Meet Emmie Sellers: Photographer

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

Hi Emmie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work/Life balance is something that can be a big struggle for a great deal of people. For me, as a photographer, I definitely have to make an effort to keep a balance, but it doesn’t always go the way I want it to. I can set my own hours and decide how little or how much I’m willing to work to get things done for the day and to stay on top of all I have to do, but sometimes I feel like I’m never taking a break! In the beginning of my business, it was a big struggle! I would overbook myself, and eventually, my health suffered for it as well as my family. When my girls were younger, they would always say, “Mommy, you are always on the computer!” With the encouragement and advice from my husband, I knew something had to change. It was then I decided to increase my pricing and limit the amount of sessions I did each week, which did help greatly! There were and still are times when I’m trying my best to fit sessions in that work for my clients even though I know I may suffer for it, but I do feel like it’s much better than it was in the beginning! I feel how you balance is defined by what you deem is most important in your life and where you place that on the scale. For me, family is top priority, and the amount of time I spend in my work needs to reflect that! It’s always a work in progress!! 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say that what I hear most from my clients that probably set me apart would be that I keep my images real and natural, without all the enhancing that some images can have. I’m also told I make my clients feel very comfortable during their sessions and make it fun as well!  I started out taking pictures for friends and family, and then as word spread about my work, my clientele increased. My business mainly thrives off of word of mouth. Which is the best free advertisement you can get!  There definitely have been challenges along the way, but those challenges have only sharpened me and helped me grow and learn what works and what doesn’t work for the health of my business! What others might want to know about me is that I’m a follower of Christ; I’m a wife; a  mother of two beautiful daughters; I love to sing and particularly harmonize; I’m from Savannah, GA; I  graduated from Auburn University and was part of the AU  singers show choir; One of my images was used full screen in the movie “We Bought A Zoo”; I love to dance,  hike, travel and eat; I can’t eat gluten and dairy; I would love to eventually open up a gluten and dairy free bakery;  I love 80’s music (nothing better); I run for exercise; I  have two Bernedoodles, Remi and Ollie.

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 I had a friend coming in town to visit I’m going to take them to places that I enjoy going to. Because I’m gluten and dairy free, there aren’t a whole lot of restaurants that cater to that, so I’m a little limited. With that said, I would definitely take them in to Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills for a lunch at Halsa and then to Pinewood Forrest for a  dinner at Barleygarden. Other restaurants that would be on list would be Grazing Here and Ted’s Montana Grill in  Peachtree City as well as Poke City, Garlic, Chipotle, Pasitano Pizza, and Dunc’s BBQ in Newnan. For places in Atlanta, Yeah! Burger, Upbeet, and bartaco are definitely on the list! I cook a good bit at home as well, so  I would probably add in some home-cooked meals! As far as places to go for entertainment, I enjoy the farmer’s market in Peachtree City and then heading over to Blume for some shopping/food/drinks. Downtown Newnan,  Senoia, and Serenbe are also some great local places to shop. For live music, Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta is a great place to go! I do enjoy entertaining in my home as well,  so I’m sure I would have friends over to hang out with us,  and if my friend loves to hike, that would definitely be on the list!   

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I thank my Lord Jesus Christ for giving me the talents I have and blessing me with the business I receive! He is the one that sees me through the good and the bad of the business and reminds me that my identity is in Him and not in my work! Secondly, my husband has been a huge part in my photography business! I wouldn’t be able to do it without him!! He is my support, encouragement, and stability! He is also my go-to “IT” guy when I have computer problems, and he handles my taxes! Those are areas that I’m not as knowledgeable in for sure! To him I am very grateful!

Website: www.sellersphotography.com
Instagram: sellersphotography
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sellersphotography