from McKinney, TX who recently moved south of Dallas. Most of my clients are in the northern area of Dallas, so the great city is near and dear to my heart. I originally got started with photography when I got a cheap black camera one year for Christmas back in elementary school. I messed around with it, eventually got an entry-level DSLR and from there it was a hobby that I would take with me everywhere I went. My passion and skill would blossom after high school, where I first started doing paid work. I mostly did couples shoots for cheap, not to mention doing my first wedding for free. I ended up being a campus photographer at my university and was able to be inspired by wonderful photographers. I eventually started capturing wonderful people’s stories on a regular basis and fell in love with wedding photography. Over the last couple years, I realized looking back how much it has challenged me to not only be confident in my work but how to branch out and be somewhat comfortable with people I don’t know, which has been one of the biggest God-given blessings for me, as I have struggled with it my entire life. I had terrible stage fright and social anxiety growing up (and still do from time to time). I have been able to learn how to connect with people and how to be their biggest cheerleader (which is the secret of many great photographers). Being a photographer has gifted me my passion for people and creativity and pushed me to learn not only how to capture connection but how to connect better in my own life. Connection is at the center of all my work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Though I have loved photography for a long time and feel I’m in a good place, I have also had to wrestle personal doubt on a constant basis. There are so many wonderful, creative, and talented people out in the world and so many times I ask myself, “What makes me or my work so special?”. I hate to say it, but numerous hours of my editing process are spent trying to validate myself enough to share the photos with my clients. And every time I end up feeling silly for wasting so much time only to receive very positive feedback from the client every time. The trap of insecurity is so easy and quick to fall into with the constant influx of other people’s work on social media. It’s mainly because I see is the entire process from raw straight-from-camera to polished photo gallery. I see every blurry, awkward, subpar photo I throw out, the endless hours spent trying to decide on an edit and all the mind games that occur to get to the point of presenting a polished and seemingly effortless account of someone’s biggest moment. And yet I still compare my endless hours of work to the 3-photo carousel of someone else’s work on Instagram, or their gorgeous monochromatic feed. I know I’m not alone in this feeling, but I often feel it’s not recognized enough among the photographer community. This is me trying to do my small part in being transparent.
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 mainly a couples and wedding photographer mostly known for my warm and moody editing and my candid style of capturing connection. I am most proud of my personal growth through working with great people and having the honor of being asked to document some of the most important days and moments of people’s lives.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
First, I would say that one of my favorite resources is my Bible. God has blessed me with so much and his word continues to inspire peace and wisdom in my life. A couple of my favorite podcasts to listen to are the “Book More Clients Photography Podcast” by Brooke Jefferson and “The Connected Life” with Justin and Abi Stumvoll. Both deal with different areas of my life but inspire me to be my best as a whole. I also find it worth mentioning that my favorite book genre to read are mystery thrillers that help me escape life for a bit, which is essential in this crazy world.
Pricing:
- Exclusive Wedding Package (8-11 hours of coverage and more) – $2050
- Standard Wedding Package (5-7 hours of coverage and more): $1500
- Base Wedding Package (Up to 5 hours of coverage and more): $800
- Portrait Package 1 (1-hour session and more): $200
- Portrait Package 2 (2-hour session and more): $250
Contact Info:
- Email: emily.woods@secondphotos.com
- Website: secondphotos.com
- Instagram: @secondphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secondphotos
Image Credits
Second Photography
