Want to collaborate?
YES! The best way to reach me is via email — emily@isntthatcharming.com. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
What does your blog name mean?
It’s a statement, not a question! I believe in living life as a verb – something you do and create for yourself – and I believe that embracing this notion leads to a life filled with charm. I also believe that creativity and charm are interchangeable – and they’re qualities that every one of us posses. This website is about embracing and celebrating that notion. Be sure to check out the manifesto here!
What type of camera & lens do you use?
I use a Canon 6D! My favorite lens is my Sigma 35MM, and I also use my Tamron 17-35mm frequently. A lot of my photos are also taken on my iPhone!
How do you edit your photos?
Through the years I’ve learned that editing is such a HUGE part of photography! I edit most of my photos through Lightroom, which I can’t recommend enough. I have this on my desktop and also my mobile device. Other photo editing apps that I use and recommend include A Color Story, VSCO, and Snapseed.
I always use a preset, which has changed a few times over the years. Right now I’m using Veil Presets, which creates a nice, airy feel to my photos. I love this preset so much! Others that I love include: Officially Quigley + Aesthetica + Jaci Marie + HB Goodie. All such talented content creators who I admire!
Who takes your photos?
A lot of times it’s just me, my little ‘ol tripod, and remote timer! However, Doug (my husband) helps a lot, too. It all depends on what I’m shooting!
How long have you been blogging?
It’s been a long journey! I started blogging back in 2012, when I was craving a creative outlet from my day job. You can check out my first post here. And, how about my first outfit post, wearing a skirt that I handmade?! Everyone’s gotta start somewhere. 😉
If you could live anywhere other than Michigan, where would it be?
If I were to live somewhere else by choice, it’d be to go all in with embracing another culture. I’d probably choose Paris, though I studied abroad in Rome while in college and would absolutely live there again!
If you were a color, what color would you be?
This is tough, because I love color! I’m torn between blush and blue. I actually did a full post on this here, if you’d like to read!
Any advice for those just starting to blog?
Despite what some may believe, blogging is tough. There are so many facets to it; on an average day you could be doing anything from editorial planning, business management, social media management, photography, writing, pitching, SEO, etc. You never really turn off, and always feel a certain pressure to be “on” and creative, which can feel overwhelming. That said, it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life and has opened more doors than I ever thought possible!
My biggest advice with blogging is the same advice I’d give to anyone starting in any field: work hard, be nice, and always be solution oriented/open to how you can improve. This is a competitive industry, but you don’t have to fall into the comparison trap. You are enough. You have a story to tell and something unique to share. Define what that is, and go after it. Be confident, smart with things like analytics, and be consistent.
Oh! And for tactical advice, be sure to swing by the “Create” section of this site. Another resource that’s amazingly helpful is Blogging For Keeps, which was started by my friends Blair and Jess!