Meet Emily Vinyard-Walker | Wedding & Family Photographer

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

Hi Emily, what role has risk played in your life or career?
If I hadn’t taken risks, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Period. You have to take the big risks to make the big moves. A year ago, I was a depressed restaurant manager trying to find time for the things that made me happy. I was running On the Vine Photography part time, squeezing in sessions whenever I could. I wanted to take on more weddings but couldn’t because weekends were so busy. I was exhausted all the time. Once I realized I didn’t have to live my life that way, I jumped full-time into my business and started to see real growth. I invested time in more education and marketing, I got organized and worked on my brand. Now I’m taking on more work than I thought possible doing things that truly make me happy. It’s still crazy to me that I get to be there for the best days of peoples’ lives. I’m trusted with capturing some of the most precious memories in a creative way.  It’s really a dream come true.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve learned that building your brand with personality is more important than people give it credit for. I mean, we all know it’s important, but we all sort of play the game for a while before falling into our niches. The best thing I ever did was invest in my brand by showing my personality and true self. Putting that energy out there attracts the same energy in your clients and gets you closer to your dream bookings. It’s definitely not easy, and it can be super scary, but it’s so worth it. I wasted so much time in a career that wasn’t completely fulfilling, afraid to take the plunge into my business. Once I let that go and gave it everything I had, I started to see real growth in my business and myself.
My advice: Just go for it. There will be times you do the wrong thing, or don’t know how to handle something, but you’ll figure it out and be much better off.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite thing to do in DFW is EAT. I love hanging around the McKinney Square, trying new street foods at Legacy Hall, or walking around lower Greenville Ave. If you’re a ramen lover, check out Ten Ramen in Dallas or the Colony. Grab revolving sushi at Kura in Plano or try boba tea from Feng Cha. Top it off with a Sunday brunch at Tupelo Honey in Frisco!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A quick thank-you to all the photographers who gave me a chance to shadow and second shoot for them! I wouldn’t have been able to build a portfolio or learn anything without it. Janette Yañez from Eternu Weddings definitely helped me out a ton in the beginning, and still does whenever she can. Shoutout to helping your fellow creatives!

My husband, Tiler, also deserves some praise for always supporting me and saying, “Oh wow, babe!” every time I shove a new photo in his face. 

Website: onthevinephoto.com

Instagram: instagram.com/onthevinephoto

Facebook: facebook.com/onthevinephoto

Other: pinterest.com/onthevinephoto