This month we travel through the lens of Emily Adamson all the way to New Zealand. In the course of her profession, she travels to some breathtaking scenes around Queenstown, and beyond, while working with many couples and individuals. She fuses hard technical skill and years of experience with her artistic eye and vision to capture truly wonderfilled moments. It is my immense pleasure to share her work and story with you as April's Photographer of the Month.

How did you get interested in photography?

I have always studied and been involved with the arts, have an artistic family, and always been encouraged in that direction.
I have done everything from sign writing, painting, life drawing, and a diploma of fine art majoring in ceramics, but once I discovered photography I was hooked.

How long have you been a photographer?

I went to photographer school in 1996-ish and have worked in and out of the industry ever since. I have done my time assisting, printing in film labs, retouching and working for newspaper and mags that is for sure.

My dad’s career was as a computer engineer, so we always had computers in parts around the house, which made it pretty natural for me to get into photoshop early.

I feel really really lucky to have studied when I did. I got to learn the craft of film and printing just before digital started becoming the norm, and I think I would feel really ripped off if I missed out on all of that.

Now I like both for different applications.

What is your favorite place to photograph? Or subject?

Favourite place is definitely wherever the light is crazy good. People. In good light. Documentary or guided, as long as it captures something true. I initially wanted to be a food photographer, but it turns out food doesn’t laugh at my jokes or tell me it will treasure the photos for the rest of its life.
 

How can photographers help change/impact the world, while they are traveling?

Photography has obviously always been a really powerful tool for communication and storytelling, whether it is about everyday life, somewhere inspiring, something entertaining, or documenting a time. I love those strong documentary and street photography images from Dorothea Lange, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Elliot Erwitt, Trent Parke, Alfre Eienstaedt. It is also safe to say I am pretty excited about Vivian Mayer.

Any photography tips you want to share?

It is addictive and I feel like I am always at the beginning and know nothing. Which is both a pro and a con.

It isn’t all about the technique and the gear - that stuff is super fun, but so much of photography is finding your voice and getting the right access and making it happen.

That isn’t really a tip, is it? Maybe, don’t give up? Get an honest critique? Stop looking at what your competitors are doing?

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

Thanks so much for asking me to be POM : )

Learn more:

www.emilyadamson.com