Local Highlight: Emily Cummings Photography
Discovering the Art of Photography with Emily Cummings
Photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about capturing moments that tell a story. In Naperville, one talented photographer is doing just that. Emily Cummings, the owner of Emily Cummings Photography, specializes in creating stunning family and corporate photography. Today, we dive into her journey, her studio, and her passion for the art of photography.
How It All Began
Emily's journey into photography began about 15 years ago, just before the birth of her daughter, Olivia. Initially, she was busy sewing clothes and had the idea to start an Etsy shop. As she recalls, "I decided that I needed to take good pictures of my wares." With limited funds, she made a pivotal decision to purchase a $500 Canon Rebel from Costco, which marked the start of her photography adventure.
“It was a Costco camera and a Groupon that got me started,” she laughs. Balancing her photography with a technology job, Emily spent over a decade honing her skills. After 12 years, she felt ready to take the leap into full-time photography.
Back to Her Roots
Emily is a Naperville native, having attended local schools and even returning to the area after a stint in Virginia. “I actually went to school here in Naperville and moved back after living in Chicago,” she shares. Her connection to the community is deep; in fact, she and Dan Firks (her interviewer) discovered a delightful coincidence—they realized he sold her parents' house 15 years ago!
A Unique Experience in Japan
Emily’s journey also took her to Japan, where she taught English. “I loved the experience so much that when I came back to the US, I decided to go back to school and get my Masters in Education,” she explains. This unique blend of experiences has shaped her perspective as a photographer, allowing her to connect with people from various backgrounds.
Establishing Emily Cummings Photography
Before moving back to Naperville, Emily had already started her photography business in Chicago. “I started off doing kids and family work when I was in the city,” she explains. As her business grew, she began to focus on branding photography as well.
Around 2018 Emily made the decision to open a studio in downtown Naperville. “I knew this was the street to be on,” she states confidently. Walking around downtown, she took pictures of signs in windows until she found the perfect space for Studio 25 Naperville.
Welcome to Studio 25 Naperville
Studio 25 is located in the heart of downtown Naperville, right on Jefferson Street and Washington. This vibrant area is alive with local businesses, making it an ideal spot for photography. “I love being down here and participating in a lot of the downtown Naperville activities like the wine walks and cookie walks,” Emily shares.
The studio is designed with photographers in mind, featuring plenty of natural light and even a skylight. “We have lots of skylights. That’s why the daytime here is just a bonus for photography,” Emily beams. This allows her to capture stunning images without relying solely on artificial lighting.
Multi-Use Space for Everyone
Studio 25 Naperville isn’t just for photography; it’s a versatile space that can host various events. “We host showers and parties here,” Emily explains. The studio can be rented by anyone looking for a unique venue, whether it’s for a birthday party or a corporate meeting.
Emily highlights the cozy sitting area, which can accommodate many guests. “We had our ribbon cutting here with 60 people,” she recalls. The space is flexible, with a farm table that can be transformed to fit different needs. There’s even a large outdoor patio (facing Potters) for additional event space.
Capturing Moments
Emily is known for her ability to create authentic moments in her photography. This past spring, the Dan Firks Team collaborated with her for a lifestyle photo shoot. “We had you laying on the ground doing photos,” Dan reminisces, recalling the early morning shoot by Water Street.
Emily is excited to announce plans for smaller branding shoots for businesses throughout the year. “We’re going to have days where businesses come in, and we’ll have makeup, styling, and all the fun stuff,” she explains. This initiative will allow local businesses to enhance their branding with professional photography. Learn more about branding sessions
The Power of Community
Emily’s passion for photography extends beyond just capturing images; it’s about building relationships within the community. “When you’re looking for some of the best photography in Naperville, make sure you check out Emily Cummings Photography,” Dan encourages viewers.
Her commitment to her craft and her community is evident in every project she undertakes. Whether it's a family portrait or a corporate shoot, Emily's goal is to create images that resonate with her clients.
Why Choose Professional Photography?
In a world where everyone has a camera on their phone, it's easy to underestimate the value of professional photography. Emily emphasizes the importance of hiring a skilled photographer. “A professional knows how to capture the essence of a moment and tell a story through images,” she explains.
Investing in professional photography means getting high-quality images that reflect your unique personality and brand. Emily’s approach is personalized, ensuring that every client feels comfortable and confident during their shoot.
Conclusion
Emily Cummings is a shining example of how passion and dedication can turn into a thriving business. Her journey from sewing clothes to capturing life’s most cherished moments is inspiring. If you’re in Naperville and looking for photography that tells a story, look no further than Emily Cummings Photography.
Studio 25 is not just a photography studio; it’s a vibrant space, with lots of natural light, that fosters creativity and community engagement. For more information about renting the studio or booking a session, visit Studio 25 Naperville.
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