Meet Emily Lord | Family Adventure Photographer

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

Hi Emily, why did you pursue a creative career?
A few years ago, I listened to an interview of author Elizabeth Gilbert where she talked about the idea of following your curiosity instead of your passion. At the time, I was working at my dream job in a career created from my passion for the environment and people. I studied Sociology and Women’s Studies in college and completed my master’s degree with a focus on environmental sociology. After graduating, I worked my way up from seasonal positions in the conservation field to a full-time Digital Outreach Manager position with one of the country’s oldest and largest land trusts. I got to help communicate the importance of land and water conservation as well as outdoor recreation to a wide audience of people. It was the perfect combination of my passions. I was also stressed out, burned out, and unhappy.

The interview got me to think about what sparked my curiosity. I spent my time at my job thinking about the next time I could get outside and photograph people enjoying nature: trail days, volunteer events, school field trips to nature areas. When I wasn’t at work, I scrolled Instagram and burned with jealousy over photographer’s thriving careers. I wondered how they got clients and dreamy shots in beautiful locations. My jealousy was an arrow to what I wanted for myself. My creative curiosity was starving and I wasn’t feeding it enough.

I didn’t need to ditch my passion, but I learned I needed to listen to my gut and scratch the itch of curiosity. What would happen if I started my own business? What do I want to specialize in? How will I serve people? What is my why?

These questions fueled the formation of my photography business. When I get to create, I get to feed my hungry artist. Pursuing a creative career feels more in line with my strengths and I feel more motivated then ever to tackle each day even when stress rolls around.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I photograph families of all kinds on outdoor adventures because memories in nature are important, authentic and fun. One of my favorite pastimes is flipping through family photo albums. When I was little, I’d look through albums to get a glimpse of my family history and hilarious fashion choices. I’ll always consider these photos a gift from my mother and the other amateur photographers in our extended family. It helped me learn about who I am and where I came from at a young age. As I grew older it became fun to reminisce and laugh at our shared memories captured in a candid moment.

Growing up in Maine, I’d search under rocks in tidal pools and play amongst the trees in our backyard. As the youngest of three, nature helped me find moments of peace. It also helped me feel closer and more connected to my family when we climbed trees or jumped in the leaves. Creating positive, wholesome memories in nature is everything.

I want to help families capture something they can’t see when you’re in the moment. I want clients to see how they look at their kid when he or she asks to stay outside just a little longer. I want us all to remember the wonder we had in our eyes when we spend time just playing outside. The photographs that we create together in a session are something that you can hold close to you and relive when life’s lemons get too sour and we need to infuse it with some sweetness.

I make it easy for families to create and capture memories doing what you love most. I use the natural light, surrounding environment, and everyone’s energy to create something beautiful. I cater to nature-loving clients, so there’s no requirement for dressy outfits, make-up or perfect poses. I really want clients’ love for the outdoors bring out their joy and connection. I love families of all shapes and sizes whether they have children or fur babies or plants.

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?
I am based out of Salida, Colorado in Chaffee County, a region known as the Heart of the Rockies just 3 hours from Denver. We have countless hikes, adventures, breweries, restaurants, and activities to do on a week or weekend trip.

If you’re coming to town, I’d suggest planning ahead and booking me for an aspen adventure where I’ll show off one of our stunning National Forests at sunrise and capture the moment with incredible photos.

After our sunrise hike, I’d head to Bunny and Clydes for coffee and breakfast or go straight to the High Side for a burger and beer on their patio overlooking the Arkansas River and Salida’s Whitewater Park. After getting food, I’d walk downtown to check out Riverside Park and all our local shops and art galleries.

I’d also be sure to visit Mount Princeton Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the creekside pools. Check it out on a weekend when the infinity pool is open because it has the best views. It’s a great way to soothe your muscles and mind.

I’d cap off my trip with a sunset drive up Spiral Drive to the top of Tenderfoot Mountain aka “S Mountain” that overlooks Salida and the Collegiate Peaks. I love the view you get of all our region has to offer.

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?
I want to shine a light on Taylor Fisher of Taylor Jones Photography who was pivotal in the launch of my Colorado photography business. I moved to Salida, Colorado and registered my photography business in 2020 yet the global pandemic put a damper on my first season as a photographer in the state. In early 2021, I participated in Taylor’s first photography business coaching group and met some other amazing female entrepreneurs working to build their business. She was warm and welcoming and helped open the door for me to connect with other local photographers and gain client referrals. Taylor also encouraged me to create a niche and championed my Family Adventure Photographer brand. I’m so glad she’s been a part of my journey and is a resource for other photographers looking to launch or transform their businesses.

Website: https://www.emilylordphoto.com

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

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

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/emilylordphoto/

Image Credits
The first portrait of me (holding camera, sitting next to a golden retriever) is with my dog, Solstice. Photo by Taylor Jones Photography. The second portrait of me jumping across a stream holding two cameras is also a photo by Taylor Jones Photography. All other photos are by me, Emily Lord Photography.