Meet Emily Ritoch-Hamm | Photographer & Dog Mom

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

Hi Emily, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
So my story is a bit different. I actually didn’t have a plan to start a photography business. My Mom owned a bed and breakfast, I worked there part-time but had recently gotten remarried and was working on being a stay at home wife. I had a small leather working business on the side at home, just to keep me busy and for extra cash. My mom called me up one afternoon and said they had a wedding in a few weeks at the Inn and needed a wedding photographer (just an elopement, not a full-blown wedding, thank goodness). I told her I hadn’t even shot a wedding and had no idea what I was doing. She explained it was very simple they basically just wanted photos the day of, and the ceremony would be all of 10 minutes. I very reluctantly agreed. Now, before you shake your head at me and tell me I should never have without prior experience, I know. That being said, I did have a “nice camera.” it was a Nikon D3300 I had purchased years ago after my Dad had passed away (he was also a photographer). I knew a little bit about shooting and posing because I used to help him. But back on topic. The day of the wedding came. You can only imagine how nervous I was. Trying to seem professional while trying to blend into the background. In hopes that no one would notice me not knowing what I was doing. All in all, it went so smoothly that they were very pleased with the photos, and long story short, the photography bug had bitten me. This happened at the very beginning of 2020, so I didn’t think for a second almost 3 years later I’d be booking weddings, family sessions, boudoir you name it. It’s been a slow burn for me, but that’s okay. I’d rather let things grow organically so I can keep up. I love doing what I do, since 2020 I’ve taken online classes, met some other really amazing photographers, and clients. I have no plans so stop anytime soon. I have been traveling to Colorado and hope so do more shooting up there in the near future!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
One of the things I think happened to me earlier on. It probably happened to a lot of other people starting out too. There are some really great groups and resources and some really awful ones. Find a group who supports and answers questions, and challenges you. Not the ones who tell you you’re wrong for not running your business a certain way, especially in the early days. Give yourself some grace when your learning, be teachable, and ask for support.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Kansas City (Missouri) has a lot of really neat places. Some of my favorite spots include Union Station, the Plaza, and Crown Center. Pro tip, you can ride the street car for free from Union Station, access the sky walks, and most people don’t know but you can go up on the 3rd floor balconies!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Golly, there are so many people I hardly even know where to begin. My cousin Emilea Ellis (also a photographer) she has probably been my biggest support. My sounding board, teacher, and cheerleader. She’s been amazing every question, concern, and “What do I do?” of the way. Also great resource too that I’ve found has been the unscripted fb group and fire and ice fb group. They’re are so many amazing photographers on there willing to help with anything. If you aren’t part of those communities I’d highly recommend doing it.

Website: Lunerphotoworks.pixieset.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/lunerphotoworks/

Facebook: Facebook.com/Lunerphotoworks

Image Credits
Emily Ritoch-Hamm/Luner photoworks