Picture this
Formerly a social worker, this mom uses her skills in a new way
Emily Wilson has spent most of her life making sure people are seen and heard. During her time as a social worker, she made sure that children involved in the New York City court system had a voice on their side. After switching to photography full-time, she now strives to make expectant mothers and families always look their best. ● “I’m passionate about people and their stories,” she says. “It feels very innate to me.” ● When the mother of four isn’t photographing people in her new Wyckoff studio or proofreading college essays, she likes to stay active and enjoys hiking, cycling, and taking pure barre classes several times a week. “I’m also an avid reader,” she says. “Especially audiobooks, so I can multitask!”
Before focusing on photography, you were a social worker.
I was a social worker for many years. I loved my work with families. Finding hope and beauty in their strength during adversity. While getting my master’s degree at Columbia University, I worked as an advocate for children involved in the New York City court system and then continued there full-time after graduation. I loved interviewing everyone involved in the child’s life and representing the child’s voice to the best of my ability. I did that for several years before I moved to New Jersey and started working with families caring for loved ones with memory loss issues, connecting them to resources, and leading support groups. I did that for about a year before learning about a new organization — New Hope — looking to launch a family resource center. I loved my work there as the executive director, starting sustainable community programs, hiring and training staff, and creating a long-term vision in collaboration with the board of directors. While there, I had my first two children, taking photos constantly and starting my own photography business. Eventually, I realized doing it all wasn’t sustainable. I think I still use my social-work degree in my current job though and I know that my experiences in the field contributed to who I am today and why I’m passionate about telling others’ stories through my lens.
How did you get into photography?
My dad was a film photographer and taught me early on the art of shadow and light by bringing me into his homemade darkroom to develop photos he took (mostly of people). I was always the one in my friend group who wanted to freeze moments in time with the people I loved through photos. When I had my first son I naturally wanted to document every minute of his existence, so I threw myself into officially learning how to use a professional camera.
When did you decide to pursue it professionally?
I was taking regular photos of my oldest son as well as my friend’s children. They would post their photos online and others would ask about them and share my contact information. Taking photos of kids just being kids was amazing, and I sought opportunities to photograph anyone interested. After a few years of practice, and learning about both photography and business through workshops and classes, I started a website and little by little started charging for my time. And I’ve grown from there.
Over the past few years, I have added two people to my team: Cassidy, my amazing hair and makeup artist, who comes right to the studio to make moms feel beautiful, and Jennifer, my incredible office manager who keeps me focused and helps clients with their questions and orders.
Where do you find inspiration?
I get my inspiration from the people I photograph. The way people open themselves up and allow me into their lives and stories is truly inspiring to me. It’s a privilege to walk through so many moments with others, both big and small. I also find inspiration in film photography and incorporate film into my work often. I volunteer for NILMDTS (nowilaymedowntosleep.org), which helps parents grieve the death of a baby. I admire the strength of parents surviving impossible moments while still showing grace.
What is your favorite thing to photograph?
Maternity sessions and family sessions.
Do you have a favorite photograph that you have taken?
My favorite photographs are the ones that show connection and emotion, or document a genuine moment in time. I also love kids being happy and playful — swinging, dancing, twirling and running. I love the way couples look at each other. I love the awe of new parents. I love the sweet expectation and anticipation of maternity sessions. I love the awkward smiles of teenagers when I tell them to look at their siblings. I can’t pick a favorite!
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Getting the pictures edited fast enough in my busy season, the fall. I hand-edit every single picture to be perfect, light and airy, and cropped, with distracting elements removed. And when I do a bunch of sessions all weekend long, everyone wants their pictures right away.
Tell me about your new studio.
I love my space and everyone who comes in comments how serene and peaceful it is. It’s a natural-light studio filled with neutral colors. It was a dream come true to find this space where I have big front windows, tons of bright light, space to store everything needed for my newborn sessions, a station for hair and makeup, simple wooden toys for kids to play with, an image-viewing area, multiple backdrops for every occasion, and a full line of dresses and outfits for moms to choose from for their shoot. I’m conveniently located right on Wyckoff Avenue in the heart of downtown Wyckoff.
Any tips for non-pros trying to capture special moments?
Look for the light and position your subject accordingly. If the light is behind your kids — like the Christmas tree in the background — their faces will be dark so simply turn them sideways. If the bright sun is directly overhead it will create shadows under their eyes so look for open shade for even lighting or wait until later in the day.
What does a typical day in your week look like?
I head to my studio right after morning school drop-off. Then a newborn shoot in the morning — families are usually at sunset on the weekends — editing pictures, designing albums and wall galleries, catching up on Instagram, client communication, packaging orders, and drinking lots of coffee.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Bergen County?
A few of my favorite places are Pure Barre, Abma’s Farm and Blue Moon Mexican Cafe in Wyckoff, and La Vie En Rose Bakery Cafe in Waldwick.
What’s next?
I have an annual “Celebration of Motherhood” event coming up in April where I offer complimentary photos to moms and their kids (of any age) in a pretty setting with complimentary hair and makeup and goodie bags to honor moms and get them in the photos. I started this event seven years ago to get moms into the frame. It was inspired by knowing that it’s usually moms who are taking the pictures. I’m also doing Blooms and Babes mini sessions at Abma’s Farm with their baby animals on several dates in March. I also offer Jersey Shore sessions in the summer and then fall is always my busy season before the holidays.
Joram is the art director for the magazines of North Jersey Media Group — including (201), Montclair and Wayne. He currently writes three monthly columns for (201) and his work appears regularly on NorthJersey.com and in The Record. He also manages the social media accounts for all three magazines.