Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Jowdy
Hi Emma, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember I’ve been passionate about photography. It started when I got my first iPhone when it was first on the rise. I was obsessed and would take pictures of everything around me. I’d then sit for hours and edit them, trying out new things and experimenting. I went on to study psychology as my undergraduate degree, but shortly after I graduated, I found myself gravitating towards photography again. That’s when I got my first camera and the rest is history. I am a self-educated photographer so I taught myself camera settings and editing platforms and really fell in love with this art.
People and sharing their stories inspire me. My work consists of portraits and documenting people or places, there is a lot of psychology in that. Over time I’ve come to learn that the two go hand in hand.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely been a journey, one that is still ongoing. Out of excitement and passion, I was in a rush to develop my personal style and find a specific niche to specialize in. I know now that that doesn’t happen overnight, but naturally over time and with lots of practice. What helped was exposing myself to art I felt attracted to and would ask myself why I was drawn to certain things versus others, and go from there. Eventually, my style and niche naturally started to evolve, although it really is an everchanging journey. I think that when you’re an artist you are in a constant state of growth. I know I constantly try new things and am growing. When I think back to the beginning I feel proud because even though it was and still is a learning curve, it all led me to what I’ve accomplished today, and that makes me excited about what’s to come.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work reflects my life around me, the people I meet, and the places I go for the first time or even all the time. It consists of a lot of portrait and documentative work for visual storytelling. I love to share these stories with anyone who is interested. I find it so powerful to be able to create a photo that can take me back in time, to a moment/person I might otherwise forget or a moment that I want to remember forever. I also do editorial work, which really allows me to push myself creatively and try different styles and concepts. A project I am most proud of is an ongoing photo series “My Lebanon”. It aims to show Lebanon how it really is, a beautiful country with warm and welcoming people and terrains, which is often depicted in different ways. I wasn’t born or raised there but I am Lebanese, and was blessed enough to really discover what Lebanon has to offer everyone. My background in psychology and sociology I think has allowed me to attain a new perspective on how I approach people and communities. I have become more understanding and knowledgeable about people in general, and their differences in culture and life circumstances. That I think it was sets me apart from others in the field.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Everyone is on their own path and no two people will share the same journey. Try to explore yourself and find what you enjoy doing. This applies to everyone in different fields, not just photography!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emmajowdy.com/
- Instagram: @emmajowdyphoto
Image Credits
Photos by Emma Jowdy’s “Portraits of Los Angeles Series”.
