One fine art and editorial photographer from CoEdit's FLATS: Portraits collection enjoys the occasional cold beer, tunes from Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac, and swimming in the Ozarks during summertime. Here are ten more facts you never knew about Barrett Emke:

1. What was your first big break into photography? 

I’ve been taking pictures for nearly half my life, but assignments a few years ago from Vice, Bloomberg Businessweek, and ‘SUP Magazine helped break me into the world of editorial photography. I realized this way that I could make photographs that I care about as a job.

2. What is your favorite genre of photography and why?

Although it’s a loaded term and has come to mean many different things, documentary-style photography has always affected me in the most resonant ways.

3. Did anyone give you any advice you've kept with you? If so, what was it?

Be true to your own work. Know that the opinions of others are just that; don't always put too much stock into them.

4. What advice would you give to someone you wish you would have gotten?

Although it's not always the most fun part of being a photographer, at least for myself, network as much as you can and don't be shy about promoting your own work.

5. Whose work has inspired and influenced you the most?

Too many photographers, writers, artists, etc. to list. That being said, I've found I'm most inspired and influenced by my own peer group; friends around me making great work and living memorably.

6. How has the industry changed since you started and what steps have you taken to stay relevant?

I haven't been in the editorial field for very long, but obviously everything including photography is advancing and multiplying at breakneck speed. It's important for me to always be making new work, editing, and making my photographs visible through my website, networking, etc. And working toward something physical is also of the utmost importance: prints, books, promotional pieces.

7. Name one anecdote from a memorable photo shoot.

I once photographed a man named Roger Holden, who invented some of the animation technology that was used on the show Reading Rainbow in the ‘80s. Incidentally, he was also a friend and collaborator of the late writer William Burroughs and cared for some of his cats, including Burroughs’ “sacred” white cat Marigay.

8. What makes a good photo or photographer stand out from the average?

Charisma--that unmistakable, inimitable feeling a great photograph or body of work exudes that you just can't shake.

9. Have you worked an odd job in the past that has unexpectedly helped you with your career as a photographer?

Working various jobs in customer service has had correlations with my photography career-- being able to interact with people comfortably and establishing trust when you're photographing them.

10. What do you want your viewers to take away from your work?

Lust for life!