The camera hovers closely over the left shoulder of a tattoo artist as she sketches. Focused on the intricate black designs that cover her forearm, in the corner of the image sits a blurred but colorful palette of markers. The artist’s bead bracelets lightly clink against the table while she outlines a drawing she’s working on for a client. This single photo tells a detailed story – there’s an intentional, patient process to creating something special. For Emily Freymann, owner of Freymann Photography & Design, this is the kind of story she was born to share through the glass of her camera lens.
From early spring through late fall, photographers are busy – senior sessions and graduation photos to shoot, weddings to book, images to edit, invoices to send. Emily feels the pressure of managing clients and running her business like any entrepreneur does. Still, with each client, she encourages them to slow down, to have conversations, to take deep breaths and just… be. Like the long strokes of the artist’s drawing, she focuses carefully on the story unfolding in front of her and the moment she is preserving with every click of the shutter.
Disposable Camera – Permanent Passion
“I’ve always been drawn to creativity and storytelling,” Emily reminisces. She says she almost always had a disposable camera with her when she was young, and she’d empty the rolls taking photos of everything around her. The next weekend, she’d hurry to get the images developed so she could start the cycle all over again. “Growing up, I loved capturing moments and objects, even before I fully understood photography. But what really started my passion was picking up my camera more after my grandfather passed a few days before Christmas.” Emily remembers seeing her grandfather with a camera in one hand on numerous occasions, taking videos or snapping photos whenever he could. His love of photography fueled her desire to share her own talents. “I felt close to him when I had a camera in my hand and still feel like that to this very day. Photography has the power to preserve memories and emotions that people can revisit forever.”
Seasoned Photographer to Novice Business Owner
Over a decade ago, Emily was just starting out. She launched her business as a professional photographer in her hometown while working full time at a local bank. On weekends, she booked clients and took pictures for free or for little charge for friends and relatives to build experience and practice her process. Growing a service business on her own was stressful, she remembers. “I spent a lot of time second-guessing myself and trying to do everything alone. If I could go back, I would tell my younger self to believe in my value sooner and not be afraid to show my work.” Like many entrepreneurs, Emily served as the designer, the bookkeeper, and the marketer all at once. It was a tough challenge to face while also honing her talent behind the camera.
That talent and love of her craft kept her pushing through seemingly endless days on her own. In 2021, Emily got news every photographer dreams of hearing – her work was officially published in Shutter Up magazine. The recognition gave her momentum to keep expanding. She went back to school for web design and development, then brought that education to her clients by offering full-service support for small businesses, providing website design services, branding development, and help build their online presences. She recalls another important piece of advice she’d give herself. “I would also encourage myself to invest in education, networking, and mentorship earlier. Building a successful business isn’t just about talent; it’s about learning, growing, and surrounding yourself with the right people.”
Some of the right people for Emily to have around are her clients. She doesn’t just take senior photos or wedding portraits; Emily’s focus is on giving her clients space to be authentic and relaxed, allowing a conversational, more natural vibe to flow through her images. She doesn’t stage cookie-cutter style family portraits or pose her subjects like mannequins. “For me, authentic storytelling means creating an environment where people feel comfortable being themselves,” she says. “Rather than forcing poses, I guide clients through natural interactions and conversations that bring out genuine emotions.” Remembering how her grandfather just always seemed to have a camera nearby reminds her that authenticity comes from being present, ready to capture what’s happening, rather than trying to force genuine interactions. Her clients get to relive memories and unforgettable moments in her photos. “I want the final images to reflect who they truly are. The best photographs happen when people forget the camera is there and just simply enjoy the moment.”
Stepping Out From Behind the Camera to Run a Storefront
By 2024, Emily’s full-time job was running Freymann Photography & Design. She was managing client communications, scheduling sessions, and editing digital galleries for customers, all without a brick-and-mortar home base. That’s when the Lift Women’s Foundation made all the difference. “I applied when I was looking for opportunities to continue growing my business to a storefront,” she remembers. “As a small business owner, access to resources and support can make a tremendous difference. I saw the Foundation as an opportunity not only for financial assistance but also for encouragement and validation from an organization dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs succeed.”
Emily was awarded a loan that allowed her to purchase a studio space in downtown East Moline, IL. That space has become the beating heart of Freymann Photography & Design. “Seeing the studio become a place where people celebrate milestones, build their brands, and create memories has been incredibly rewarding,” she beams. Support from the Lift Women’s Foundation came at a pivotal point. It removed barriers and created new opportunities for Emily to expand her business.
With an official building to call home, Emily could consult with clients in an office and offer custom backdrops, personalized lighting, and privacy for more intimate portrait shoots. She also gained dedicated space for photo editing, web design, and future projects yet to be realized. “The support allowed me to invest in a space along with resources to improve both my client experience and overall business operations.
The confidence and encouragement that came with receiving support reinforced that I was building something meaningful within my community. It gave me the ability to focus on growth.”
Expanding the Frame
With a new storefront and plenty of work, Emily worked to expand more of her digital offerings. “The business has evolved from a passion project into a full-service company that offers professional digital footprints for individuals and businesses,” she says. “My web design has grown significantly over the last year.” Today, Emily works with clients seeking to grow their online presence in addition to providing the more “traditional” photography services. She also provides branding support and design, product photography, candid images, and full website design services.
Occasionally, Emily gets to work with clients in ways that are completely new, like her recent project with a small, local business. The employees were working on pen and paper until Emily helped design a program to alleviate the hand-written daily work. “I never would’ve imagined I could help create something that people need to use every day for their business for years to come.”
This newer area of work gives Emily access to higher-scale businesses, nonprofit organizations, and fellow entrepreneurs looking to grow. Emily is glad her persistence has led her to where she is today. She believed in the value of her photography and in her approach to telling stories through her camera. She stresses that speaking up, asking questions, and learning about available resources are key – you don’t know what support is out there unless you look for it. She also reminds other business owners that “investing in yourself and your business is always worth it.”
Developing the Next Chapter
Emily adjusts the large backdrop for her next photo session. Her hair still has flecks of paint in it from a recent fresh coat on one of her studio walls. In July, Emily celebrates her two-year anniversary in her East Moline location. She knows the next few years will be even more rewarding than the journey that brought her here. “When I started, I focused mainly on taking photos. Today, I understand that building relationships, serving clients well, and creating a sustainable environment are just as important.”
Emily’s experiences, along with the support and resources she accessed through the Lift Women’s Foundation loan, will carry with her as her business continues to grow in the Quad Cities community.
“That momentum created opportunities that continue to benefit my business today. It’s been an incredible journey.”
A few more adjustments to the backdrop and lighting, and Emily is ready to call it quits – just on this particular project. Every update and new purchase she makes now is more than a one-time expense. Each day, her business takes another step toward building a legacy present in every candid shot and every website carefully crafted by Emily, Freymann Photography & Design.