Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Graham.
Hi Emma, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, my grandfather, Don Graham, always had a camera on him, documenting our family. I was always so fascinated by a camera and began to teach myself how to use one in early middle school. My sister Leslie was my go-to model/subject for the first few years, and by 8th grade I knew photography was somehow my calling. In 2020, I took a leap of faith and started my business, emmaleighphotography. I was mostly taking photos for my peers, but quickly began booking all over Michigan (and now beyond)!
Studying photography and attending Grand Valley helped me find myself as an artist. I came into the program as a commercial photographer who was eager to land a full-time job in sports. Although this is something I still love and hope to pursue in the future, I found so many different aspects of photography that I adore. During my junior year, I joined 494 magazine, a newer club at GV. This is where I found my people and a huge love for fashion photography.
Over the last year or so, I found myself drawn to the music industry. I have had such great opportunities to work with and photograph some of my favorite bands in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Chicago. I can truly see myself doing this for the rest of my life!
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?
Honestly, I have had such a great journey throughout my career. I had amazing jobs in college that have helped me build up a portdolio that I am proud of! Post grad, it has been more challengeing finding a full time job that feels like the right fit for me and my specific interests, but I know in time I will find a great fit for me! For the time being I am challenging myself to stay creative and true to myself in my craft.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I touched on this earlier, but I am a photographer, and I definitely have a variety of interests within the medium!
I get booked the most for weddings and engagement sessions! I find my style within my freelance work to be more documentary-style. I truly think my purpose in life is to document what’s around me!
Aside from my freelance work, I have such a big passion for concerts, sports, fashion, and film photography! I recently made a new Instagram for that aspect of my photography (@leighcreatives).
I find myself to be the most proud of my concert work. It is a challenging field and allows me to be as creative as I’d like.
I think my varety in experince and versatility could set me apart from others. I do absoluetly love the creative community I surround myself with, they truly push and challenge my creatively whcih I am greatful for.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the community!
I would maybe say my least favorite part is how expensive everything can be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emmaleighhphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmaleighhphotography/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-graham-a98120299/
