Emma Vagnone
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a Commercial Product Photographer for skincare, cosmetics, accessories and anything that is packaged for retail.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
The road to becoming the professional I am today has been all over the map. I have always had a creative mind (painting, sculpting, pottery, drawing, and writing) for as long as I can remember. Photography didn't come along until a little before high school when I decided to go for a walk and bring my moms camera with me for fun. After going on that walk, things fast-tracked into a completely passion. I applied to Art Center in Pasadena after high school, I went through the program with no breaks (while working and taking photo jobs to grow). I was lucky enough to land a studio manager roll at a commercial photography studio. Since then I worked a few full time photo jobs, but quickly learned I wanted to have my own studio to create every day and work with brands. I hustle to create, learn, grow and make relationships in this beautiful industry.
How do you stand out in your field?
I feel that I stand out by the experience my clients have while working with me on set. I love collaboration, styling props, getting creative and breaking out into a quick dance in-between sets. I like to keep things light and fun on set, because we all have so much work we have to do every day, so I try to make this aspect of the job fun and as smooth as possible.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Right now I am working on creating new texture images for my portfolio. I love my style, and I want to expand it! Seeking inspiration every day to come up with my own twist or take on it is the best part of being a photographer. I am also working on moving into my new studio space.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I love high quality marketing product photography. My style is a lot of high key images, colorful, dynamic light and depth. I like to be minimal within this because less is more in my opinion.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I wish I could focus on motion a lot more than I can now. I love video work, editing, working with audio and color grading. Doing the photography I am now, lots of clients need/want motion work but sometimes there isn't enough time.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The hardest thing is getting in contact with new clients. I am a people person! I want to meet you, speak with you and get to know you and the brand you work for. I get excited to work on a new project and build relationships with the clients.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would hire someone to do the retouching on a lot of my images. The hard part is I LOVE retouching. I took multiple classes at Art Center, watch endless videos online and enjoy creating images that use new techniques to add to my skillset.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could have told myself to relax and that work is always here but moments fly by. I recently had heart surgery and it took me out of the game for a while. Leading up to it was difficult because I felt I needed to take on more jobs, get work done before the surgery, be wonder woman! I now realize I am wonder woman for going through what I did, and coming back faster and more energized than every before!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
It would be about if they ever felt or feel like they did all they wanted to do within this industry. I feel that this is endless and I could go on forever doing photography even when my hair is gray (naturally haha), my hands are shaky and my studio is my second bedroom.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am looking for projects within the beauty industry. I love skincare and cosmetics and the direction of all natural beauty! I want to work with more all female companies or creatives. Creating anything from website, ecom, marketing and social content.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I love to start with a phone call or a quick meeting to go over ideas, what the client is looking for and examples/inspiration they came up with. Setting up a shoot and having a creative from the company on site, working with my amazing stylist and playing some good music while we bring their vision to life.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I like to draw up estimates depending on the quantity of images, retouching, and usage (as my three main components). Most projects start at 1800 and go up from there.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
I would love an email with a basic outline of what you are looking for and a timeline! Send me any examples, past work you loved or hated! I email back quick and love to set up shoots ASAP.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I let my mind go free.
This member profile was originally published in x 2019.