Interview with Emily Ritchie
We recently interviewed teen photographer, Emily Ritchie.
Below is a conversation between Anna L. and Emily.
Below is a conversation between Anna L. and Emily.
Question 1: When did you first get into photography? What made you start doing it?
Emily: I grew up taking photos through my phone and iPods when I was younger. My mum had a camera (which is one of the ones that I now use) so I think that the exposure from a young age to photography gave me an interest as I got older. I recently started taking photos of my own a bit more seriously though because of the enjoyment I get from it. I find it so relaxing to be able to go out a walk and capture some shots, it’s also my way of expressing myself which I believe is important for everyone.
Question 2: Have you ever had a downfall where you lost motivation in doing photography? Or went on a hiatus with it?
Emily: There were times before I ever considered it as a hobby where I would only really take photos if I was on holiday. More recently though since I’ve started posting my photos on Instagram not really anything, I would call a hiatus. There are times, such as during my exam period where I couldn’t go out as often to take photos or didn’t have enough time to post. I think because I get so much enjoyment from it though I don’t really lose motivation as I don’t see it as something I need to do, more something I want to do.
Question 3: What photographer’s do you look up to?
Emily: On a professional level Guilia Gartner and Amy Timmus. Although throughout my time improving as a photographer, I have come across so many amazing people that I look up to. I think that every photographer has a different style and way to express them self through the media of photography so photographers such as Brandon Woelf played a big part in my decision to start posting my photos but I probably relate to some photographers less due to my style being a bit different from theirs.
Question 4: What is your favorite form of photography? Has that changed through the time since you first started doing photography?
Emily: When I first started photography, I wouldn’t say I really had a certain type that I preferred or practiced the most so it definitely has changed as I’ve progressed. My favorite is nature and my more recent posts shows that. Although from time to time I do like to experiment with a lensball and with architectural shots. I’m more than happy however to experiment with new types of photography, I’m always up for a challenge and more recently have been trying out some macro and portraiture although I’m not yet confident enough to post them
Question 5: What qualities do you think are valuable to being a photographer?
Emily: I think you just need to be perseverant, not every shot will work 1st time and I think it’s important to learn how to get past that. As you develop as a photographer though that does get easier as you learn what photos you are best at and settings you should use for different shots. Other than that, I think originality is a big one. There are a lot of photographers out there and I think the only way an artist will stand out is if they are able to make each shot different for them. Even if it’s just a certain filter or an angle I think being original is crucial in photography. Everything does get easier as you progress though so I think that as you progress in the field, you will also begin to form your own style
Question 6: Are you planning of going into photography as a long-term career?
Emily: In the future there is a high possibility I will. I’ve always loved travelling and that definitely opens a lot of doors for photography and opportunities. Right now, though I’m working towards being a Civil Engineer which comes with the advantage or travelling too. I’d definitely like to carry it on as a hobby even when I am working because it’s something, I find so enjoyable and hopefully with travelling, it will open more doors for a career for photography in the future. As I’m still quite new though to the field, I don’t think I’m quite ready or experienced enough to go straight into a career
Question 7: Who has been your biggest supporter in your photography?
Emily: My friends have definitely been a huge support in my decision to pursue photography. I’ve wanted to make this page for a while and never really had the confidence to because I think I was too worried about what people would say as I’m not as experienced. They gave me the confidence I needed though to pursue it and I’m loving it. My mum of course though is a huge supporter of this page too, she let me use her camera and loves to tell people about my page. I’ve been lucky to have strong support from the people around me
Question 8: What is the best advice you can give to a beginner photography?
Emily: Be yourself, don’t change your style or your passion for anyone else. I think it’s also important to do it for yourself, don’t do it because you want followers or likes. It shouldn’t be about popularity; I started my account just as somewhere to express myself and improve in something I am passionate about. If you go into it with that mindset, you will find it much more rewarding. The feedback you get from supportive followers is so rewarding and I am so grateful for. You will meet the most amazing people who are so happy to help, and I think that’s what it should all be about
Question 9: What’s the best advice you can give to teens, not relating to photography?
Emily: Sometimes you just need to trust your gut instinct. I was put off for years from doing what I wanted to because people that were older than me said it wasn’t a good idea. Just because people are older than you doesn’t mean they know what’s best for you. Only you can decide that. You shouldn’t be intimidated by people with authority because at the end of the day, it’s your life and it’s up to you how you choose to live it. You have the chance to do whatever you want; you can change the world so don’t let anyone step on your dreams
Question 10: Does photography ever get in the way of school?
Emily: I’ve now left school but there were times that I struggled to get out and take photos because I was sitting exams or doing projects. Everyone is very understanding of that though and there have been times where I’ve maybe not posted for a few days and then when I do post, I still get all the support I have on other posts. I think it’s important though to keep on track to what’s important to you, for me, school and college was really important for me to do well in so I had to ensure that was my top priority. Photography for me, is a bit like a break from school and exams. It gave me the opportunity to do something I enjoyed in my free time so it didn’t really get in the way of school
Anna: Anything else you would like to add?
Emily: I would just like to thank you for the chance to be interviewed. I’m honoured that you decided to interview me and have loved speaking to you. I think the idea behind it is great.
Anna: Thank you for taking this interview!
Check out Emily's Instagram: @ritchie_photography24
Emily: I grew up taking photos through my phone and iPods when I was younger. My mum had a camera (which is one of the ones that I now use) so I think that the exposure from a young age to photography gave me an interest as I got older. I recently started taking photos of my own a bit more seriously though because of the enjoyment I get from it. I find it so relaxing to be able to go out a walk and capture some shots, it’s also my way of expressing myself which I believe is important for everyone.
Question 2: Have you ever had a downfall where you lost motivation in doing photography? Or went on a hiatus with it?
Emily: There were times before I ever considered it as a hobby where I would only really take photos if I was on holiday. More recently though since I’ve started posting my photos on Instagram not really anything, I would call a hiatus. There are times, such as during my exam period where I couldn’t go out as often to take photos or didn’t have enough time to post. I think because I get so much enjoyment from it though I don’t really lose motivation as I don’t see it as something I need to do, more something I want to do.
Question 3: What photographer’s do you look up to?
Emily: On a professional level Guilia Gartner and Amy Timmus. Although throughout my time improving as a photographer, I have come across so many amazing people that I look up to. I think that every photographer has a different style and way to express them self through the media of photography so photographers such as Brandon Woelf played a big part in my decision to start posting my photos but I probably relate to some photographers less due to my style being a bit different from theirs.
Question 4: What is your favorite form of photography? Has that changed through the time since you first started doing photography?
Emily: When I first started photography, I wouldn’t say I really had a certain type that I preferred or practiced the most so it definitely has changed as I’ve progressed. My favorite is nature and my more recent posts shows that. Although from time to time I do like to experiment with a lensball and with architectural shots. I’m more than happy however to experiment with new types of photography, I’m always up for a challenge and more recently have been trying out some macro and portraiture although I’m not yet confident enough to post them
Question 5: What qualities do you think are valuable to being a photographer?
Emily: I think you just need to be perseverant, not every shot will work 1st time and I think it’s important to learn how to get past that. As you develop as a photographer though that does get easier as you learn what photos you are best at and settings you should use for different shots. Other than that, I think originality is a big one. There are a lot of photographers out there and I think the only way an artist will stand out is if they are able to make each shot different for them. Even if it’s just a certain filter or an angle I think being original is crucial in photography. Everything does get easier as you progress though so I think that as you progress in the field, you will also begin to form your own style
Question 6: Are you planning of going into photography as a long-term career?
Emily: In the future there is a high possibility I will. I’ve always loved travelling and that definitely opens a lot of doors for photography and opportunities. Right now, though I’m working towards being a Civil Engineer which comes with the advantage or travelling too. I’d definitely like to carry it on as a hobby even when I am working because it’s something, I find so enjoyable and hopefully with travelling, it will open more doors for a career for photography in the future. As I’m still quite new though to the field, I don’t think I’m quite ready or experienced enough to go straight into a career
Question 7: Who has been your biggest supporter in your photography?
Emily: My friends have definitely been a huge support in my decision to pursue photography. I’ve wanted to make this page for a while and never really had the confidence to because I think I was too worried about what people would say as I’m not as experienced. They gave me the confidence I needed though to pursue it and I’m loving it. My mum of course though is a huge supporter of this page too, she let me use her camera and loves to tell people about my page. I’ve been lucky to have strong support from the people around me
Question 8: What is the best advice you can give to a beginner photography?
Emily: Be yourself, don’t change your style or your passion for anyone else. I think it’s also important to do it for yourself, don’t do it because you want followers or likes. It shouldn’t be about popularity; I started my account just as somewhere to express myself and improve in something I am passionate about. If you go into it with that mindset, you will find it much more rewarding. The feedback you get from supportive followers is so rewarding and I am so grateful for. You will meet the most amazing people who are so happy to help, and I think that’s what it should all be about
Question 9: What’s the best advice you can give to teens, not relating to photography?
Emily: Sometimes you just need to trust your gut instinct. I was put off for years from doing what I wanted to because people that were older than me said it wasn’t a good idea. Just because people are older than you doesn’t mean they know what’s best for you. Only you can decide that. You shouldn’t be intimidated by people with authority because at the end of the day, it’s your life and it’s up to you how you choose to live it. You have the chance to do whatever you want; you can change the world so don’t let anyone step on your dreams
Question 10: Does photography ever get in the way of school?
Emily: I’ve now left school but there were times that I struggled to get out and take photos because I was sitting exams or doing projects. Everyone is very understanding of that though and there have been times where I’ve maybe not posted for a few days and then when I do post, I still get all the support I have on other posts. I think it’s important though to keep on track to what’s important to you, for me, school and college was really important for me to do well in so I had to ensure that was my top priority. Photography for me, is a bit like a break from school and exams. It gave me the opportunity to do something I enjoyed in my free time so it didn’t really get in the way of school
Anna: Anything else you would like to add?
Emily: I would just like to thank you for the chance to be interviewed. I’m honoured that you decided to interview me and have loved speaking to you. I think the idea behind it is great.
Anna: Thank you for taking this interview!
Check out Emily's Instagram: @ritchie_photography24