Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Steinhoff.
Hi Emma, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got started in Film/TV/Photography way back in middle school. Then my high school had an amazing film program. Did everything from short films, PSAs, sports highlights/coverage, news blocks, etc. Ended up creating a documentary short that was accepted by and won an award at SXSW, high school division, my senior year. During this whole time still doing photography as a passion amongst acting/theater. Summer before my senior year I started working professionally- on an indie TV show in Houston. During senior year had an internship with the Houston Dynamo and Dash. Flash forward went to school at The University of Texas at Arlington film program while still working professionally. Completed about 2.5-3 years and ended up dropping out during the whole covid situation. A lot went into that decision. Started working for Dude Perfect, which was amazing. I was with them about a year before I broke back into film (things started picking back up) with a major network feature in Houston. I’ve done a large amount since then and continue to while producing smaller short films and writing my own to be put into production. Furthermore, yes all while still having my own photography business during the “downtime.” My whole journey has been and continues to be a blessing.
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’s been a good strengthening journey. I’ve definitely faced some obstacles, as to be expected, great things don’t come easy. When I was first starting age was a big one, I had to overcome. People would see a young woman kinda halfway write me off and not wanna listen. I would often times later in the week/class/shoot get prompted and become their boss, and that made some folks a little disgruntled. But I just worked my tail end off and offered to do everything that needed to be done.
Covid obviously was a huge obstacle for the whole industry. It just sucked having to go get a “normal” soul-sucking job, buts that’s what had to happen so I did it and made as much art as I could during it.
Networking. Networking is a never-ending beast. 75% of the jobs you get come from who you know and who likes you. I’d say it’s a struggle only because if you know a lot of people all over (LA, San Fran, NYC, ATL, New Orleans, etc) they aren’t always working here in town. So, it’s a constant meeting new people working at 150%, and then doing your best to maintain ALL of those relationships.
Of course, also just working well with all kinds of personalities and sometimes people you’re not crazy about. You won’t always get along with everyone, but you gotta make it work.
I also have a hearing disability that makes kinda life overall more difficult than for most. I have atresia, which presented as a complete lack of an ear canal on my left side. So, no hearing at all from my left ear. You wouldn’t know it just by looking at me or from interacting with me. I compensate astonishingly well but do have to ask people to speak up or repeat themselves often, always walk or sight on the left side of people so I can hear, usually am repeating what you’re saying in my head while you’re saying it so I’m sure I’m following along correctly, and reading lips to compensate… It does get tiring, but that’s life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a freelance filmmaker and photographer. In the film world, my main departments are Production and Directorial. Titles/ roles included; 1st AD, 2nd AD, Producer, Associate Producer, Production Coordinator, Associate Production Coordinator, Key Production Assistant, Art Department (design and execution) Photography my style is BNW, fashion/editorial, and portrait. I love to create windows of time that evoke a strong emotional response from viewers transporting them into that moment and unfolding the story in their own way.
I’m most proud of my versatility, which is also what sets me apart the most from others. I have a very strong and wide skill sets which make me immensely valuable in any position. I like to say Jack of all trades, Master of a few, learning even more. In addition, I’m just proud of how hard I work and all it afforded me. Truly it’s amazing, and I’m beyond grateful to all my mentors’ friends, and family who have helped me get here
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Hmm unless we’re like friends or I’m close with you at work it’s usually that I’m half-deaf/hard of hearing.
Contact Info:
- Website: Emmasteinhoff.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmasteinhoff.photography/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Emmasteinhoffphoto
Image Credits
Toby Burris
Caroline Soechting
Baylee Marshall
