Meet Emma Varley | Wedding Photographer

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

Hi Emma, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The decision to start my own business stemmed from a lifelong entrepreneurial desire. I had a passion for photography, which had been a hobby of mine long before considering it as a business. The idea of entrepreneurship had always been at the back of my mind, with past aspirations ranging from owning a bakery to running a daycare. Photography, however, sparked something within me, and I felt a natural alignment between my desire to run a business and my love for the art. Building my business from the ground up, fueled by a genuine passion for photography, has given each day a foundation of gratitude. As a wedding photographer, I find fulfillment in blending creativity with emotion, forming meaningful connections, and contributing to the creation of lifelong memories for couples. This profession not only satisfies my creative drive but also provides both personal and professional fulfillment, and I am thankful for it every day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of my job being built on the foundation of love, community, and connection. I am excited to grow over time and explore the ever evolving world of weddings. My couples keep me going every single day.

What sets me apart from others is my love for my clients and their connection because it preserves the genuine moments shared between individuals. The power of these connections, whether between couples, families, or friends, adds depth and authenticity to the photographs, creating lasting memories that evoke emotions, tell a story, and stand the test of time.

I have always had an art seed inside of me. It has been a lifelong fascination for me, starting from my early years. Once I dabbled into photography at 17 I realized this was something that was going to be a part of my life forever. Over the years, through practice and experimentation, I gained confidence behind the camera. This confidence empowered me to set goals and develop action plans. Setting goals became more than just aspirations; they evolved into tangible milestones that I could slowly work towards. I found myself creating detailed action plans, balancing between artistic expression and entrepreneurial ambition.

Starting a business is never easy, but I’ll be honest—I don’t view myself as a huge risk-taker. I started my business gradually over time while relying on other jobs for my full-time income. I loved having a safety net because I felt I could more freely pursue the art of photography without the initial pressure of it being my sole means of survival. This granted me a secure place to grow in my art and create a unique and well-rounded business.

My mission is to create lasting impressions through genuine and timeless moments. Each photograph is a testament to my commitment to authenticity and the belief that the most beautiful memories are those that resonate naturally and stand the test of time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
With out a doubt you have to go to Lake MI. Having a body of water this large in the midwest is a rare blessing that should’nt be taken for granted. It is humbling to be be able to enjoy such a beautiful force of nature! Not only is it a fun spot to hang out and connect with friends but I also find such nature to be inspiring.

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?
My photography teacher in college, his name was Dave Posther. He pushed me creatively in ways that helped me grow and I am forever grateful for all the things I learned.

Website: https://www.emmavarleyphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmavarleyphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmavarleyphotography

Image Credits
All images are credited to myself. Emma Varley Photography