Meet Em James | Owner of Spill The Tea Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Em James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Em, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
During the pandemic, I started feeling overwhelmed by the news and claustrophobic being locked inside. I was living in scenic Santa Rosa, California at the time, so I started taking day trips to places close to home, but far from the general public. I was able to take photos that under normal circumstances would be impossible, either because I was too busy or the location would have been cluttered with people or vehicles. The pandemic offered a unique opportunity to see the world without the clutter. The process was therapeutic for me, but it also seemed to touch something in the people stuck at home viewing my work on their computers. It allowed people to experience the world in a new way through the lens of pandemic emptiness. Spill The Tea Photography was born out of that void.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I used to work two jobs and go to school full time. It was exhausting and left no time for living. I was just in a constant grind. Now, I am doing what I love, traveling and taking photos. I have turned what used to be my vacation into a full time gig that feels more like a dream than a job. Was it easy? No, but nothing good in this world comes easy. I faced challenges head on and just did the best with what I had. The world needs more kindness. I am hoping by building my brand and becoming a known name in photography I will generate more income, so I have the ability to donate more to those in need.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh goodness, I don’t think I could pick just one city. I have been so many places that I would rather bounce around and explore. Every city has something unique to offer and I usually find the one off locations by getting lost. Some of my most profound moments were getting lost. I think in any city just make an adventure out of it. Don’t use GPS just drive until you find something that peaks your interest. Take turns with whoever you are with choosing what direction to go every time you get to a stop sign or a light. I drove across the country with my dog and a rooftop tent with no real direction in mind just to make it across the country and back. Every day I got up and decided then which way I was going. I tried new restaurants that appealed to me and some times it was good and other times it was great. I feel like life is to short to not just explore.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Flexibility, has been the key to my success. Life doesn’t unfold like a perfect fairy tale, but I always manage to end up in a better place. I assume that everything happens for a reason and embrace the suck until it makes sense. I can honestly say, by being flexible, I am currently living the life I dreamed of ten years ago. I would like to thank my parents for their support and a few friends who know who they are.