Emma has been a sponsor of Dr Sketchy Nottingham since the very beginning and we are very grateful for the hard work she puts in and the fabulous images she takes of our performers, models, audience and artwork.
I had a little Q and A with her the other day.....
Scarlett - How old were you when you first picked up a camera?
Emma - I’ve always had a camera in hand for as long as I can remember but it was more for taking pictures of things I thought were interesting or that I wanted to remember rather than for art. The first time I did something artistic was when I was 16 and studying for GCSEs with my best friend at the time. I had bought a black and white film for my camera and I think we were in the mood for procrastinating! I made her dress up in a white dress and fairy wings and took photos in my parents’ garden. I asked for a good digital camera for Christmas, (all 2 megapixels of it!) and started taking pictures of my friend’s bands.
S - What made you decide to become a professional photographer?
E - I always wanted to work for myself but knew how difficult it was and worked my photography around a full-time job. I lost my job and made the decision to move to Nottingham. I searched for jobs but couldn’t find anything that I felt connected to apart from photography. I decided then that I would never be happy if I wasn’t working in Photography so I contacted the Prince’s Trust about setting up my own business. The rest, as they say, is history.
S - What is the best "accidental" photograph you've ever taken?
E - I was thinking really hard about this one and then I did a shoot a couple of days ago in a hotel. The model, Millie Dollar, stood up on the bed and said “Would it be cool if I swung off this chandelier?!” So she did! Luckily Tim, who was assisting me, grabbed the light out of the way and I shot from the hip. Funnily enough we didn’t do another shot after we realised the chandelier was coming away from the ceiling... ;)
S - Have you ever "papped" a celebrity?
E - Not for professional but I have for personal! Me and my other half went to see my favourite band Gaslight Anthem in Birmingham. We got a little lost and parked a little way away from the venue and walked round the back towards the entrance. As we were walking down on the other side of the road, I spied Brian Fallon, the singer from the band walking towards us. I freaked out and ran across the road, narrowly being missed by a passing taxi, just to talk to him and have my photo taken with him. So kind of papped, kind of awesome start to our night!
S - Do you prefer studio or location shoots?
E - It depends really. I love the control that you get over a studio shoot, as sometimes with a location you don’t know what you’re getting until you get there, the light might be different or something has changed. I have had the benefit of working in some amazing locations though and without the kindness of the people running these locations some images just wouldn’t be the same. I just wish I could have a studio big enough to build sets, that would be amazing! Locations without having to leave my studio!
S - What lengths would you go to for a good location?
E - Hee hee. I think the question should be what lengths have I gone to for a good location! I was doing a steampunk style shoot with Rayna Terror for Lovechild Boudoir and had found an old abandoned train yard to shoot in. Two days before the shoot all the trains had been moved that were there a week earlier! There were a couple left but they were behind a 6 foot spiky fence. So we turned up on the day of the shoot and there just so happened to be two step ladders and a roll of carpet there to use to get over the fence... How convenient! (Scarlett - hmm..... I wonder who put them there!)
S - What's the strangest prop you've ever used in a shoot?
E - I think when we use glitter it tends to get a bit messy! Myself and Sali (Ms Moo Makeup) have put glitter paint on a bald models head and also mixed glitter with golden syrup for Anna Fur Laxis to drip from her hands. I’m sure Scarlett will remember that one! (Scarlett - yes I remember being very sticky that afternoon!)
S - What is your equipment of choice?
E - I currently own and use a Canon 7D with a 24-70mm f2.8 lens and Bowens 500w lights. I used to work for Calumet so having all of that equipment around me all the time was very tempting! Although I’ve used Canon cameras for years I’m comfortable using Nikons too so I’m not too biased! Hee hee!
S - Who are you inspired by?
E - My favourite photographers are 666 Photography, Julian M Kilsby and Perou but I tend to be more inspired by models, performers, make-up artists, hair stylists and art.
S - Who or where would you love to photograph that you haven't yet?
E - I would love to photograph Ulorin Vex. I think that she was one of the first models that I looked up to and it she is a benchmark for my photography. I would love to go over to America and shoot the models there. Maybe LA.
S - What goals do you have for 2011?
E - I think just for my business to grow and to be recognised for the work that I’ve put in. I don’t ask for much in life, just to be healthy and happy but if my business takes off then it would make my year.
Emma has also started a joint venture with Ms Moo Makeup called Flashes and Lashes, offering photo shoots with full hair and make up. "Whether you want a photo shoot to boost your confidence (lost weight? new haircut?), as a sultry pre-wedding boudoir shoot for your fiancé (cheeky!) or to start building a modelling portfolio, Flashes and Lashes are able to create what you need with ease. Having known each other for over 5 years, they work exceptionally well together and will do their up most to ensure you are comfortable and bring out the very best in you for your photos." I would highly recommend them!
Emma will be back behind the lens on Saturday for our "Ladies of Comedy" event at the Glee Club. Say hello and make sure you get her attention if you'd like your artwork photographed for our web gallery!
Tickets are still on sale and are now cheaper only if you get them in advance from the website http://www.drsketchynottingham.co.uk/
See you on Saturday!
Scarlett x
