When I got the email from Beyond the Wanderlust, that I was chosen out of thousands as the best in the business, I was totally floored. There are so many photographers, thousands that were considered for this honor, so I really was shocked. I started this crazy photography business back in 2010 after my first son was born. I have worked countless hours learning and perfecting my craft, learning the business, to get to where I am now. I was never given anything. I didn’t attend a million workshops, instead, I read and practiced and read and practiced. I worked hard to develop my own style versus copying other photographers in the industry.
To be recognized as a leader now in the community I was trying to just be a part of, means more than anyone will ever know. Now I teach other photographers around the country, hopefully saving them some time in all the mistake learning. It’s so important to make mistakes though. It is how we all learn. If you are a photographer reading this, there is one piece of advice I can give you. Never try to copy and be a photographer you are not. You will be much happier in the long run, and your personality will come through if you shoot what you love. Hard work really does pay off. 
Emily Lucarz is a newborn child and family photographer based in St. Louis Missouri. Emily teaches newborn and family photography workshops around the country. To book a session with her, or to mentor, see the above tabs for more information.
