Emily Irwin faced an obstacle during the pandemic and found a way to pivot to a new career. The Ann Arbor mom was working as a project manager for a PR research firm when she lost her child care option. Irwin, like many moms, wanted to find a work-from-home solution that would allow her to enjoy her time with her little ones while fueling her creative side. The University of Michigan Art School graduate decided to launch Emmy and Ollie Photography, with a focus on capturing family moments.
“I had done friends’ photos over the years, but finally the pandemic pushed me into actually starting the business in 2021. I was always a little jealous of people who got to make a living being creative, and now I’m finally there.”
Irwin began offering family photo sessions. She offered newborn and maternity shoots, senior portraits and mini sessions with children.
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“That’s what I love the most. Being a mom, I have an easy time connecting with little ones.”
She finds that taking photos of families in their natural environments can be a much more enjoyable experience.
“I love going to people’s houses to do in-home sessions. It helps kids feel calm because they are not in a new, weird spot. They’re probably wearing new clothes and they’re already a little uncomfortable, but if they can show me their toys, I can play with them for a while.”
Irwin is now offering to film the photo sessions for families so that they can look back and remember the fun experience they had together.
“I shoot the film at the same time that I’m doing photos, and then you have this wonderful film at the end to show your family in motion rather than just static,” she said. “I try to get unique perspectives and get people feeling really comfortable. It’s about the experience of the photo shoot. My goal is for you to have fun.”
Photographers often have to forfeit their weekends for photo shoots, but Irwin still finds time to enjoy her family throughout the week. Eventually, she would like her focus to shift to personal branding, which would allow her to work during the week when both of her children are in school. For now, she enjoys the flexibility that comes with her current situation.
“I protect my time with my family the most,” she said. “I practice blocking out time for my family first, and then doing business second because I think that’s really important. I’m able to have a balance. I’m intentionally part time because my full-time job is taking care of my kids and all the other things that go on with a household and I love what I do.”
Get to Know Emily Irwin
Tell us about your family!
Ryan (husband), Oliver (age 5), Violet (age 2, almost three), Rockefeller (cat) and Lemon (golden retriever puppy).
Are you a book person or a movie person?
Movie person (but I love books).
Dream vacation?
New Zealand
Favorite Ann Arbor restaurant?
Jerusalem Garden
What is your go-to drink to keep you fueled for the work day?
Just a simple cup of coffee brewed at home. I start every day this way.
Any hobbies?
I love to bake and cook!
Do you have a Mom super power?
I think my biggest super power is helping my kiddos calm down and feel better when they’re having a tough time. I definitely learned this calm from my own mom.
What do you like to do with the family on a day off?
We love to go on adventures! Sometimes, that’s as simple as going to Costco. Other times, it’s heading to a new museum or back to the Toledo Zoo.
Any mottos or sayings that inspire you?
Something that my grandmother said to me when I was a brand new adult doing adult things and worrying that I would never be successful was “Do you have a roof over your head? Do you have food on the table? Then you’re successful.” It helps keep me grounded whenever I start to spiral.
Any advice for other parents who may be thinking about becoming entrepreneurs?
Do it! But make sure you have a supportive partner or community. It’s hard going it alone, and you’ll have very low, hard times. You’ll want someone there cheering you along. My husband, Ryan, does this for me daily and always says how proud he is of me.
