Conversations with Emily King

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

Hi Emily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In April 2020, I delivered my fifth baby—Lauren—right in the middle of a world that felt upside down. Life was so uncertain. I drove my hot, very pregnant self to the hospital alone, and my husband wasn’t allowed to join me until my water broke. When she finally arrived, there were no cameras, no one capturing that moment. I have absolutely no pictures of my last baby’s birth.

As I tried to heal from everything—physically, emotionally, mentally—I realized that missing piece hurt more than I expected. Lauren experienced some developmental delays early on, and at the same time, I was raising my three-year-old autistic daughter. I knew I could do the advocacy work, the therapies, the appointments—everything that comes with being a special needs parent—but I also knew I needed something for myself. Something that gave me joy.

One day, I poured my heart out to the world, asking for guidance and direction. Just a couple of weeks later, a friend called and asked if I would take her maternity photos. From that moment, I never looked back.

I’ve always loved photography. I’ve always had a camera in my hand, a good eye for moments, and a deep love for telling stories through photos. Birth photography brought everything together—the personal loss I felt from not having my own birth documented, and the ability to give that gift to others. Birth is such a fleeting moment. Most moms don’t remember the little details because they’re in the throes of bringing life into the world. It’s so easy to forget the first look at your baby, the way your partner looked at you, the exhaustion, the fear, and the overwhelming love.

For me, capturing those moments is more than a job—it’s a way to help families hold on to something they might otherwise lose to memory. It’s a way to bring joy, to help heal, and to tell a story that deserves to be remembered forever. This is one of the only moments that will change your life forever and I want to capture that for you.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Well did I mention I have five kids?? Haha. Nothing is ever easy with an army of children. I think every artist suffers from imposter syndrome. DFW is stuffed full of photographers, so it takes a lot of work and determination to stand out even with such a specific niche

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I absolutely love birth photography. For me, it’s more than a job—it’s a path for compassion, advocacy, and support. This work has also led me to volunteer with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, an organization that provides photographs for families whose babies have passed or are expected to pass. Those images become treasured keepsakes and, in many cases, help bring healing.

Something I’m most proud of is my openness and laid-back style. I’m probably the least fussy person you’ll ever meet. I like to take in the moment and let it unfold naturally. Once I have you as a client, you’re in my heart. Having a baby can sometimes feel like you’ve been dropped off the side of the earth, and I think what sets me apart is that I don’t just show up as a photographer—I show up as a mom, a woman, and a source of guidance, love, and support if you need it.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My family has been so incredibly supportive. Birth work means being on call, which for me often means dropping everything at a moment’s notice. They step up every single time and make things seamless, and I truly couldn’t do this job I love without that kind of support. It does mean I miss things sometimes, but luckily my family sees how much this work fills me. They get just as excited as I do when I book a client, and that makes all the difference.

Pricing:

• Birth Photography starts at $1,350
• Maternity-$450
• Fresh 48-$450
• Life Style Newborn-$450
• Family Sessions-$450

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.poppybluephotography.com
• Instagram: Poppybluephotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1M1injUHB6/?mibextid=wwXIfr