Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Berger.
Hi Emily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always wanted to learn photography, and I bought my first camera when I was fifteen. It stayed in the drawer. It wasn’t until I graduated in the sciences from Bethel University and moved back to my hometown of Alexandria, MN, that I began exploring my interests and figuring out what I love apart from school. Foot surgery and a longer-than-expected recovery set me on this path! When my healing process lasted longer than expected, I had to reroute my plans for graduate school for a bit. This was when I dove into photography (as a hobby), quickly fell in love, and found out I was pretty good! I started by recruiting my friends as models. 5-weeks later, I was asked to take family pictures for my first paid shoot, and it made their Christmas card! Now, I’ve invested in higher-quality equipment (much better than the camera I stuck in a drawer at age 15!) and have specialized in shooting engagements, weddings, and senior photos. As I’ve taken the time to explore photography further, my love has grown to more than just getting the mechanics and angles right – which is why I enjoy taking pictures of people rather than objects. I strive to give my clients a product they are proud to show off and, most importantly, remind them of their value.
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?
My biggest obstacle is work-life balance; I love my work so much. It truly fulfills me. Interacting with new people at each session is a breath of fresh air and my time editing is a fun way to relive that. With this joy comes the time!
I started my business in the spring of 2021, and by the fall of 2021 (only a few short months later), I had decided to return to school for graphic design. This was a path I had not expected but loved. Initially, I went to the college to ask for help in my logo design from an instructor I had during PSEO in high school. After he saw my sketches, he brought up the idea of me joining the program. I thought it would be helpful to take some classes to grow my business and the services I could provide. After one semester and having won a couple of American Advertising Awards, I decided to stay for the entirety of the program. Graphic design is a passion I hadn’t realized until this time! A huge change from the sciences I graduated with at Bethel University. So, I will be graduating in the spring of 2023! With the commitment to school and learning the ropes of running a full-time photography business (with marketing, accounting, taxes, communication, etc., on top of actual photography), I’m learning how to balance and take time for rest. This summer is my first full-time season without school. With sessions most evenings, I edit during the day and can find myself working 12-14 hour days! I take a limited number of photography sessions during school, but it’s hard to say no! I’m so grateful for how quickly my business flourished, and this balance has been the most challenging thing to navigate.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a photographer specializing in weddings, engagements, and senior photography. I love capturing people where they are in life. For couples, that could mean bringing me along on a date night, capturing the “I do,” or freezing time during maternity – right before your family grows. I like to call myself a professional third wheel! I love incorporating their hobbies, sports, and unique personalities for seniors. My goal is always to make my clients feel at ease and build relationships. I’m your hype girl at the session, and by the end of the session, you’ve gained a friend! That’s what my work is all about—pouring into others. I hope that everyone leaves feeling how valued they are and that they have images that correlate with that feeling.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ihiphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihiphoto_emily/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ihiphotoemily/
Image Credits
In His Image Photography LLC
