Meet Emily Bohannon | TN Based Photographer & Videographer

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

Hi Emily, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Since I was a child I’ve always been interested in anything creative. I’ve been painting as long as I can remember, and picked up a camera for the first time around middle school – I was immediately hooked. I tend to be more of a naturally introverted person and art, now specifically photography, has given me a way to connect with others and express myself. My photography style tends to lean towards being more documentary, capturing the session as it was in real life without stiff posing, and I think that gives a great opportunity for me to help my clients be comfortable in their sessions and have an amazing time!

But, I did not initially pursue a creative career. I was always told it was too unstable and unsure so I chose something more steady and got a bachelor’s degree in ESL education, and nearly completed a masters in counseling. While I adored the children I was working with, it was quickly obvious that the education system was not for me. I had already started photography as a hobby and had “friend clients” but never considered it an actual career option, so again I went with something more creative but steady and decided to pursue cosmetology. “Everyone needs haircuts!” I will say, I loved the clients and co-workers I had in this field, but it was again me ignoring my true passion out of fear.

I finally made the leap and went full time with my photography career as the Lord blessed my business and allowed there to be room for that financially. Honestly, I was scared to do that because there are so many others in this industry, but it has really helped me grow as a person and has been an amazing opportunity for our family allowing me more time with our kids.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a TN based photographer and videographer but I also love to travel. My style is documentary capturing authentic moments in sessions and prioritizing my clients being comfortable so their personalities and stories really come through in their galleries. As I mentioned earlier I did not start photography right away, I was very hesitant to make it a full time career. It’s been a challenge to have two little children at home and maintain a functioning, busy business. But it has grown me and helped me to find my priorities and what I value most. I’ve had to really challenge myself with my work/life balance to benefit first and foremost my family, but also my clients. I want to be my best self so I can serve others well and not out of burnout.

I don’t feel like my story is particularly unique or exciting, but I don’t think all stories have to be to be inspiring. I hope if someone reading feels like they can’t make it in a creative field that this can be uplifting to them. Running a small business as a mom is no small feat, but has been more than worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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.
I’ve been able to explore a lot of beautiful locations as a photographer. Some of my favorite places locally to visit would be: Bee Rock Overlook, Fall Creek Falls, Burgess Falls, Welch’s Pointe, Rock Island, and Westside in Cookeville.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been blessed to have had so many people pour into me over the years. My family has quite a few creatives that inspired me. My mom was a successful photographer, my dad and his parents were skilled musicians, my brother is an artist, my mammaw is just creative in most everything she does, just to name a few.

In middle school I was lucky enough to have an art teacher that really took an interest in me and somehow I won the lottery because she moved up to high school as I started my freshman year. It’s not often you have someone really push you and invest in you for years on end, but Mary Ross’s art classroom was my home away from home for a very long time. She taught me so many things about art that have translated to photography like composition, storytelling, and attention to detail. Once she told me that my strong suit was my creative use of color and I’ve never forgotten that compliment.

Around the same time another mentor came along side me and encouraged me to continue growing my photography skills. Craig Reed would regularly take me on adventures to see beautiful places around my hometown, he encouraged me again to slow down and pay attention to details. This has been a very valuable practice in my career.

Again, my family has always been so supportive in my art endeavors and made it known that those talents were a blessing and of value. I know not everyone is so lucky, so that is something I cherish.

Website: https://embophotoandfilm.com

Instagram: @em.bo.photoandfilm