Emily Ricker

11/02/2025

Being a mother was something I have wanted ever since I was a little girl. Nothing could prepare me for the highest of highs and lowest of lows that come along with being a mother. It is the most difficult thing I have ever done, yet also the most fulfilling. It tests my patience, my willpower, but has shown me how endless my love is. It has shown me my strength.

When I gave birth for the first time, I immediately felt this connection to all of the other women across time who had done the same. We are in this together. You are strong. You are needed, and you are loved. Being a mother is your superpower.

10/29/2025

Let me ease your worries here. Family photos do not have to be stressful. When kids are involved, there is an element of unpredictability, but that is where the magic happens. There are a few things you can do prior to the session to make things run a bit smoother. During the session itself, my best advice is to release control. They will have emotions and want to move around. Let them lead, have trust in me, and laugh through the chaos. We will get the images we need. I promise.

Check out the blog I wrote for more ideas about how to prepare children for a photography session! I will put the link in the comments.💛

10/26/2025

Full disclosure, post-partum was not easy for me the first time around. I thought crying multiple times a week was normal. And when I realized it wasn’t normal to feel that way, it was hard to reach out and get help. Not only hard mentally, it was actually hard to schedule an appointment with a real-life counselor and jump through the hoops of insurance.

When I was in the thick of postpartum, I wish someone had told me that I wasn't broken, that it was my becoming. That the difficulty was transforming me in ways I couldn’t yet understand. Like a caterpillar changes into a butterfly, it was only a matter of WHEN I would come out on the other side, beautiful and whole.

I did get help eventually… Online counseling, medication, self-care…it took time to feel like myself again but that time did come. Post-partum doesn’t just mean the couple months that follow birth, it can be years. Don’t let that deter you from taking action today though. If it is too scary to ask for help from a stranger yet, message me. I am in your corner.💛

10/24/2025

The smallest thing that helped me feel like ME again after birth was getting myself ready. Who has time to shower everyday? I surely didn’t, but that didn’t stop me from throwing on a cute comfy outfit and washing my face. I would throw some dry shampoo in my hair and add a simple hair style. I did not do this the first time around, but I did the second time.

It is never too late to try prioritizing how you feel about yourself because if you feel that you “look” good, then you will also feel good…or at least a little bit better than you did yesterday.

10/19/2025

Hey, I'm Emily! The photographer behind Emily Ricker Photography. I started photography when my first born daughter was born. I sought to capture her essence because I didn't want to forget a single thing about her. Then, I realized that other moms must also struggle to get infront of the camera. As the "family photographer" of my family, I told the story from my perspective, which resulted in me not being in most of the pictures. I figured I can give other families the gift of presence. I can reflect back to them their love and their beautiful ordinary life.

10/12/2025

Wondering what to wear for family photos?

My favorite colors for a family session are earth tones like browns, blues, and greens with pops of an accent color. Pastel colors and neutrals are always a safe bet.

Some things to avoid are black, logos, and thin stripes. A solid black shirt can come off harsh in a photo and thin strips are a bit distracting. Thicker strips are okay.

To be honest, your family could wear swim suits, matching pjs, or the kids could wear their dress up clothes. It really doesn't matter what you wear, as long as you all feel comfortable and like yourselves.

I'd never want you all to just get dressed up for me because these photos are for you, and I want your photos to feel like home.

Still wondering what exactly to wear? I send a style guide when families book with me so you have some inspiration to get you started as well as some things to include and avoid.

10/10/2025

You know what they say..."A picture is worth a 1,000 words."

Photos tell the stories of their childhood and our motherhood. The good, the difficult, the mess, the magic.

Because there is magic in the everyday, if we choose to look for it.

And those stories matter...your story matters.

Want to hear some of my motherhood stories, tips, and tricks? Join my email newsletter! It isn't all business related, but you will get first access to special offers and discounts.

The link is in the bio💛

09/22/2025

So, we started something big. We started homeschool this week. It has always been a dream of mine, but I never thought it was possible. I didn’t want to make the decision for myself alone, because I think there is a point to be had about kids going out into the real world. However, my 5 year old, for a variety of reasons, has led my family to make this decision. It is what is best for us right now.

I am choosing to view this as a lesson on listening to my own intuition. I had this feeling, this gut feeling, ever since she started school that it didn’t feel right. I am not saying to pull your kids out of school. It isn’t about that.

When you feel strongly about something, take action or speak up. In my case, it wasn’t the easiest or most comfortable thing to do, but it feels right. I am just going to keep doing the next right thing.

“Do the next right thing.”- Anna from Frozen

09/16/2025

Because of loveee fall, I created a list of fun fall activities and crafts for your family to enjoy! Please share with anyone with young kiddos who might enjoy this.

I have created a list of fun fall activities and crafts that you can enjoy as a family. Enjoy!