We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Retting and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Emily, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Maintaining a positive and meaningful relationship with my clients is a huge factor to my success as a photographer. It’s very important to me that every client I work with has the best experience possible. The best part of my job as a portrait photographer is following individuals through all of their major life moments. I don’t only focus on couples or families, but rather my client’s life as a whole. From engagement to wedding day, welcoming their first baby, yearly family photos-I want to be a one-stop-shop for my clients. Many of the couples/families I work with have been with me for 5+ years and I’m so thankful for that! I attribute much of my success to them that have consistently believed in me and my talent for so many years. My goal is to create a positive relationship with whoever I’m working with from our first interaction to image delivery, everything in between, and afterwards! I want to authentically capture every person I take photos of and I do this by getting to know you, your family and kiddos in a genuine way. I believe each person I work with has a unique story to be told and it’s my job to create lasting memories for them that reflect their story, love, and genuine connections. I trust that every client of mine can sense my passion and determination to make their experience as enjoyable as possible. With so many talented photographers out there, I’m determined to keep my clients coming back for more!
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My works consists of anything from weddings and elopements, families, kiddos, engagements, maternity, lifestyle newborn, and even boudoir. I focus on candid photography with an emphasis on movement-based imagery. This means I prefer my subject to always be moving rather than taking posed or staged photographs. This gives my work a unique look and allows my clients to feel much more comfortable in front of the camera. While I may “pose” my subject from time to time, I still instruct them to move as much as they want. This allows my particular photography to look more natural instead of carefully composed. My unique style didn’t happen overnight. It took many years for me to learn that the perfect image isn’t planned, but instead created by allowing my clients to truly be themselves during their session. I encourage my couples and families to interact in a way that feels genuine to them so that I can capture their authentic selves. I strive to make my sessions fun, lighthearted, and actually enjoyable for those I serve. I want the entire experience to be positive but I also want to create images that truly stand the test of time. I want each of my clients to look back at their photos and be flooded with all the feelings they felt in that particular season of life. This is my mindset whenever I take a photograph, edit, and deliver the final gallery.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado Springs is full of so many amazing places to eat, drink, and just have a good time. Not only do we have incredible scenery but also some of the best locally owned spots in the state! Some of my favorite food and drink spots around town are Piglatin Cocina, COATI, Odyssey Gastropub, Skirted Heifer, White Pie, and Denver Biscuit Co. Some of my favorite coffee shop/hang out spots are The Wild Goose Meeting House, Loyal Coffee, Wayfinder Coffee, Solar Roast, and Pikes Perk.
Garden of the Gods or Pikes Peak are definitely some of the top places to check out, but I personally love going up to Woodland Park near the reservoir for some of the most stunning scenery ever!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends definitely deserve some recognition. I truly would not be where I am today without the support of my incredible husband. He’s believed in me and supported me through thick and thin and has always been my biggest cheerleader. He’s always believed I would do big things and I’m so grateful to have him as a partner and teammate. Our beautiful one-year-old daughter will always be the driving force behind my business and also my forever model baby (haha). My parents have always supported my photography passion from buying me my first camera when I was a little girl, coming to art shows I was participating in, and even modeling for me when I was just starting out (thanks, dad!). They have always provided a safe place for me to explore my passions and I would not be where I am today without them.
My friends definitely deserve some credit as well. I’m so blessed to be surrounded by such positive and encouraging people in my life. I have so many friends that have supported my business from the beginning and continue to push me to keep going. It is their affirmation that inspires me to continue growing as a photographer and business owner.
Website: https://emilyjophoto.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyjophotoco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyjophotoco
Image Credits
Emily Jo Photo Co.