EMA Photography - Photographer Interview
This week we will be featuring one of our favorite photographers Carrie Steffe, a NJ based photographer!
Carrie specializes in capturing children and babies and does a great job of it! She has been seen on TLC's "A Baby Story" and has created the imagery for many national and independent children's clothing lines.
To see more of her work visit
Carrie Steffe from EMA Photography.
1. How did you come up with the name EMA Photography? My business took off way quicker then I expected so I struggled finding a name. Someone suggested using my 3 girls initials so I did it, thinking that I could always change it. I soon became known in my area and now don't feel I can change it, but my kids get a kick out of it!
2. Where do you call home and how far will you travel for a session? I'm located in southern New Jersey, most come to me but will travel up to an hour. I've had some clients travel up to 3 hours from New York!
3. Did you study photography in school or are you self taught? Completely self taught.
4. How long have you been doing photography? Been in business 5 years this month
5. What is your philosophy and/or style of photography? Clean and Contemporary with a hint of classic
6. Do you prefer in-studio or on-location sessions? Studio
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7. How much time do you spend editing an average session? If I don't have any other windows open usually about 2 hours, unfortunately I get easy distracted and take breaks so it winds up being closer to 4!
8. What photographers inspire you most? I don't get inspired by others too often, mainly because I try not to look at others work as I don't want to be a replica of someone else's style. Those who inspire me most are those who shoot in a style completely opposite from my own, I enjoy looking through Joey Lawrence's work even though its a style I'd never do, but his work is amazing.
9. If you could shoot any one person - anywhere in the world - who and where would it be? I wish I could go back in time to when I had my first child and photograph her, back then I resorted to Sears and now I cringe when I see the photos.
10. What is your must have camera equipment? Canon 5D Mark 2 and my 50mm 1.2L lens... both are used daily.
11. What has been your most memorable session to date? Can you share an image from that session? HA! trying to get a shot of all four of my children together when my son was born.... you know the saying, the shoemakers kids have no shoes :) It was a painful experience but so worth it once I got "the shot"
12. If you can give one word of advice to women who are looking to hire a photographer what would it be? Don't skimp and don't wait! We have no choice that life will be different tomorrow. Also put as much thought/investment into your children's images as you would your car, down the road it will be one of the best investments you can make and one that will worth tons more down the road.
13. What is the most fulfilling part of being a photographer? How about the worst part? Freezing a moment in time for my clients (ok, that sounds cheesy but true). Worst part is the business aspect (paying taxes, book keeping etc...) can seriously drain the fun out of it!
14. Can you offer our readers one photography tip that they can use at home that will help them take better pictures? Get down on the child's level to shoot. Get on your knees, lay on the ground if you have to.
15. What is the "hot" portrait item to have in your studio - books, standouts, canvas?
Definitely albums. It is nice to have the quality album filled with the session images and most of my clients purchase this at each session.
Thanks Carrie for letting us learn a little more about you!
You can view Carrie's blog at EMA Photography Blog
You can view her portfolio at EMA Photography