Meet Emily Stuckey | Jesus follower, horse lover, photographer

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

Hi Emily, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My balance has changed drastically over time! When I first started Centered Photography I would reschedule anything and everything in my personal life if I got the slightest hint of a client inquiry. While working long hours is definitely crucial in building any business, I found myself rescheduling or skipping out on things I had planned with my family for months.

Now, if I have a set in stone plan with my loved ones it holds just as much weight on my calendar (probably more if we’re honest) as the business plans. I no longer skip 2 days of family vacation we’ve been planning for a year for a last minute wedding inquiry.

I love the balance I have now with life and work. As a small business owner I’m never really “off” because I think about my business every day. But, I no longer put my business above my faith or my family.

That is one thing I would change if I could go back to the beginning. I wouldn’t miss things we had already been planning for one photo session or one wedding. Time is something we cannon get back, and I’m glad I realized this early on in my business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got my first camera for Christmas when I was 16. I never thought I would actually do photography as my job! I shot my first wedding in 2014 for a friend’s brother. At that point I had no idea what I was doing, I was just a friend with a nice camera. After that, I did several photo shoots for friends and family because it was fun. Then, one day someone paid me and recommended me to a friend of a friend. From there, it began.

In 2016 I decided to start my own business. I mainly did family and senior portraits. Then, in 2018 I shot my first “official” wedding. I have learned so much since that day! I ate up every bit of photography education I could. I shadowed photographers at weddings, watched online tutorials, and learned everything I could from people who had been in the industry for years.

Now, in 2022 I am SO glad I stuck with it. In the building years I would have more business than I could handle some months, then go 3 months without a single inquiry. I had to decide before the slow times hit that I wasn’t going to give up. I would use the slow times to educate myself, set goals, and ways to meet those goals.

I love making people feel special. When someone is in front of my cameras I want them to feel beautiful and loved. Not because of me, but because of God’s love in me. It’s SO much more than photography. I love sending welcome packages to our couples and being in their corner on their wedding day. It’s so much more than photos.

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.
One spot in Waynesville, NC that is a MUST is Orchard Coffee! They have the best coffee and the coolest atmosphere. The owner will remember your name and your order after just one time.

Beach Mountain in Hazelwood, NC is the place breakfast and lunch! A club sandwich and sweet potato fries, please.

Birchwood Hall in Waynesville, NC for dinner. They have fun twists on southern classics and the atmosphere is wonderful.

Sassafrass on Main in Waynesville, NC has so many amazing books and games you will never be bored!

The Modern Deer in Waynesville, NC has all of the locally made hand poured candles and home decor you will ever want or need.

Boo-Jum Brewery in Waynesville, NC after exploring all of the amazing shops, relax with a beer and some truffle fries.

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?
First off, I would be no where without God. He is the One who gives me the strength to keep going and the wisdom to rest.

My husband, Will! He has supported me in this business in SO MANY ways. He has always encouraged me and listens to me when I talk about weddings, timelines, and tax write offs. He has also supported me in the fact that I never had to worry financially about working a 9-5 AND trying to grow the business. In the slower beginnings he never lost hope that hard work works and it would grow much faster if I could focus on it as my full time job.

My family-My parents bought me my first camera when I was 16! If it was not for that awesome Christmas gift I would have never found my love for photography. They have always supported me in everything I set my mind to.
My brother and I always talk shop, and he was my first ever second shooter! He now owns his own business as a videographer, but has always been willing share his technical skills in exchange for pizza and good conversation.

Anita Etherton- She taught me how to actually USE my first camera. We went on many hikes to play with cameras, and she mentored me in so much more than photography. She is still a huge encouragement to me!

Website: www.centeredphotography.com

Instagram: centeredphotography.323

Facebook: facebook.com/CenteredPhotography

Image Credits
The headshots of me with the white background are by Tiffany McFalls Photography. The behind the scenes photos are by my mom, Donna.