Wedding Photographer Emily Rummel

Known for her romantically elegant, yet dynamic imagery, artist Emily Rummel is a full-time wedding photographer living in the Tampa Bay area. After graduating from the University of South Florida in 2018 with her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Rummel began to question the direction of her original career choice.

It was a Christmas gift from her grandmother that first introduced Rummel to digital photography. “When I was younger, my sister and I absolutely loved goofing off, going into the woods and taking photos. We would get all dressed up and use this little camera for our photoshoots. We took photos all the time. I don’t know what I was thinking going into college for Health Sciences, that is so not me.” Throughout high school and college, Rummel continued to have fun with photography by documenting her own life and doing free graduation photoshoots for her sorority. Her relationship with photography began to change to a more professional approach when she realized the value of her skill and began to book clients.

On a 7-week post-graduation trip to Southeast Asia, Rummel’s interest to photography became stronger. The trip allowed her time to decompress from undergrad and to really dive deep and explore her love for art and the diverse world around her. “I had to do what I love, and I was going to make it work. I have always thought of photography as a side business or a hobby, not a full-time career. When I was super lost after college, I started doing a lot of research on successful photographers who were making a career out of photography and traveling the world. I instantly thought I can do this, let’s do it. I began to put all my time and energy into studying social media and how to get my work out there. I just went for it and it’s been a wild ride”.

The first year she transitioned into a full-time photographer, Rummel did a lot of free work to assist in building up her reputation and portfolio. Drawn to the intimacy and connection of artist to subject that is present within wedding photography, Rummel transitioned away from graduation and portrait photoshoots. Wedding photography became her focus as she embarked on her professional career. Rummel understands the value and importance of treasured memories. “The cake is going to be eaten, the flowers are going to die, but you will always have your photos.” This new profession has given her the opportunity to work all over the world in places such as Hawaii, Iceland, and Mexico. Rummel takes inspiration from other photography artists such as India Earl (@indiaearl), Anni Graham (@annigraham), Peyton Byford (@peytonrbyford), and Katie Griff (@katiegriffphoto).

Rummel strictly works with natural light and likes to keep an air of playful energy during her photoshoots. There is a beautiful narrative told throughout her photographs that conveys a delicate relationship between the subjects and the natural landscape. The comfort of her couples and models is one of her biggest priorities. “I want to create an experience for the couple and not just take photos. I don’t want couples to think about the camera in their face, I want them to relook at the photos years later and relive the moment”. Rummel considers it an honor to partake in someone’s wedding day. “The brides are very appreciative, open, and honest with me.” Rummel went on to explain how weddings create so much pressure for the bride and groom in trying to please their guests and make sure everything is perfect, the intimacy can be lost. “You’re with people on the best days of their lives. A portrait session or graduation photo session is fun, but wedding photography is more special. I follow the bride and groom through their entire day, I get to see their first look, them getting ready behind the scenes, and walking down the aisle.”

The summer of 2019 became a turning point for Rummel’s career as an artist, she attended a photography retreat hosted in Salt Lake City, Utah by wedding photographer, Katie Griff. This experience granted her the opportunity to connect with other creatives around the country, a chance to expand her knowledge of the camera and master her craft. The workshop focused on specific styled shoots and provided Rummel various projects to build her portfolio. To prepare for the workshop, she reached out to a few local bridal shops in Tampa asking to borrow dresses for an “adventurous, elopement style” photoshoot. Rummel recruited her sister to join her as a model for the workshop and gathered other elements needed to help bring her unique style to life. “I contacted florists for bouquets and vendors for wedding dresses, which became a smart collaboration between me and the vendor. I advertised for them, while they showed my photos on their website and social media.” This became a standard business tactic for Rummel to build her portfolio. “In Hawaii, I reached out to some couples on social media asking to photograph them. From an outside point of view, it looked like I was a professional photographer, traveling and being paid for my work. In the beginning, most of it was for free and now my most popular package is $3000.00. Fake it until you make it, baby.”

https://emilyrummel.com/