Getting To Know Emma Barton

This interview first appeared on our old site 1stAngel Arts

www.emmabartonphotography.com

When did you first become interested in photography, specifically?

I really became aware of my love of photography whilst backpacking after finishing university. I had begged my parents for my first digital camera as my birthday present that year, it was an old Olympus and I absolutely loved it. I still have images I captured of wildlife in South Africa displayed in my office – zebra and giraffe photographed whilst on horseback safari, a baboon running along the road at Cape Point and a lion basking under a tree.

On which style(s) of photography do you specialize?

I specialize in Equine Photography but am looking to also develop my Dog photography. Really I just love animals and photography so anything that combines the two makes me happy

I’m a total chocoholic – any chocolate in the house has to be hidden otherwise I will eat it all!

Has your style changed from when you first began?

Not really, I have always liked natural style photos.

What kind of equipment do you use?

Nikon d7100, primarily with a 50mm but also 55-200mm lens. I’m trying to decide which lens to purchase next – they are a bit addictive! I bring a Nikon d40x as a back up camera when I am out photographing. I prefer to edit with Adobe Lightroom but also use Photoshop.

What made you choose that equipment?

My father in law gave me his old Nikon d40x when he upgraded, I like Nikon so I have stuck with them.

Do you have favourite times of the days to take shots in?

Where possible I prefer to photograph in ‘the golden hour’ that time just before sunset where the sun is not too harsh and casts a lovely glow.

Are you a patient photographer, waiting for the right moment?

Haha, when working with children and animals I think you have to be patient. I can’t think of a particular shoot above the rest but trying to get a horse to put their ears forward for a photograph is a task that can sometimes require a lot of patience!

I’m a big believer in fate and I think things happen for a reason.

How often do you go out just to photograph or, do you have your camera ready at all times, even shopping?

Since developing my interest in photography I think I see the world in more detail, I see light and colour or just moments in time and often think ‘I wish I had my camera with me now’. It’s a big piece of equipment to carry with me all the time though.

Do you edit in photoshop or another programme?

I do all my own editing – predominantly in Lightroom

How much time (on average) does it take to edit a work?

Hours!

What was your worse job?

When I look back at some of my initial images that I shot whilst I was a ‘hobbyist photographer’ it makes me realise how far I have come.

What was our best job?

It’s hard to pick a best job. I’m so lucky I love what I do and I always enjoy getting out photographing.

How do you know when a piece is finished? Is it easy to walk away?

It depends on the image, there are some that I would keep going back and tweaking if I let myself.

What do you do to overcome a ‘block’?

I work on something else for a bit and then come back to it the next day.

How well do you take criticism and how do you make use of it?

I want to be the best that I can and appreciate constructive criticism. I always ask my husband for a second opinion before showing clients their images.

Who is your favourite photographer?

I love Serge Ramelli, I think the colours in his images are beautiful.

Which one of your photographs is your favourite?

I have a photo I took of my own horse Coolio just after I had bathed him, he is shaking the water off like a dog and I feel it captures his character.

Have you used smartphone cameras?

Yes, although mine is not the best smart phone. I think the technology that iPhone use will open the world of photography up for a lot of people.

Have you exhibited any of your work in galleries?

No – hopefully that might be something for the future!