Meet Emma Johnson | Full time Momma & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emma Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
One of my biggest regrets when I birthed my children was not having those moments captured. Photography has always been close to my heart as I believe that every photo can tell a story. My long-term goal is to do birth photography, but with my children being so young I am not available for those wee hours that would be needed to go and capture those precious moments. Until my schedule is a little more flexible, I am going to keep working on my craft and building my business. I want to focus on maternity photoshoots and family sessions but am completely happy to photograph any occasion and look forward to where this journey will take me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am usually a pretty planned out organized individual and starting this photography business was something that I started without knowing everything. I took a leap of faith on myself and jumped in with both feet, not looking back, and it has been one of the scariest and most rewarding things I have ever done. If you are looking for a sign to start something you have wanted to start, this is it! Just do it, bet on yourself! I’m really proud of how far I have come and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Something that sets me apart is my passion for birth and maternity. Even though I am new on my photography journey I feel the call to capture those fleeting precious moments. One of the challenges I face right now is not having a schedule that allows me to be a birth photographer, but it has opened me up to trying different things and realizing just how much I enjoy photographing people where they are in their life’s journey.

I have learned so much, but mainly to give myself grace and to be patient. I am my own worst critic and starting a business has been challenging, so staying positive has been vital. I know that I will have setbacks, that is just the nature of life, but if I can keep my eye on the goal and stay positive, I know I can make it. This all sounds very cliche as I read it back, but it’s how I have made it this far.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you’re hanging with me and my family for the week, we are definitely going to eat at Elmer’s Tacos in Downtown Chandler, then pop over to the Paleta Bar for the best sweet cream ice pops you’ve ever had! Ask for the paleta con frutas tajin y chamoy. In Downtown Gilbert we might go see a play at the Hale Center Theater and then walk across the street to Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row for some live music and fantastic food. Then because this momma doesn’t party much anymore, we might go walk the Riparian Preserve or go visit the amazing ruins in Casa Grande. We would definitely take the kids to the Phoenix Childrens Museum and then maybe catch a Diamond Backs or Suns game.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A HUGE shoutout to my number one cheerleader and constant supporter Brady, I love him to bits. Another HUGE shoutout to my mentors Denise (@denisemarie.photos), and Drey (@dreyjohnsonphoto), they hosted a photography impact workshop that was extremely helpful. And finally, a big thank you to my family and friends that have supported and encouraged me, I love ya!!

Instagram: @emmajohnson_photography

Other: Email: emmajohnsonphotography22@gmail.com

Image Credits
1st photo: @lezlkoe @ian_anthony @petalsstem @impactworkshop