On the HOT SEAT: Emerie DiGiovanni

On the HOT SEAT:

Emerie DiGiovanni, owner
Emerie Leigh Photography

Welcome to the lake country hot seat! We believe in supporting local, and being apart of our community. We cannot think of a better way to get to know the owners of local businesses, community leaders, makers and shakers than to ask them questions to learn their knowledge, advice, wisdom, challenges, wins, and maybe some fun personal tidbits as well. We are hoping a little interview will help drive traffic for them by gaining insight in trust to who they are by you!

Delafield, WI

Contact:
Email preferred for contact info  or can inquire through my website

Get social!  Facebook • Instagram

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Tell us your background, and what led you to become a photographer. My background is being in healthcare in the operating room and currently a part time nurse in a cancer clinic. I’ve always had a love for photography as I took all the photography classes in high school, but never harnessed it initially. I have finally been able to harness my passion and started in 2021.

What were you doing before you opened your business? Similar to above, I was working in operating room as a surgical tech, now have been a nurse for 5 years. I had been craving something creative and decided to start practicing in 2021. 

What do you do for fun in your down time? Spending time with friends and family, attending events, always fond of a good concert and sometimes being a tourist in our own big city. 

Tell us about your family life. 
I’m married to my husband and we have 2 dogs, a Dachshund and a Doberman.

What motto/quote do you always try to live by? Life is too short, do those things that bring you joy and live with no regrets.

Walk us through a day in your life! It constantly varies!

WHAT WAS THE FINAL PUSH TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS AND START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? WHAT WAS THE “AHA” MOMENT FOR YOU?

Once I had finished my Bachelor’s in nursing, I had realized that now I can do what I WANT to do and not what I HAVE to do. I decided to go for it by offering photoshoots for free or cheap, practiced and researched like crazy. My husband took note of how much I loved photography, got me a new camera the next year for Christmas and have been growing my business since. 2021 was the year of let’s-see-how-this-goes, to 2022 being ok-let’s-make-this-legit! 

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO FAVORITE PODCASTS OR BLOGS THAT YOU’D RECOMMEND TO OTHER WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES? I’m still finding and reading them myself.

What is your favorite thing about your job? Most rewarding? Most challenging? My favorite and most rewarding thing about my job is capturing those moments you didn’t think you’d have. Photographing a wedding or someone’s elopement is an ultimate honor. Elopements have a certain experience that is like no other and helping couples create that experience and have the best day of their lives is my favorite. 

The most challenging thing about my job are the little ones. Getting them to look at the camera can be difficult but we eventually get there! I always tell parents that as long as there are no tears, it’s a win-win!

You have a very beautiful style. How did you decide not the look / aesthetic of your work? I simply gathered much inspiration on social media and when I kept gravitating towards a certain style I decided to make it my own. My style is warm, earthy and authentic. 

What types of photography do you do?
I specialize in elopements, destination weddings, local weddings and families. 

Where will you travel? Inside/outside? Do you have a studio? I will travel internationally for elopements and weddings and I rent from one studio at the moment in Milwaukee. 

WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING YOUR OWN BOSS? I can make my own hours!

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Just for fun:

What is one thing that instantly makes your day better? 
A flavored iced coffee or a bouquet of flowers, (cheesy I know!)

When did you first feel like an adult?
When I moved out of my childhood home, oh bittersweet memories.

What’s in your cup?
Currently, iced tea.

If you are interested in being in the Lake Country Hot Seat with The Lake Country Mom, send us an email or connect with us on social media.