Well hot damn, i'm excited you're here. I'm Emily - you can call me em.
welcome to the blog!
I love taking adventures all over the world, photographing weddings. seniors, boudoir, and helping other photographers perfect their craft. When I have my shit together, I blog about them using way too many exclamation points. What can I say, I love my job! Grab a coffee and stay a while!
January 27, 2018
Timber Creek Bed + Breakfast, Paxton, IL Second shooting for me often means having to travel a bit. Paxton is a town FULL of churches, but skimpy on reception venues! However, last September I had the wonderful opportunity to second shoot alongside Kara Evans, a photographer based out of St. Anne, IL, and she was […]
January 15, 2018
Last year, I posted by very first ever “Weddings in Review – 2016” blog post, and thought I’d keep it up for 2017! Photographing weddings is my ultimate bread and butter, and this year didn’t disappoint! I photographed 11 weddings all over Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Florida! Slowly but surely crossing off new states and […]
January 11, 2018
Another year. Damn. It’s so hard to believe that 2018 will be the start of my FIFTH year with Mager Image Photography. I have been so fortunate to have stumbled into this job that started as a side hobby and turned into something I not only cherish with my whole heart but can support my […]
January 3, 2018
Allerton Mansion, Monticello, IL I absolutely love shooting in Monticello at the Allerton Park and Retreat Center, and the only thing better out there is photographing a wedding at the great Allerton Mansion! Last summer, I was able to do just that when fellow photographer friend Kaula reached out to me about second shooting for […]
November 9, 2017
Champaign, IL – November 4th, 2017 I’m back! After last weekend’s destination wedding in Florida it was nice to be back home after taking six days off. But last week I was able to get back into a somewhat normal routine again and focus on preparations for Nick + Micaela’s big day! The forecast for […]
November 2, 2017
The Don Cesar, St. Pete Beach, Florida October 28th, 2017 Holy. Cow. I am in complete awe at this entire last week, and if you follow me on social media you know why! Brandon and I had the opportunity to travel down to Florida to photograph Meredith + Jordan’s wedding day at the jaw dropping Don […]
October 30, 2017
Timber Creek Bed & Breakfast, Paxton, Illinois October 21, 2017 You guys, fall. is. here. FINALLY. This Illinois weather has made this season particularly difficult, with cool rain one day, and hot sunshine the next. As a photographer, I was freaking out, hoping that the leaves would stay on the trees long enough for a […]
October 4, 2017
Faith United Methodist Church + iHotel + Conference Center, Champaign, IL I first met Christie over coffee (Starbucks, of course) and we hit it off. She’s got such a cool, calm, sweet manner and is so laid back! She had just moved from Atlanta, Georgia and was looking to connect with other professional photographers! Now, […]
September 27, 2017
Pear Tree Estates, Champaign, IL Last fall, I once again had the privilege of working alongside one of my best tog friends, Holly of Holly Birch Photography, and it was one of the funnest wedding days in a long time. As secondary photographer I got to hang out with Julie most of the morning in […]
September 20, 2017
For almost two years now, I have dreamed of putting together an amazing and creative styled shoot. What is a styled shoot you ask? It’s the chance for many vendors to come together and collaborate on creativity. We style a photoshoot together and it’s a chance for vendors to experiment with new techniques, practice their […]
September 13, 2017
Guys. YOU GUYS. LOOOOOOOOOK! I am so excited to share some big news with you, though if you’re a follower of my Instagram and Facebook, you already know. But I can’t help but share again! The styled shoot I helped create along with the amazing ladies of Southern Magnolias Events and many other individuals has […]
August 17, 2017
Wesley United Methodist Church + iHotel, Champaign, IL 08.12.17 I was booked even before the church. I shared that story with you when I revealed their engagement photos. The engagement photos (both part 1 and 2) were a blast, and these two are serious model material. I am always in photographer heaven around Maisie + […]
August 9, 2017
Trinity United Methodist Church, Kentland, IN + Brandywine Inn + Suites, Monticello, IN July 10th, 2017 Ashlen + Matt’s wedding day started with us arriving at Ashlen’s parents’ home while the girls got ready. When we walked in, we were immediately greeted by the floor length, powder blue bridesmaids dresses and at the end, Ashlen’s […]
July 12, 2017
The Coey Farm, Urbana, Illinois July 8, 2017 I first met Kelly + Kyle for a Starbucks date to talk wedding details. In the first few minutes of meeting them I could tell that they were both very loving individuals who love to have fun and joke around. Their engagement session was a testament to that, as […]
July 6, 2017
Mann’s Chapel, Rossville + Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Penfield, Illinois July 3, 2017 To describe my favorite moment from Hannah + Michael’s day would be hard. Not hard to explain each moment, but rather to pick an overall favorite at all. From the moment Hannah’s bridesmaids saw her for the first time, or the sweet […]
June 28, 2017
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cullom + Hilton Garden Inn, Kankakee, Illinois June 24, 2017 Mark stood awaiting the voice of his bride. In place, with his back against the church they were to be married in, he held a letter. Moments passed, and Amy walked up, with her back to Mark. She also held a letter. […]
June 21, 2017
First Baptist Church + Valle Vista Country Club, Greenwood, Indiana June 17, 2017 Most wedding day posts (or blog posts in general) are hard for me to write. I can’t find the words, it doesn’t flow well, or I’m too attached to the subject of the post and words simply aren’t good enough. However for […]
June 14, 2017
Engelbrecht Farm, Paxton, Illinois June 10, 2017 With a not-so-sunny engagement session, I was thrilled to see perfect weather for Allison + Andrew’s big day. With lots of sunshine and smiles, it was already off to a great start. The bride-to-be and her party were getting ready in the farm house on the Engelbrecht property […]
June 6, 2017
Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, IL March 31st, 2017 It’s no secret I love second shooting. I’ve bored you over and over with the many reasons why I love it, so I won’t go there again. Last March, I had the opportunity to team up with Heather and her hubby of Heather Springer Photography – and […]
May 30, 2017
Joliet Union Station + Grand Ballroom, Joliet, IL August 5th, 2016 Last August, I had the opportunity to work alongside Karen with Karen Shoufler Photography. I have known Karen for a couple years now and have always admired her work, so having the ability to second shoot for her was so exciting! We met up […]
May 23, 2017
Amber Oaks Chapel, Goodwine + The Linden, Rantoul, Illinois May 20th, 2017 There’s something extra special about photographing weddings of dear friends. I’ve known Abby + Austin since early high school, and I’ve always known them as “Abby + Austin”. They’ve been together as long as I’ve known them, which is a long time! Abby […]
May 4, 2017
It’s been awhile since I’ve added another post to the “Inspired By’ segment of the blog! Today I want to talk bouquets. Not just any bouquets, but more specifically the BRIDAL bouquet. Do you know why brides started carrying bouquets? I do! Back in the 1600’s (before plumbing and running water) women would bathe yearly. Yep, you […]
April 30, 2017
Grace + Gabe Armstrong Class of 2017 I often make a fool out of myself. The combination of my goldfish-like-memory along with my incredible ability to make any situation awkward has once again worked it’s magic. Grace is one of my 2017 spokesmodels, and not only is she gorgeous and smart, but she’s also a […]
April 13, 2017
Last week on the blog, I shared my favorite photos from Bexley’s Milk Bath Photoshoot and had tons of great comments and compliments, along with a few questions on how I did it! Milk bath photography has been a growing trend for photographers who photograph maternity sessions, babies, and boudoir, though I think the sky is […]
March 28, 2017
Many of you know how I love to second shoot. Working with other professional wedding photographers is so much fun! Last fall, I had the opportunity to second shoot for Kaula with Kaula Marie Photography. You may remember the name from the headshots I did for her and her business partner last year. She is […]
January 17, 2017
Bridesmaids dresses have a much bigger impact on showcasing your style than you would think! From short to long, chiffon or satin, matching or mismatched, bows or not, they’re a detrimental part of any wedding party. There are so many options, it’s so hard to choose. I have loved seeing all of the differences in […]
January 10, 2017
Every once in a great while, you’ll catch a behind-the-scenes photo on Instagram or Facebook, but they’re rare. If you’re wanting to see more BTW shots, you’re better off following me on Snapchat, although you’ll also see lots of my super spunky little girl on there! However, throughout the year, I compile a folder dedicated […]
January 7, 2017
At the end of every year, I start looking back on that year’s story. Where I began, where I have ended up. The accomplishments I have made and the mistakes that I had the opportunity to learn from. In total, I photographed 24 weddings, the births of three babies, went on numerous adventures with seniors, told […]
January 4, 2017
If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you’ve already heard the news! I am hosting my first ever boudoir mini sessions later this month! I made the announcement, and within SEVEN hours Sunday was booked solid! WOW! So I decided to open Monday sessions as well. I have just a few spots left, so […]
December 28, 2016
WOW, you guys! What a year it has been! As the year comes to a close, I find myself looking back on this past year. So many things have taken place throughout 2016 in both life and business. Mager Image is officially three years old, and although I have days where this journey is tough, […]
