Meet Emily McClure | Headshot Photographer & Brand Strategist

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

Hi Emily, what matters most to you?
The value that matters the most to me right now in my brand is taking care of my clients. It’s easy to become distracted in attracting new clients or just busy with all things a business requires.

Taking care of clients is much more than just taking a great photo! From start to finish, handling each client requires time and energy, both are which can be in short supply depending on the rest of my life. However, it is worth it to intentionally connect with each person that walks in my studio or into my lights! I enjoy meeting new people and hearing about their stories and life.

Here are 3 ways I intentionally connect with my clients:

1. Take the time to listen to my clients. Their ideas matter to them and since each brand and person is unique, it’s valuable to make sure you clarify what they want and need.

2. Be responsive! Hiring a scheduling assistant was a huge level up for my brand as that is not my strong suit! Making sure each potential client has great service stands out in this world.

3. Writing hand written notes are huge for me! I enjoy receiving mail from a friend so I use that in my business to thank, affirm or check in!

Connecting with client is key to may brand’s success. As I tell my children, “Trust is a choice.” Do your clients trust you? have you earned that right from that person yet?

Best of luck as you build your brand and figure out what works for you!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Turning a hobby into a successful brand is not for the faint of heart! Building a sustainable thriving business over the 15 years has been a slow and steady at times and fast and frantic at times pace. People new in the industry think it’s as easy as buying a camera and taking photos…and that’s a lie. Running a business takes time, patience, energy and support system to make it work well.

I’ve found developing habits that help me stay focused on busy days and productive in slower seasons has been beneficial. For busy days with back to back work, I create a list of the gear I will need, backups included and go over each session in my mind. I’ll review their questionnaire & refresh my mind on their goals and needs. If you miss a required photo for a session, it can be very detrimental to a client. For slower days, I often set myself up as a client to see the content they receive automatically through my client management software, 17 Hats. Then I tweak my graphics or verbage or add a video to help clients though the process better.

Managing my work time best has been a huge key to my success and sustainability.

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.
If my BFF came to town, we would hotel hop starting at the Renaissance Legacy West because I love the lobby and the pool is divine!! Then we would head to the Joule in Dallas for their outdoor pool space as it’s is even better!! We would eat at Hop Doddy for a burger and shake then to Klyde Warren and the Dallas Museum of Art for a lovely cheaper afternoon! I would be sure to eat at the food trucks there!

Up next would be thrifting because she and I love to thrift and have for years! I love 1/2 of 1/2 Name Brand Clothing in Richardson, and Dirt Cheap, so fun!! We would also hit actual thrift stores! I heart Plaza Thrift in Plano and Mckinney as well as the cute one next to 1/2 of 1/2.

Then would hit the new Omni in Frisco because I’ve seen photos and want to see it for myself!! Maybe even tee off a few holes and cart around for fun! Next would be quilt stores! She and I love quilting so fabric stores that carry quilt fabric would be on the list! The Knittery in downtown mckinney would be a must!! She has a lovely selection of fabrics and yarn which makes me want to pick up knitting!

We would definitely be hanging out in downtown Mckinney because it’s delightful!! The shops are curated and the windowscapes are fun to see! Hopefully we would get there in time for the Little Doors Exhibit they are rolling out this fall. I would hit Sue’s Chic Interiors to see what she has because it’s always great, Red Zeppelin to check out any new records, Patina Green on a Friday for a BOB, a brisket on a biscuit with jalapeño jam, yummy!! We could grab a coffee at Layered and hit Marie Gregory to see if Justin has any new pieces to see!! And that is just the east side! I’m eagerly waiting the opening of Tupps east of Hwy 5 because it will be amazing!! For our night, I would choose the Neathery estate to sleep as it just makes me smile and the pool is pretty too!!

So many things to do in North DFW and I’m sure we will fill a week easily!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout would go to many people, but specifically Peter Hurley, the headshot king. He inspired me to start headshots six years ago and I’m forever grateful! He continues to work in his studio while educating others!

Website: www.emcorporate.com

Instagram: @em_corporate

Linkedin: @emcorporate

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Image Credits
EM CORPORATE