I am Emily Christine.
A small town native with world-wide adventures, I'm proud to call Nebraska home <3
What's the meaning behind the logo?
The circle within the C and lens combined symbolizes the ceaseless cycle of existence, emphasizing that life comes full-circle, with every experience and moment that are interconnected. The leaves, in various stages of growth, serve as a reminder that life is a journey of ups and downs, much like the ever-changing seasons. We are simply blessed to be alive, and it is my mission to encourage people to appreciate the beauty and vibrancy that life offers. I hope this lens C circle reminds us that even in the face of challenges, we can grow and flourish, emerging stronger and more resilient. This emblem is a reflection of the richness and complexity of life.
I am a storyteller through and through. If you ask my family, they will assure you there is no "long story short" when the floor is mine. I appreciate every. fine. detail. that makes a well-rounded story! I was born and raised on the family farm northwest of Pleasanton, NE. We've always had a cow/calf herd of Black Angus, and over the years we've evolved from producing row crop to hay production as well as custom trucking. My Grandma Zimmer was the most iconic woman in agriculture, and certainly a character I will always aspire to live a legacy like. I hear stories about how she worked in the field all day next to Grandpa, yet always made sure the family was well taken care of and the house was welcoming for company. Grandma Zimmer had a passion for visiting new places and documenting every trip. From the brochures, maps, or rocks she picked up during the excursion to returning home with multiple rolls of film she captured along the way, Grandma Zimmer always had memoirs to look back on and cherish.
I am the youngest of 4, and Grandma's house was our second home growing up. I vividly remember the sliding doors on the side table next to her blue recliner. Behind those doors were rows of photo albums - at least one for every child and grandchild of hers. (Obviously Grandma didn't grow up in the era of having access to a Cricut, but if she did, boy I'll bet she would have been the scrapbook QUEEN!) Anytime we would get the albums out, I could lay on her living room floor and flip through those pages for hours. Being both the youngest sibling and cousin, I didn't get to watch everyone grow up quite like the older ones did; however, those photo albums were like a time machine that made me feel as though I was reliving my family's memories like a fly on the wall.
It was the second semester of my freshman year at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln when I randomly stumbled upon a class titled, "Basic Photography & Videography." As Susan Buffett Scholars, we enrolled in at least 2 sections of WHT courses, and this one caught my eye. Honestly speaking, I joined this class with the intentions of receiving an "easy A," but after the first week, I was hooked and jumped in head first. I look back and giggle - if I only knew at the time how transformational this class was in my journey... Professor Casanova gave me pivotal advice that I still carry with me today, "The best thing you can do is buy a used camera and get to shooting." Right before the 2020 pandemic hit, I did just that. I found a used Canon Rebel T7i with kit lenses on Facebook Market Place for $300, and started shooting.
That spring I was honored to capture a few "Porch-raits" for families in our community during social distancing times. Later that winter, I combined serving as Santa Claus' manager with my photography passion to provide "Santa Minis" for the kiddos in our area. This was the kickoff to my absolute FAVORITE annual event, Santa Claus is coming to town! My Dad is the most kind-hearted, generous, and selfless person on Earth - some even say he is the real Santa Claus :) We eagerly look forward to December every year!
Although I wasn't quite convinced I was fit to be a business owner, I started to lean into this passion a little deeper the following year. In April 2021, I rebranded as EC Photography. Throughout the year I was fortunate to capture everything from families to engagements, Valentine Minis, pregnancy announcements, newborns, a wedding, seniors, a 50th Anniversary party, Wayne State Color Guard team pictures, a styled bridal shoot, Christmas Card Minis, and another year of Santa Claus photos. This was my "yes" year. I wanted to embrace every opportunity to try something new and pick up my camera. Late that fall, I also began the internship program with Legacy Livestock Imaging.
I started 2022 by traveling with Legacy to Denver, Colorado to assist in capturing the National Western Stock Show. Although I didn't grow up showing livestock, I quickly learned the family culture of this industry and the value behind the moments photographers preserve. I remember the chills down my spine while the judge gave his speech during the first Final Drive I experienced at the NWSS. Then, I was trying to focus through the tears in my eyes while capturing the hugs, claps, and jumps for joy from the family of the Overall Grand Champion. These moments are truly priceless. I continued on with this team to serve families and producers at shows like the Nebraska State Fair, Aksarben Stock Show, Big Red Beef Show, Nebraska Cattlemen's Classic, and Cardinal Classic.
One of the most meaningful experiences in my extracurriculars at UNL was to photograph the group happenings as well. The William H. Thompson Scholars, Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, and Sigma Alpha all brought unique experiences to work with my camera even more. It was a "double whammy" of joy to serve my organizations, while also learning more about the art of photography and working with diverse groups of people.
After reflecting on my "yes" years, it is evident that my purpose is serving rural families and adventurous lovers. My lens is a gateway to a world of memories, and I consider it a privilege to be a part of these special moments. From the joy of a rural family gathering to the adventure of love stories, I’m here to capture the essence of life's precious chapters.
I look forward to embarking on this photographic journey with you, and together, we'll create timeless memories that will be cherished for generations to come!