'Just because you can't see something doesn't mean it's not real'
Cue mass bubble bursts when you find out that, really, this isn't some serious case of Catfish blogging. In fact last time I checked, I still was a twenty-something, blonde female with nothing to hide - very much so. My obvious state of 'camera shyness' hasn't conceived itself due to an abrupt distaste for getting photo-ready, it's just I prefer to write cheese than say it.
Emily Green, however, is one person who does put as much love into the camera as she gets back. Getting fully acquainted with the aspiring photographer and entrepreneur; find out her thoughts on sex in photography and the intentions behind THAT photo shoot...
I also had one of the nicest teachers. She showed so much genuine interest and belief in what I was producing, which then filled me with self confidence.
So, after picking up an A at GCSE, I went on to study at A level and pushed myself down the fashion route. With no access to a studio at school; I did a lot of fashion on location - say the odd living room shoot with a bed sheet. You know the one.
I managed to pull an A* out the bag which made me realise then that I had some natural talent for photography that I wanted to pursue - hence why I'm currently at uni.
At the University of Huddersfield. Going into my final year in September - scary!
I've decided not to specialise in anything just yet. For now I'm photographing whatever I can just to ensure that I have a broad portfolio; although my preferred style of photography is definitely fashion. My personal interest lies within fashion and I just love the concept of building a fashion image, from the styling to selecting the models and so on.
As for a career plan, weddings are amazing routes to go down. You meet such nice people and get to experience some beautiful weddings and dresses.
Oh God! Well, there hasn't really been that many but I suppose this one has to be the worst.
I was photographing a friend of mine for a series of images I took in my first year and guess what... I turned up to set without my camera. The one tool I most needed and I'd gone and forgotten it. I have no idea how so don't ask, call it a blonde moment?
I was heavily inspired by Andrej Pejic, Helmut Newton and Bettina Rheims throughout the androgyny project, however generally in terms of fashion I love the old classics - Bailey, Rankin and Patrick Demarchelier will never seize to amaze me.
Sure. I was given the brief of 'The Body' at uni, something I've never really explored before as a photographic subject. Many of my peers took the 'naked vs. nude' approach whereas I decided to explore the idea of gender identity and narrowed it down to androgyny - which is the appearance of a person whose gender identity is unclear.
With an already keen interest in fashion photography; I decided to merge the two together and create an androgynous fashion editorial. Working with stylists, models and MUA's to create the look I intended.
Recently I've noticed that the photography side of the fashion industry is bringing back the Marilyn Monroe type figures. Curvy girls are being given their time to shine! Finally!
One thing I do not agree on is the overuse of retouching to morph peoples bodies. You are who you are and I don't like the fact that the industry seems to have so much power and a strong hold over influencing the way that people, or mostly women, should look.
I'd say so but then I guess it depends what you're selling!
Lads mags, obviously yes but with some fashion campaigns it doesn't necessarily work. Although there are a few shampoo and perfume ads that are rather kinky...
I'd like to say rich but we'll have to see - it only takes one lucky lottery ticket. But seriously, I'd like to think I'd be self-employed with a steady business and my own studio in Leeds where I have grown up and now live with my family. My real aim at the moment is to get an editorial printed in a magazine before I graduate!
I'll tell anyone that's wanting to pursue their career in photography, or any creative industry, that without a bit of self-belief you ain't going nowhere! Something that I've learnt over the years is that if you don't believe in yourself then you can't expect others to believe in you either.
Networking is also a wonderful thing. Be in contact with as many people as you can, whether that's other photographers, stylists, MUAs, hairdressers, models, agencies, people! These people make you money, they're important and without them you wouldn't have half as good of an image.
| Images via Emily Green Photography |
