With a passion and flare for photography, it’s easy to see why Emma Cartmel is becoming one of the new, hotly tipped North West photographers in 2009.
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Gazing around her apartment it is easy to see why she has succeeded where others have failed. Each photograph has, at some point, had Emma’s undivided attention to enable her to capture everything important to Emma and her clients.
Unbelievably, Cartmel photography was only established last year but with Emma’s lifestyle changes she decided to take her hobby further and hasn’t looked back since.
Working as a Field based account manager in the telecom industry, Emma, 27, was working long hours and found it extremely stressful.
She realised after giving birth to her first child in 2006 that her work and life balance wasn’t right and Emma felt that she was on the road too much.
She said:
Having Christopher changed everything. There is more to life than the corporate world – and it’s more important to do something you enjoy.
Delving into her hobby of photography, she decided to bite the bullet and persevered to become recognised for her talents.
I realised it could grow to be a lot more than a hobby, so started researching into it. Changing career during the recession was a huge worry as we have a mortgage and family to support, but then again there would always be some barriers to overcome and you have to believe in yourself.
Emma, from Clayton le Woods, Chorley, realised she was turning a corner in life after her first paid portrait session and the customer’s delight spurred her on to go further.
Now, with an ever increasing client base, Emma is trying to maintain that the work and life balance is in order so she can enjoy spending time with her partner, Chris, of ten years and their son Christopher, who is three.
It’s not easy, you have to remember where your priorities are and you need an understanding partner. Chris would always tell me if the balance wasn’t right. I do feel guilty for not being a stay at home Mum and when I’m away I feel that I’m missing out on special time with my son.
Despite the current recession, Emma is building her business successfully and her photography name is now well known in the wedding industry. Her diary is booked up for months on end already – proving that her unique eye to detail is an instant hit throughout Lancashire.
Emma’s day to day life varies so much now and that it what she loves – the change.
She said:
There just isn’t a typical day (in Cartmel Photography). I do weddings, portraits and Christenings so it can be shooting on the day, editing the images, answering emails and keeping track of finances. It’s especially important to keep an eye on developments in the industry and within the wedding market.
The budding photographer relishes in building excellent relationships with customers because she insists that her photography is personal; something between herself and whomever she is working with.
In ten years time I’d still like to be doing it and feel inspired, like I do now. I love being creative and if I lost that it would be mundane and I don’t want that from life.
So, it just goes to show that if you set your mind to something – you can do it and Emma Cartmel is the perfect example, both in her professional and in her personal life. An amazing example of a yummy Mummy who juggles the best of everything!