Why I became a photographer

People ask me this question all the time: Why did you decide to become a photographer? My answer - and story - has remained the same.


I have enjoyed taking photos since I was ten years old and got my first camera phone -  maybe even before that. Looking through the camera lens has always given me a creative outlet to make something truly unique and my own. However, for a long time I thought of it as a hobby and nothing more.

When l made it to high school, the teachers and staff continually "encouraged" me to go to college and to pursue a “real” career. Because of the pressure I was experiencing at that time, I tried to pursue nursing, midwifery, psychology, and anything else that would be considered an admirable career choice. Ultimately, instead of feeling excitement for my future, I felt washed out, depressed, and I hated school.

Then in 2014, around Thanksgiving, I encountered a professional chef in Austin named Vincent. I overheard a conversation he was having with a family member about his business. He described the dishes that he loved to create, the clients he enjoyed, and his plans for the upcoming year. He talked about his job with such passion, you could see it in his eyes; he was talking about something that was an integral part of him. It was obvious that his career was not only something that fulfilled him, but it was also something he couldn’t live without.

That passion sparked inspiration in me; it started a fire that is still burning years later. I realized that with some hard work I could turn my love for photography into a career. When I graduated high school, I took a leap of faith. Instead of going to a traditional college, I went to a small photography school in Austin to learn the basics of manual photography. After that, I bought some equipment and started my business, Emma Reaves Photography. I’ve never looked back!

Since then, I still have a lot to experience, but I’m continually learning and growing. You can believe that I am loving every minute of it!

My goal in life is to enjoy my career and avoid spending my life hating the work week. I don’t want to count down the days to the weekend because I only get one life, and I want to live it to the fullest.

If you’re on the fence, don’t put your dreams on hold. Chase them now!

"If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life." -Marc Anthony