Behind the Scenes of Modern Content Creation with Emerson Harmon of The Harmon Edit

Introduction to Podcasting

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Guest Introduction

1:08Hello. I am so excited. Today's episode is a great one if you feel a little stuck, awkward, or overwhelmed by the idea of creating content for your business. I am joined by my friend Emerson Harmon, founder of The Harmon Edit, and someone I've personally worked with and learned from, like, just learned so much from when it comes to modern content creation in 2026. Emerson is a freelance content creator who specializes in iPhone videography and storytelling for creative businesses. Think artists, interior designers, wedding planners, and founders who want content that actually feels like them.

1:42We talk about what content creation really is and what it's not, why showing up online has less to do with trends and more to do with storytelling, and how even the most ordinary parts of your day can become meaningful and effective content. This conversation is especially for artists and creatives who don't see themselves as marketers and who don't love being on camera, or who feel like social media has turned into a never-ending game they didn't sign up to play. So, we are going to get into some practical tips on how to capture better video without overthinking it, when to DIY content versus when to bring someone in, and how building a personal brand actually helps people remember you and your work.

2:18So, so excited to talk to Emerson. Let's get into it.

Emerson's Job

2:22Let's just start with, like, you giving a little bit of context to any artist that's listening, just, like, what you do, and then we can talk about how we met and stuff like that. But maybe just start with, like, what is your job? Can you explain it to us? Oh, my gosh. I love this question. So, I am a freelance content creator, I say to people, and I basically offer iPhone videography and video editing for creative businesses. I work with a lot of wedding planners. I work with interior designers and a bunch of different creative people, so that is my absolute favorite part of my job.

3:03And then I also do weddings for brides and grooms, too, which is a bit of a different aspect of what I do, but still so fun. I feel like, well, first off, I want to tell everyone how we met. So, I met Emerson at my own wedding. I turned around, and we didn't have a videographer, and we didn't hire Emerson. Haley Kelly, who was my wedding planner, hired Emerson. And I, this was, like, post-wedding photos, and, of course, Jack and I are both, like, not photo people, so we're, like, just struggling. And the photographer's, like, smile, do this. And then I see, like, cute Emerson, and I'm, like, who is this girl that's, like, filming us? And Haley introduced us and was, like, you're gonna love this girl.

3:42And now Emerson and I are great friends. And, yeah, it's just, like, funny looking back. It is so funny, because now it's been how long since your wedding? A year and a half? No. A year and, like, two months. I think that you are so good at networking, and I was very excited to capture your wedding. I didn't know who you were, but I was excited to work with your planner, and it was just amazing that afterwards, I remember you being so grateful for the footage after, which was so nice, because sometimes when I work with planners, like, it's just so hectic that I don't even get to know the bride.

4:19So we were able to meet for coffee, and we were just, like, whoa, we're very similar. And the creative conversations have not stopped since then, and I feel like every time I talk to you, it feels like it is a podcast. And I'm, like, we should have recorded this. We say that all the time. Half because I'm, like, we should have recorded this, because this could be a podcast, and half because I'm, like, you just said something brilliant, and I really need to re-listen to it. But, yeah, so Emerson and I met on my wedding, and I was, like, I need to know this girl. Like, you were so stylish. I was, like, your business model seems so interesting.

4:55So we connected for coffee, I don't know, probably, like, a week after my honeymoon, and we met, and I just immediately was fascinated by what you do, because I don't think there's a lot of other people doing it. And I think, at first, you know, people hear content creator, and I think they think, like, influencer, what does that mean? And what you really do is you capture content on an iPhone, which is great, because it's for reels, which are TikToks or whatever.

Content Creation

5:18But, like, it's for the way the algorithm and, like, things are moving. What gave you this idea? Like, how did you even come up with this in the first place? Yeah, so just a little bit of backstory. I was working full-time for an interior designer in Mount Pleasant. I was her marketing manager, so I did everything under the sun, under the marketing category. I was able to learn about and experiment with. But, yeah, I was, like, let go from that job super suddenly and just decided I was ready to start freelancing.

5:54I've freelanced, like, a little bit in my career, mostly in the wedding industry, mostly doing, like, day of assisting. But I just decided, like, okay, here are all these skills I've kind of played around with. Which one are you the best at? And, I mean, I wasn't even that great at it at the time. Now, looking back, I've evolved so much. But I was, like, I want to do this very specific thing. That was kind of a big part of my job before was just a huge storytelling challenge.

6:32And I was, like, following people around, filming them. How can I turn these everyday occurrences into something that is interesting to somebody viewing a story or a reel on Instagram? So, I was just constantly being challenged in that way. So, I knew there was a need for it. And I think I just immediately reached out to anyone I knew in the creative industry and was, like, hey, can I come capture behind the scenes at your interior design photo shoot?

7:03And that was a need for this photographer that I knew and wedding planners, too. Like, they're always trying to get their own behind-the-scenes content. I love videographers. I love videographers. I think that there's so much value in professional video. But I do think that everyone is also trying to get iPhone content, whether there's a videographer or not. So, it's definitely a need. And I always say, if you are the business owner and you're trying to get your own content, I think that's when you should consider bringing in a content creator because it just really pulls a weight off your chest when you're trying to execute something else.

7:44Yeah. And, I mean, I think that's what I thought about your business model was so smart is that unlike a videographer that's, like, let's say capturing the wedding day, it's – I'm getting iPhone – you're getting iPhone footage of the wedding day, obviously. But you also can get, like, behind-the-scenes that can be used in different ways. And all of that, I think, is so new. And I don't see people doing it. I am working with Emerson. We're doing a retreat for club members in Beaufort at my house. And so, obviously, I talk to Emerson all the time and I was like, hey, would you be interested in shooting it?

8:18Because, one, obviously, like, we love video content. But I was like, I'm going to be busy. I don't have time to be on my phone doing stuff like this. I mean, I even think back to Founder Society. Like, Meg and I worked really hard to get content on those retreats. But, like, when you're leading something like that, it's funny because you need the content more than ever when you're building a business, but you don't actually have the capacity to do it. And, like, obviously don't really have the capacity to, like, get yourself in a video that you're taking. So, it's just something that you're offering that I think is so smart and so different.

8:48Thank you. Yeah, I'm so excited to work with you. And I think people are slowly learning that having a content creator on site is a really nice luxury that allows them to relax and kind of just know that not only do you not have to be the one taking the videos, like, there is someone who is really good at it here, too. I think that any time you are having a branding shoot or any type of photo shoot where you're bringing in a photographer, it is so worthwhile to also invest in a content creator.

9:24While everything is done up and perfect, if you're investing in that, you may as well just add that on.

Marketing and Storytelling

9:30I completely agree. Well, I want to kind of talk to you about content in general, like, why you think it's important. And then also for my audience who, you know, maybe don't have the budget or aren't doing some huge shoot where they work with you, like, let's get into just some tips on, like, taking better videos, too. Because I think that's sort of two different questions. But maybe we start with just your thoughts on content, your thoughts on marketing, because you did work for, like, a very big designer who I think built her business on being a marketing genius, to be quite honest. So, I kind of want to talk about marketing first and then we can get into some, like, tips and tricks. Yeah, for sure. So, I think that marketing is just storytelling.

10:10And I think that if you get kind of bogged into getting confused about the world of social media, which is always changing and it is really hard to keep up with, I always, like, just think about the phrase, like, what do you do or, like, what are you doing right now? And that always kind of, like, grounds me to seeing it from a different perspective, because you look at yourself and you know what you're doing. So, it's, like, really hard to kind of zoom out and be, like, okay, but what can I tell my audience who doesn't know everything?

10:48So, I practiced that a lot in my old job, just kind of being like, okay, here's my office that I come to every single day. Gosh, it's so boring, you know, but this is not boring to somebody else. And even if you've shown your office on social media before, you probably have new followers since then. And it really does help with engagement. Most people who are experimenting with social media and are offering a lot of value to their audience realize that they're getting a lot more engagement.

11:22And people do find what they're doing very interesting and are able to relate to you, which builds a lot of trust, especially when you're trying to attract clients. Yeah, and I feel like you have to kind of think about, obviously, the types of clients you're attracting, but I feel like on that note, when I started really showing, honestly, just, like, my personality. I stopped trying to be anyone other than, like, myself, and I just started sharing, like, those random thoughts I had, and, like, my dog was, like, popping in the podcast right now. But, like, when I started just being really, for me, it was, like, when I started being real and showing my personality, that engagement went way up.

11:55And it was kind of, like, I think for other people, it might be, like, showing the things that seem monotonous to you. Like, I talk to artists all the time, and they're, like, oh, but, like, my studio is not that interesting. I'm, like, the fact that you go into this stunning studio is, like, not interesting to you because you do it every day, but, like, it's interesting to everyone else. So sometimes the things that feel boring or obvious to you is, like, extremely interesting to other people, and I think that's, like, a little tidbit, too. Yeah, no, for sure. And this is why I think it's important to capture everything. Like, even if it's just your drive to work, like, I used to drive over the Ravenel Bridge, and it was so beautiful, and people like to kind of put themselves in your shoes.

12:33I love your content specifically because you are so authentic, and you share such a great perspective. And I think people are looking for opinions and personalities online that they connect with more than outfits or, like, you know, the showy stuff that people get in their heads about a little bit. Yeah. Well, and I think it's a way to stand out, too. Like, I have found I relate way more to people. Like, yes, it's nice to look at pretty things, and it's not like I try to have an ugly feed by any means, but I do feel like I relate more to people that have personality and have opinions, even if it's, like, not the same as mine.

13:11I love when people get, like, I try to show my personality because then I think it's my differentiator. Like, I am me. And so I think that makes people remember me. It makes people remember my artwork. Like, you know, they were like, oh, there's the girl who, like, whose dog's always popping in and who's, you know, always wearing scarves because I'm wearing one right now. Like, who's always, you know, I don't know, like, making these funny comments. Like, I think those little things, whatever it is for you, for the people listening, it's, like, that's what makes you memorable, which, honestly, it's just, if you could just be top of mind for people, you're so much more likely to sell your thing. Oh, absolutely.

13:42No, that is such a thing. And also, like, when you become a business owner, as much as you, like, maybe try to resist it, you become a leader and you become the face of your brand. And this is something I feel like I, I myself feel, and I think you mentioned you felt like this in the beginning, too. Like, people are afraid to put themselves, photos of themselves on Instagram, and they are afraid of looking vain or, like, obsessed with themselves.

14:15And I just feel like the narrative has changed so much, and showing yourself on social media is almost, like, an expectation, and it does not mean at all that you like yourself too much or anything like that, in my opinion. I agree, and I feel like it's, it is, like, a weird hurdle to get over. Like, at first, I was like, this feels so uncomfortable, like, showing my face and, like, doing all those things and, of course, like, critiquing what I look like.

14:45On camera and all of that, but it's also, I realized when I started getting comfortable actually showing who I am, people are, like, my name, people started throwing my name around. They're, like, oh, that girl, Hailey, like, I recognize her voice. It's hard for you to be memorable when nobody knows what you look like, or nobody knows what you sound like, or nobody knows what you stand for. Be like, oh, I was talking to an artist the other day, and she was, like, yeah, it was so funny. I was at coffee with a couple of other artists, and they were, like, yeah, have you seen that girl, Hailey, who does artist tips? And the girl was, like, yeah, I know her really well. And so it's funny to hear stories like that because you don't realize, like, the people you're reaching, but when it comes to being memorable, it's a lot easier to be memorable when you're known for something or you're known for, like, actually, like, people know what you look like.

15:23And honestly, there are so many creative people and so much beautiful work that gets put out there. It almost doesn't even set you apart nowadays. I just think, like, it is such a saturated market. And so, yeah, adding, you know, video footage or just even branding photos, like, we all have those. It's great to refresh them as often as you can, and just kind of sharing something from your perspective along with a photo of you goes a long way.

15:58Yeah, definitely. I want to hear from you.

Capturing Content

16:01If you're going into a shoot for business, I want to hear how you think about capturing content because you're really good at capturing things. If you're walking into a wedding or a shoot for an interior designer, how do you approach the start of creating a video? I think that's something a lot of artists struggle with. They're like, I have no ideas. Or they're like, I just took 10 minutes of one long clip and now I don't know what to do with it. Like, I think you're just really good at avoiding both of those things. Security program on spreadsheets, new regulations piling up, and audit dread?

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17:33Because as your life changes and your body changes, Sleep Number mattresses adapt and shift to give you personalized comfort night after night. And now it's the final days of our Everything's On Sale event. Save up to $1,200 on mattresses. Our Memorial Day event ends Monday. To experience a whole new world of comfort, visit a Sleep Number store or go to sleepnumber.com. Sleep Number, to a good life's sleep. Well, thank you. I would say as a content creator, I take very much a behind-the-scenes approach.

18:05I'll do a little bit of coaching when needed. That would be something like maybe we're doing a home tour walkthrough where the designer is kind of sharing information about the project or something like that. But I would say that there's so much value in being a fly on the wall. Kind of just like having someone there with an iPhone that doesn't really make you feel like you're on film. To me, those are the absolute best moments that get captured.

18:38And you have to practice or like, I guess, if you've hired a content creator, you really want to find one that doesn't take away from the moment, I guess. And I think if you're an artist and maybe you have like a phone on a tripod, to me, that's not really like a super, there's not a lot of layers to that. So like, think about it like your composition, like you want layers, you want to kind of not only get the angle from far away, but like the close-up angle of your paintbrush, you know, stroking the canvas.

19:18And I think that thinking about it like that, of like zooming in on these tiny little moments of action, that to me is kind of how videographers operate. So I really try to kind of like make my videos feel like they have layers. And then when you string them all together, like it really helps with your storytelling. But I do think if you do take one long video of anything, and for me, this could be one pan of like a beautiful kitchen, like very slow.

19:54I always say go as slow as you can because you can always speed it up. It's a little harder to slow it down. It reduces the quality a little bit. But one video of like someone in front of a canvas or someone, I don't know, a tent for a wedding is great for social media. I know you've used these too, but it's just like B-roll. And you can put white text overlay on top of it. And, you know, if you work on what that text is going to be, like those are the clips that kind of go viral sometimes.

20:28So getting longer videos like are great for kind of like filler reels and stuff like that, I think. Yeah, I think that's a really good tip. I want to say like two things I think you do really well that probably is really helpful. And I totally copied this from like your con, like in my own way from your content is the slow thing. I feel like a lot of the times I'm like, ah, one second video and here's like something that's crazy. And I look at it and I'm like, wow, that made me dizzy to watch. I think going really slow, I love the layering tip of, yeah, let's pan and show everything, but then let's show a really close up of the hands.

21:00I think that video you made for me explaining the Art Coaching Club and my job and all that that's on my website. You guys can watch it. It's hayleypricewhite.com. It's on the homepage. You did a really good job. Obviously, it was an interview with me. So you had close ups of me or videos of me talking, but you also would intersperse it with close ups of me walking around Charleston. And it was just so layered in the in and out of close ups to far away. And I think for artists who are DIYing this, that's something I'm really working on. And just by like going slower and then when you are videoing something, not just putting it on a tripod and like letting it run for 10 minutes.

21:32I actually find it easier to have like take five videos from different angles and make them short and it's easier to edit together later. Totally. You know, I actually just experimented this with myself because I am not an artist, but I wanted to make a cooking video. Like, and I've never done that before. Actually, I've made one cocktail tutorial before, which if you've ever tried any of these, they're way more challenging than they look and especially to nail the lighting.

22:02But I just stuck my phone on a tripod, tried to make a chicken piccata. After I looked at the content, I was like, wow, this is so flat. Like I, it was just, you know, and I was trying a new recipe. So I was like, that was all I could handle at the moment. I couldn't really be a content creator too at the same time. But I, I do want to work on that. But yeah, my video was so flat and, you know, I literally didn't move the tripod. So that's kind of how I felt.

22:34And I think if your phone is on a tripod, like you probably just need 10 seconds and then that's your shot right there. Try another angle or, you know, like get the closeup shot. I think it's well worth it. I also find, or at least what's worked for me is instead of, I think what a lot of artists do is they're like, well, I don't really want my content creation to like interfere with like actually working. What I found works for me is I just dedicate like one to two hours of my week when I happen to look decent and maybe I change outfits a couple times.

23:05That's my content time. And what I'll do is I'll just do like 10 seconds on a tripod here, 10 seconds on a tripod here, 10 seconds of it leaned up on something. And then all of a sudden you have all these clips and then I can like, you know, put some overlay or like do a couple of different clips in a couple of different orders. And all of a sudden then I have like plenty of content for the next week or two. And I find that to actually be a lot easier and a lot less stressful than trying to like constantly capture content while I'm trying to work. That works. And it takes a lot of storage. Like I find it way easier to just edit together a bunch of short clips than try to edit down one super long clip.

23:41Like I don't need an hour long clip of you painting. Like we're not going to use that much content. To me, the only thing that you can do with that really is like speed it up. And like that's cool, but it's. Well, they're not as popular. I find the editing right now and what's viral or just in general, what I like watching isn't as much of like the frantic sped up like clips. I mean, every once in a while, like if it's something like crazy, interesting and like how did they get there? I'll watch it, but for the most part, it's like slower videos, but it's like short little segments kind of clipped together.

24:14Yeah, no, for sure. And then another thing too, if you do want someone to film you while you're working, like anyone can hold an iPhone. For my first branding shoot, I asked my mom to come and gave her a very quick tutorial and was like, okay, here are, you know, at the bottom, it has like the zoom. It's like one, two, five now. I, or you know what I'm talking about? 0.5. Yeah, and 0.5, yeah, which I don't usually use, but I was like, mom, like, okay, just film like me, hold the camera very still and switch between these and she did an amazing job.

24:55And so I do think there are people in your life that you could kind of see if they would be willing to help you because it takes, like, someone else's eye is so much better, in my opinion, because they're seeing so many things that you don't see. You're the one doing it and filming yourself. And I even find just, like, the moving of the camera, like, even if you have someone just, like, like, versus it being on a tripod that's so still, which, like, obviously I use my tripod all the time, like, we can't get around that.

25:26But if you do have someone help you, just, like, actually, the video looks like you're actually watching the person because it's a human filming it, as if a human were watching it. There's just that slight movement, which looks more real than, like, this just a super rigid shot of me doing something. Yes, I actually worked with a realtor in Charleston, and she had been filming herself with a tripod forever. And she was like, can you please, I just want it to, it just looks better when someone's holding the camera. And you could really tell the difference.

25:58Like, unfortunately, you can tell when a phone is on a tripod. Yeah, I think it might be really interesting to kind of share with the audience how you're thinking about your own brand and your own content.

Personal Branding

26:08Because in tandem with obviously doing this work for other people, you're also, you know, building your own business. Like, you haven't been in a business super, super long, but you've, you know, grown. Can we talk about how you're thinking about your own brand, both in terms of, like, what you're putting on socials, and then also, like, how are you reaching out to people? Because I would say you also are, like, a queen marketer at getting yourself in the right rooms at the right time. Thank you. That's sweet. It is a useful skill. I know you know that. Yes, I think that my personal page, which is called the Harmon Edit, I don't even think I said that.

26:43But, okay. So, I think that my perspective on my own marketing has evolved a lot in the last, I've been in business for, like, a year and a half, almost two years in April. And I think that being in a lot of different industries at the same time kind of gets me a little jumbled. I think in the beginning, I was trying to appeal very much to the wedding industry, and I was really trying to align myself with photographers, wedding photographers specifically.

27:16So, I was really looking to, what do their pages look like? What do their websites look like? That's kind of where I started wanting to kind of hit that hard. And I did, and I then kind of realized, like, I love weddings, but I also want this other aspect of my business, which is working with creative business owners during the weekdays. If I brand myself just looking like a wedding content creator, then I'm definitely not going to be getting those interior design clients.

27:50So, I think it's been a challenge to kind of find a balance and, you know, just feel like my page is welcoming to any creative person. I mean, for me, I just love design in general. So, I love a beautiful house. I also love a beautiful wedding, but I think that this year, I have taken a huge shift in my marketing, which is amazing. When that happens, I feel like you know that something good is going to follow when you take the time to kind of, like, do the research and, you know, just make it noticeable.

28:28But I've really tried to kind of start approaching my marketing more as an educator. I don't necessarily coach people, but I do help them try and boost their social media without having to hire a full marketing team. So, yeah, I've tried to kind of approach it as like, okay, I'm going to be an educator. I'm going to be sharing some tips for my, you know, clients or potential clients that they can use these hacks on their own.

28:59And then also, I've tried really hard to be putting my face on my page more like we discussed. I just wanted my page to be portfolio work in the beginning, and then I realized, like, it needs so much more. And it also needs, like, these carousels are doing really well, like educational carousels, you know, just white text on a color. And you can, not only does that look great in your feed, it's a nice, like, rest, which I'm so bad at curating a grid.

29:30That is, I disagree, but okay. I mean, I'm trying really hard. I'm, like, asking ChatGBT, like, what goes in this square?

29:42But I think, yeah, anyways, that's kind of like a summary of how my personal marketing has evolved over the last couple of years. Well, I feel like, I want to relate this to artists that are listening, because I feel like when you said you struggled with how to kind of market to the wedding industry, but also into your designers, but also just, like, anyone that's kind of wanting you to come in and, like, curate their beautiful thing, whatever it is, event, space, products. It's hard.

30:12I would say that's similar to artists being like, well, what if I paint more than one thing? Like, how do I showcase the different aspects of me? And I think that's where it comes in, you really want to show your personality, because I think what makes me want to work with you as somebody who is not doing weddings, who is not an interior designer, who is just your friend, and, like, was like, I love the way you capture content, and I like you. Like, you yourself have taste, so I'm like, I like her style, therefore, her style is going to, like, show up in the way she captures content, you know? And I think that goes for anyone, I mean, any job.

30:44Like, I say this to people all the time, like, when people are like, oh, I need someone to design my website. I'm like, well, you want to work with somebody who you like their taste. Like, it's for any job, and for any artist, and for anything. So I think that's something that feels difficult to showcase a lot of different things. I think a lot of artists hear that, and they're like, oh, I also don't know how to, you know, showcase a lot of different styles of work I'm doing when I'm trying to kind of speak to my customer. But I think that's where you really have to come in and show your face, your personality, and your curatorial eye, because that's where people are like, I want to work with her.

31:16Yeah. Well, I mean, I relate to that so much, because you guys have all of your different collections, and they probably don't all go together. I mean, I think some artists are very cohesive. Well, I am not, clearly. Not all of them are, and that's kind of how my portfolio is. It's like, I love every design that I capture, but they do not go together. They do not side by side, no. So I think for me, like, realizing, okay, now I need these, like, posts to make my grid flow and feel more branded.

31:53And that's a great opportunity for that, you know, informative carousel or even your branding photos. So I think, like, scattering those, you know, every few posts, and then just kind of spacing out the work that doesn't necessarily fit together. You don't buy on hope, you study the label. At Azure Well, we support that. Our commitment is simple. Tell the truth. Every ingredient listed, every amount disclosed. No proprietary blends, no guesswork. We go beyond organic and basic testing with comprehensive third-party verification.

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33:30Our Memorial Day event ends Monday. To experience a whole new world of comfort, visit a Sleep Number store or go to sleepnumber.com. Sleep Number, to a good life's sleep. I think that's a really, a really good point. I mean, I feel like that's, and I'm not in a great grid scenario right now, depending on when this comes out. But in the past, because I did two very different collections. Like I did my Reading Girls, which were like bright, colorful, and it was in the spring. And so like I was wearing bright, colorful. And then I kind of switched to my moody or fall figures.

34:00And those are like two totally different people, two totally different artists. But I did try to have some time in the middle where I was like, we're going to like have a pause with photos to work our way to this switch. I wasn't trying to mark it dark and moody and bright and colorful at the same time. And I think there's a way to do that where it's just mentally, it's like a pause for your audience. And you're like, and now we're switching gears. And you're allowed to do that. It just takes that kind of like that eye when curating your grid, but also that understanding of being willing to not market everything at the same time too. Yes, for sure.

34:31I hate that the grid is so important, but it really is. Like it's one of the most stressful things for me to curate. And I totally understand why people hire others to help with that. But it is your first impression, you know, like. I always say it's your business card. I'm like, it is like outside of algorithm and virality and all that stuff. I'm like, people, when they stumble across you, whether it be in person, at a market or on Instagram, like they're going to go to your profile. And like, if it looks bad, that's their first impression.

35:05It's your business card. Like I always tell people, I'm like, it is the modern day business card. And so it needs to look decent or at least representative of you. For sure. And I think like at least with interior designers, I think that's why every, you know, any creative, I guess. But they're, they want their page. Like this is why what I do is a need because they, they just want it to like feel more elevated. And I think that professional photos, everyone always invests in those and they work.

35:37But people also want dynamic content and relatable content. And you have to have reels now. You really do. You, you know. I'm very much of the thought process now as somebody who's always invested in photo, not always, but like understood like investing in photos and all that. I feel like now I'm, I'm sort of in a mindset where photos are great and there's a time and a place for them. But I almost see photos as like, they live on my website and they're great for like the marketing of the collection. But when I think of like my brand growth overall, I think video content actually shows who you are and like what you're doing more than.

36:14Like for example, I did a shoot hindsight 2020, did my shoot for my after midnight's collection. And we were taking all these photos of me playing pool and doing all this fun stuff. Those were great for the period of time I was showing them. But I'm like, how great would it have been if we got content of the behind the scenes and the silly, like it's a Monday morning and I'm pretending to pop champagne. Like it's stuff like that, that kind of gives the context to your brand too, that I think is really, really important. And obviously everyone can do it in a way that works for them. But I think about that a lot. When I saw those photos, first of all, I was like, wow, she's done it again.

36:47And also you're selling art in a totally unique way. And I was so impressed that you are just, yeah, you're so smart to have invested in photos. And I was thinking about this earlier actually, but to sell art, I feel like you have to try to give your art a vibe. You know, your art isn't yet in the space where it's going to live. And so you have to like speak to that person, that, you know, homeowner or whoever you're looking for and try to like, let, you know, like create a vibe that maybe your colors that you use remind me of my bathroom color palette.

37:33So I, well, thank you. I feel like I think of this in two ways and I say this to artists a lot. I'm like, you make the artwork, the artwork is beautiful. People will see it and think that's pretty. What the disconnect is, is if I buy it, where does it go? Like, how is this going to live in my home? And so I think there's kind of two ways you can go about this. You can either style your work and have great videos and great photos of like showing what your artwork looks like. Like maybe that's through interior designers or if you have a beautiful home or you have friends with beautiful homes, like put your art on walls and show like, this is what the artwork would look like in a home.

38:03Or if you're like me and at this point I was moving, had like no home to show artwork in. For my past two collections, I was like, what if I make a vibe? The work was small. You can style it yourself. Because I wasn't selling like some huge piece that I felt like I needed to walk them through. I was like, I have these small figures. I had the small reading girls. I was like, I was running through a library for the reading girl shoot. But that was kind of a vibe and I think people identified like, I'm a girl that reads. Like, I wear colorful stuff. And then with the After Midnight's collection, which was the figures, it was like, it was a little like, just like risque.

38:35I don't know if that's like the right word. I wasn't trying to be like provocative, but just like fun and like a totally different vibe. And I'm like, and if you want that vibe, here's the art for it. And it was just kind of like, if you can create a vibe that's memorable, I think it's so worth it. And then like the last thing I'll say, I always tell artists, I'm like, if you're investing in video, if you're investing in photography, like, make it fun. Like, don't have a photo shoot that everyone else has. Like, that was my thing. I was like, if I'm going to spend the money to take the photos, like, let's get the bang for the buck of these photos. Like, let's wear a crazy outfit. Let's do it in a crazy space. Like, let's have fun with it.

39:06Like, why just do something I've already done? Oh, absolutely. Styling. There are people who are. Like, I started. Yeah, call you. Yeah. I'm not saying I'm great at styling. I just like think that kind of stuff is fun. It's fun. And it's really important. And what you wear says a lot about you and like your willingness to put on a fun dress. Like, I think that just showed so much relatability. And people were like, oh, I feel like I'm her. Styling is so important. And there are stylists that you can hire.

39:38And I think any photo shoot. Like, I've only done a couple branding shoots. But the location is really important. And the outfit's really important. And it all just comes together. And there's so many directions that you can go in. So I think it's so important to take the time to, like, really think about what you want. And how is that going to get you what you're hoping to achieve? I think also it's, like, one thing I've found that's totally changed the game for me is working with people I really trust and who I also see as creative peers.

40:13Like, when I'm excited to work with you, when I've worked with different photographers in the past, I always kind of lead with, I make a Pinterest board. And I'm like, here's my vision. Here's my idea. But this is your specialty. Like, you're the photographer. You tell me. Like, Kate, who I worked with, or, yeah, I think on the library shoot, she found the location. She was like, we should do it here. And it was the Charleston Library Society. It was incredible. She called them up. Did it. And then same with Marilyn. It was the first time I was working with her for the After Midnight shoot. And she showed up to my parents' house in a crazy outfit.

40:44And I was like, I promise I'm normal, but we're going to have way, way too much fun today. It was a Monday at 10 a.m. And I'm pouring red wine and popping champagne. And I'm like, I feel like we need to be drunk for this. We were not. But it's like, I want someone that's a creative peer that's like, you say jump, I say how high. She was like, what if we do this with a film camera? I'm like, let's do it with a film camera. Like, do you have one? Like, I want someone who, like, gets the energy and runs with it and then puts their own spin on it. So I'm like, this is for your portfolio, too. Like, how is it going to benefit you? And I think that's an important dialogue to have. Absolutely.

41:14This is why creatives, creative people are like puzzle pieces and we just like fit together. You know, we need you. You need us. Let's just, you know, help each other. It's just, it's such a fun industry to be in. Yeah, I completely agree. I do want to talk kind of quickly.

Networking and Growth

41:32One other thing that I think has really helped you grow your business is like word of mouth and networking. Like, how do you go about, I guess, just thinking about actually finding clients and working with people? Because I feel like a lot of people don't just find you from social media. And I think you've done a really good job of proactively finding people to work with. Can you kind of talk about how you've inserted yourself in the right places and in the right rooms? Or been invited, I should say, into the right rooms? I work really hard in the networking aspect. And I think that just maintaining connections throughout your whole life.

42:09My better connections came post-grad and I was meeting people through my first two jobs. They were creative jobs. So I was able to keep in touch with a lot of those people. Just being a nice, kind person that people want to have a relationship with. Like, easygoing and pleasant to work with goes a long way in a stressful industry. I tried really hard to kind of like maintain old relationships and, you know, always kind of being a little bit relevant no matter what you're doing.

42:45And just having all those touch points with people along the way. And then just taking the time to get to know people like you and I did going to coffees and not always trying to sell. Yeah. I feel like until like we haven't even really worked together and like we're working together in the summer. But it was like we had a relationship of like not always to sell. Sometimes it's like you just want a relationship because you can learn from each other. Or like it's not always like a give-take. It's sometimes just like let's just. Yeah, and sometimes I feel like when I network with someone and they seem very protective or hesitant and it just, yeah, I don't know.

43:22Maybe people have been burned before or something, but I think it's really fun to have organic relationships. And then I also try really hard to make my clients feel like I am their cheerleader. You know, they're not always using me. So I see them doing it themselves a lot or even bringing someone else in and just kind of being like, hey, this was great. Engagement on social media is important. And yeah, just making people feel like you genuinely like them and I genuinely like people.

43:57Well, that's, it's like work. Make your work fun. Enjoy. I work with a lot of people that I feel very fortunate to work with for my job. If we're not a match, I want to work with, at this point in my career, I want to work with people I want to work with. Curating those people around you too. I think the networking thing, you do really well. Thank you. And it's fun for me. I wanted to work with creative people because I admire them. There are people that are on my list that I want to work with this person. And most likely I've heard of you before you even found me and I love your work.

44:30So it's just kind of a way for me to get to meet people and learn from them. And yeah, it's really, it's so fun and so worthwhile. Well, I would love to know, you know, you're almost at two years in business.

Business Lessons

44:43What has been, like, what are you doing now in business that you weren't doing then? Like, what have you learned? What have you changed? What was the challenge? And you're like, this is what, this is kind of where I am now in business and maybe different from when you were first starting out. Yeah. A couple of different things. One of which, I mean, when I first started out, I was doing a lot of stuff for free, like stuff for free. And that's like very common in the like wedding world. I would say definitely just to get that portfolio.

45:14Like, I mean, yeah, I don't know if you have an equivalent in the art world of kind of like, I guess you're just probably throwing money at your product, you know, like you're Or just doing, I know a lot of artists that like, maybe not free, but like basically free, like doing art for so, so, so cheap. Travel smarter, not harder at America's best value in by Sinesta with convenient locations from coast to coast and value packed comfort at every turn. And when you're a Sinesta Travel Pass member, staying at America's best value in means earning

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46:03If you love podcasts, you already know how to fit great stories into your busy day. So why not do the same thing with books? Everand is an affordable audiobook and ebook subscription that goes wherever you go. Your commute, your workout, your grocery run. No rearranging your schedule, no carving out reading time. Just hit play. For a limited time, new members get two free books when they start a free trial. Go to everand.com slash listen to claim yours. That's E-V-E-R-A-N-D dot com slash listen. Right, yeah.

46:35So it's like something we all do. And then it's something that like, I don't think will ever go away. Always going to be some value for the right opportunity to offer free services or discounted services. But it's definitely something I'm doing less of. And I did, you know, scale my pricing a good bit in the last two years because it wasn't working for me. It was, you know, going to cause burnout. So I think that's really important. And not being afraid to change your pricing and know that it, it just means like, it just

47:13means you respect yourself and your time. And I think that there's a large range of budgets. So you're going to fit with someone. Right. You just have to find them. Yeah, you have to find them. And then I think the pricing thing is something you and I talk about a lot because it's, it's a difficult, delicate dance. Like it does always feel, you know, strange to raise your prices. It's a little bit, you know, sticky, a little hard, but then you do it and it starts to work again. And it's just, we're kind of always figuring it out. But I do think that's something that, you know, it's hard to move past the like free

47:47slash friends and family to like, this is my career and I need to charge what I need to charge. And like, I think making that jump sometimes is really difficult. It is. It's scary. And I think you always want to cater towards people and stuff. And for me, like little comments about, you know, your pricing being too high or something like that is like, those always really get to me personally. So, you know, it's a challenging thing to navigate, but it's so crucial.

48:20Yeah. Okay. Well, I want to end with something kind of fun.

Favorite Projects

48:22What has been your favorite or like some of your favorite projects that you've worked on since starting your business? Oh my gosh. I love when I get to do my year end recap reels because it forces me. First of all, those are so much work. God bless everyone who does those. But yeah, I just love seeing, like looking back and being like, whoa, you were busy.

48:53Like it's so amazing. I think some of my favorite projects are working with brands. I would say I love weddings. I've seen some amazing weddings. I did a dinner party with Joya Amory and Erin Lauder. And like, that was so cool to just be around like these icons, you know, their brands are so big and that's kind of what I'm looking to do more of in the next couple of years. I truly just love being on site for interior design photo shoots and just having no idea

49:29what this house is going to look like and walking in and seeing a design project online or on social media is so different than being there. And just the fact that I get to like walk through the space, I love that part of it too. Yeah, it's amazing. Well, I think I just to end, like what are you most excited about for this year?

Future Plans

49:52I'm excited. I relocated recently, so I'm excited to work with some more clients in the Raleigh area and just get to know more creative people. I'm excited for a destination wedding that I'm doing. So that'll be amazing. I'm excited to work with you. And just, I love that, you know, I don't really work with a ton of artists, but I think that finding ways for us to work together has always been so fun because content creation is the

50:26way that the art world is moving. So I'm excited to move the needle with you. Yeah, I think you have some really cool stuff planned and then I'm excited not only for you to be around the weekend that we're doing, but also to participate and meet the other artists and just kind of talk to people about what you do because I think this podcast, I think it's really important to just one, understand. I think a lot of people are starting to understand the importance of content creation, the importance of showing up and showing your face, which I think you, you know, articulated so beautifully at the beginning of this, but also just learning more about how you're doing it, not just here's

50:59how you take a video, but here's the importance and here's how you need to think about video as storytelling and all of that kind of stuff, I think is really the way we are moving. And so I think your job is to become more and more vital. So I'm glad that, you know, I got you on the podcast before you hit it too big. Oh gosh, I am so honored and thank you so much. Of course. Well, Emerson, let everyone know how they can find you, learn more about you, your website, socials, all that stuff. Yeah. So my business is named the Harman Edit, theharmanedit.com, at theharmanedit Instagram.

51:34I do have a TikTok that I occasionally manage. And then I have a personal page too, where you can see more like travel stuff and that page is Emerson Harman. So yeah. Love. Emerson, thank you so much. This was so fun. See you. If you love podcasts, you already know how to fit great stories into your busy day. So why not do the same thing with books? Everand is an affordable audiobook and ebook subscription that goes wherever you go.

52:06Your commute, your workout, your grocery run. No rearranging your schedule, no carving out reading time. Just hit play. For a limited time, new members get two free books when they start a free trial. Go to everand.com slash listen to claim yours. That's E-V-E-R-A-N-D dot com slash listen.