We were lucky to catch up with Emily Machan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Emily thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I started my photography journey in 7th grade, experimenting with my dad’s camera and learning through trial and error. By 11th grade, I became more intentional, watching YouTube tutorials and organizing mock fashion editorial shoots with my high school friends. Those early collaborations sparked my love for fashion photography and taught me the value of teamwork in creative projects. Even now, after years of being self-taught, I continue to learn new techniques and push myself to achieve different results.

Knowing what I know now, I would have taken an introductory photography course early on to build a solid foundation. Having that structured knowledge from the start would have been a stepping stone, enabling me to explore more creative techniques with confidence.

The most essential skills for me has been understanding the foundations of photography—not just knowing them but fully internalizing them. Mastering the basics allows you to break the rules in meaningful and creative ways.

One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced has been my lack of formal education in lighting, particularly for studio work. While I’ve managed to overcome this through practice and experimentation, it’s been a challenge that requires constant effort and adaptation.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello! My name is Emily, a Calgary-based fashion photographer with a deep passion for storytelling and creative visuals. I specialize in fashion photography, creating editorial campaigns, lookbooks, and conceptual projects that elevate my clients’ brands. My work often draws inspiration from the locations I live in. Growing up in Shanghai, China, and attending an international school, I made friends from diverse cultural backgrounds. This experience opened my eyes to various celebrations, traditional clothing, and a deep respect for different ways of living. It has allowed me to adapt to every city I travel to for a shoot, embracing the local art styles while staying true to my own. With my work, I focus on solving two key challenges for my clients: showcasing their designs in a way that tells a compelling story and capturing the essence of their brand identity. Whether it’s through dramatic lighting, inventive compositions, or a youthful, energetic vibe, I aim to create visuals that stand out.

What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients and collaborators over the years. I love hearing how my images have helped brands tell their stories or sparked conversations. My work is a reflection of my creative soul, and I want potential clients to know that I approach every project with care, creativity, and a commitment to delivering high-quality visuals that align with their vision.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As a photographer, one of the most rewarding aspects is witnessing the joy and confidence of the people I photograph. It’s incredibly fulfilling to capture the reactions of those who may not often find themselves in front of the camera or who are surprised by how beautiful they appear through the lens. When I share photos throughout the shoot, I can see their confidence grow in real time, as they become increasingly comfortable and self-assured.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe there are many ways to support creatives that go beyond simply purchasing their work. Engaging with their art, whether through social media or in person, can make a huge impact. For example, visiting an art gallery not only supports the artist but also offers a unique and enjoyable experience for you. Additionally, recommending artists to others is incredibly powerful. Word of mouth carries more weight than we often realize. Finding out that they’ve been recommended to someone can truly make an artist’s day and help grow their audience in meaningful ways. For me, something that always makes my day is when I see someone that I photographed change their profile picture to one of the photos I took of them! Something as small as a profile picture, can make the biggest difference in my day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emilymachan.format.com
• Instagram: emmeiling
• Other: TikTok – emmeiling

Image Credits

Image one:
Rosie Okotcha (@rosieokotcha) with Genesis Model Management styled by Oriana Roger (@myslowardrobe) at Soif Studio in London, UK.

Image two:
Gift Atomssa (@giftatomssa) with Mode Models in Calgary, AB.

Image three:
Kiersay (@kiersay) for Lady & Lord dog accessories (@ladyandlord.shop) in Calgary, AB.

Image four:
Photo for Simple Chic Studio in Calgary, AB.

Image five:
Elinko (@elintko) with Lizbell Agency in Vancouver, BC.

Image six:
Izzy (@duffflebagshawty) photographed for Pretty Old Clothes (@prettyoldclothes) in Calgary, AB.