Winner interview: Emily Serrell Photography

Instagram: instagram.com/emilyserrellphoto

This interview features 2020 award winner Emily Serrell Photoraphy. Emily won not one, but two categories! She received the trophy for both best wedding couple photo (above) and best engagement photograph. Enjoy the interview!

Tell us about yourself!

Originally from England, I moved to BC over 12 years ago – I currently live in the beautiful mountain town of Whistler – I am a big fan of the outdoors, walks with my two dogs – Betty and Wilma (yes like the Flintstones!), discovering new bike trails even if I have to hike a bike, skiing – both X-Country and downhill, golfing, paddle-boarding and camping with my family.

What makes your business unique, different or special?

I’m someone who really loves meeting new people, learning their story and photographing the connection they share. I get a natural high when working with a couple knowing they will have these memories for years to come. I’m a very relaxed photographer – I want couples to feel like they’re hanging out with me – I joke that I’m their 3rd wheel! As well as a couple’s connection, I think it’s important to capture the scenery too – I feel it tells the full story, and I’m all about stunning backdrops – whether thats epic mountain vistas or deep in a lush green forest.

How do you support your lifestyle when you have less weddings than expected for the year?

Living in a resort town means lots of visiting families and couples – so I photograph lots of engagements, couples on their honeymoon, family portraits and reunions, and maternity sessions.

If you had one piece of advice for couples looking for a wedding photographer, what would it be?

My advice would be to meet your photographer before booking – whether thats over zoom or a local cafe. Your photographer is the one vendor who will spend most of the day with you, so make sure you find a connection as well as loving their work.

If you weren’t shooting weddings, what would you be doing for work?

If I wasn’t a photographer, I would love to be an investigator – I’m obsessed with reading or watching stories about true crime.

What do you think makes a photograph good?

For me a good photograph is one that tells a story – a couple sharing a natural moment and as the viewer you can feel the energy between them.

What do you think makes an image award winning?

An award winning image to me is one that shows connection, great light and something unique.

What is a business mistake you made?

I’ve been a photographer for many years, but one mistake I’ve made is not believing in myself soon enough and pushing myself to go full time with my business.

Do you have advice for new photographers?

Keep taking photos – if you have an idea you should always try it out – whether thats with models or friends. Don’t stop learning new things – if you can assist or 2nd shoot for another photographer – this will be a huge help. Most importantly – don’t compare yourself to others!

What’s something people need to understand about photography?

Photography is a skill and it’s not just about taking photos – there is so much more that goes into the final image you see. I hear ‘your camera is amazing!’, but in reality it doesn’t matter what camera you have, the photograph you see is a combination of planning, light, interaction/direction, skill and editing.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]