1. Introduce yourself...
My name is Emily Fry, I am a western lifestyle photographer from a small town in the mountains of Virginia. My husband and I and our families are third generation hobby cattle farmers and construction, business owners. You might know me from my work with Outback Trading Company and other western clothing brands. Adventure kind of goes hand in hand with the western lifestyle. When we aren't working our day jobs, our time is spent cultivating the land, horseback riding in the mountains, campfires on the river or a family picnics in the woods on the tailgate of the side-by-side. When we aren't actively seeking adventure, adventure finds us. My passion lies in preserving those adventures and farm culture. A little over a year ago I stumbled into the world of fashion photography, providing marketing images for western brands and products. Many of my models are my own family members who bring authenticity to the brands I work for.
2. What is the craziest adventure you have had?
The craziest adventure I've ever gone on would probably have to be the time I was vacationing in the Dominican Republic. We rode dune buggies in the rainforest where we cliff jumped into a lake at the bottom of a small cave. If the lock ness monster was real, I'd have to imagine it lived in there. It was terrifying and exhilarating. Now that I think about it, it's actually pretty sketchy and probably fairly unsafe. Worth it? Totally.
3. Who is your biggest source of inspiration?
My biggest inspiration has probably been my family. Hard work ethic, deep connection with the land and spirituality have been the main components of their lifestyle. Their grit and dedication to the preservation of culture and dedication to family have inspired me as a human and my work as an artist. They've always encouraged me to chase my dreams, to seek adventure and supported me in my efforts to fulfill them. Secondly, I'm inspired by the great outdoors. Beautiful natural and rustic landscapes inspire my work daily. I find myself most creative when in natural spaces.
4. In another life where would your dreams have taken you?
Honestly, when I was younger I can vividly remember wanting so badly to be a figure ice skater or dancer, which I guess still technically still counts as an artist. So no matter what life I'm living I guess I was always meant to be an artist. However, if we want to get really crazy I do have an obnoxious obsession with criminal investigations. So if the first doesn't count then I would say criminal profiler. But like Walt Longmire style.
5. What is your dream adventure?
My dream adventure would definitely be horseback in a picturesque place like the Rockies or Monument Valley. Experiencing the connection of horse and rider in uncivilized natural landscapes. I yearn for in adventures in places in the old wild west that takes me back in time.
5. What is your favorite piece of Outback gear?
Every Outback piece I own is durable and practical but my favorite Outback gear is a strong tie between the grizzly oilskin hat and a fleece big shirt. My grizzly goes with me on just about every adventure. It's weather-resistant and perfect for long days in the mountains. My big shirts are the most comfortable, most warm and most worn staple in my closet for fall/winter months.
Follow Emily on Instagram: @emilypleckerphotgraphy