Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Claire Stephens
Hi Emma Claire, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
At 8 years old, my passion for horses began. I quickly found a love for dressage and earned both my USDF Bronze & Silver medals.
After graduating Summa Cum Laude with my Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University, I found my love for photography and videography. I love coming up with fun and innovative ideas and I look forward to working with you.
Equestrian
Dressage is a sport I will always be extremely passionate about. My horse, Vivi, and I have been partners for 8+ years competing from Children’s to Juniors to Young Riders. We have twice competed at the Festival of Champions and the North American Youth Championships! In 2025, Vivi and I plan to compete at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in the Young Rider division!
Experience
As a photographer/videographer, I got my start working for Wellington International, managing the Dressage social media page by capturing photos and videos to publish on Instagram and Facebook. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Kentucky for the Land Rover Kentucky 3-Day Event, CHIO Aachen in Germany, and private sessions in Europe and the U.S.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think like any entrepreneur there will be ups and downs and I’ve been very fortunate to have incredible clients with whom I have built great relationships. I think the most important struggle I have had to deal with is trying to maintain a balance, I have gone through months spans of pulling all-nighters and I am in a better time management space now where I can still turn out quality products as fast as I can
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in equestrian photography and videography, with a particular focus on the competitive side of the sport. What sets me apart from others in this field is my personal involvement as a competitor. I’ve been riding for over 12 years and currently compete with my four horses. I’ve had the honor of competing at the North American Youth Championships, where I placed 5th. This deep connection with the discipline allows me to anticipate the moments that are most impactful to capture.
One of my proudest accomplishments is the recognition I received for my videography at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida, where my work was shared across social media platforms throughout the 2024 winter season. This exposure led to multiple riders reaching out to me, both to capture their rides and to work together on creating engaging content for their platforms.
Beyond the technical aspects, though, I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients. To me, they are more like family. I go above and beyond not just to document their performances but to actively support their growth on digital platforms, staying ahead of trends and tailoring content that resonates with their audience. My ultimate goal is for my clients to succeed—not just in the ring, but online as well.
The combination of my competitive experience, deep knowledge of the sport, and my passion for helping my clients succeed is what I believe truly sets me apart from others in the industry.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One key piece of advice I’d offer is to not be afraid to ask questions or seek out those opportunities. Even if you’re just starting out, it’s okay to ask someone who’s more experienced for advice or feedback. The photography community, in my experience, is full of people who want to help and encourage others. Just remember that building a relationship takes time, and it’s not about taking, but about giving too—whether that’s sharing your work, helping with a shoot, or just offering your support in some way.
Networking has also been a big part of my journey. I’ve been able to connect with a lot of clients and other creatives through social media platforms. I try to stay consistent with sharing my work and engaging with others in a meaningful way. It’s also important to network in person—whether that’s at shows, industry events, or just reaching out to someone locally to collaborate. The more you show up, the more opportunities you’ll have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emmaclaire.com/
- Instagram: @emmaclairesphotography
- Facebook: @emmaclairesphotography
Image Credits
The image of me holding a camera is by Ibach Media. The other images were taken by me
