We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emily Chalk. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emily below.

Emily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My latest project is very close to my heart. My son is non-verbal autistic and through my photography, I’m about to explore the alternative ways families and loved ones in the autistic community communicate. The frustrations they experience are heartbreaking, but the bonds they have with their loved ones are heartwarming and precious.

All the projects I do in my own time have special meaning to me.

I have an ongoing series documenting life in the coastal campground where my husband, two children and I have been holidaying for the past eight years. It’s incredibly meaningful to me because of the amazing times we’ve had there as a family, and the array of people I would never otherwise have met, coming together to get back to basics and relax.

Another favourite evolved out of New Zealand’s lockdowns in the Covid pandemic; with our family dynamic, those societal restrictions were extremely challenging. When the walls of our home began to feel like a prison, I’d escape on daily walks with my children, searching for little rays of light, both literal and metaphorical. The images I created during this time were raw and pure. They sat largely untouched for a few years, and it was only when I looked back at them last year, that I realised they tell a unique story of what that time was like for us, and, I’m sure, for many other families living with neurodiversity – happy on the surface but with a darker, shadowy undertone. These are my favourite images I’ve created, even if I couldn’t see that at the time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Kiwi (New Zealander) living in a birdsong-filled native forest just north of Auckland City. I’ve always loved photography; it’s all I ever wanted to do. I started with my dad’s old 35mm taking photos of my cat, plants and whatever else I found piqued my interest. Felines and flora remain an important part of my life, although they may not be captured by my lens quite as often today.

Grinning and bearing my way through school, I chose the hardest and fastest industry-based polytechnic course in photography I could find. I worked as an assistant to a renowned fashion photographer, shot the odd family portrait and wedding that came my way, while holding down jobs in bars and retail (to finance my clothing and shoe addiction). The pull of the OE (overseas experience) landed me in London, where I worked as a nanny (THE worst job in the world) and behind a bar. But eventually, I cold-called my butt off and blagged my way into studio photography work. I had no idea what I was doing, but somehow I figured it out and I can tell you confidence, bravado, a bit of talent and a smile can get you a long way. It helps I’m curious about everyone I meet; I want to discover what makes them tick and how they’ve reached where they are in life.

It’s vital everyone I photograph feels comfortable and confident in front of my lens – that’s how we create the most authentic images. I’ve shot editorial for years now, and the people I’ve met and images we’ve collaborated on make it so rewarding. Everyone has a story – and learning something new makes me motivated about my work. That’s what led me to advertising photography. I love collaborating with creatives to bring to life an idea that’s new and surprising.

I’m also proud to have made a career from my passions. I still pinch myself some days. There are people I meet who say they hate their jobs – yet mine rarely feels like ‘a job’. I’m energised when I receive a client’s brief with a great concept, and I can’t stop thinking about it until I’ve explored every way possible to develop it.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My greatest competition is with myself, which drives me. My goals are to always do better; do more than I have before; create work that hasn’t been seen before. And showcase my unique view of the world.

I’m extremely competitive and throughout my life, as with many creatives, imposter syndrome has crept in. There are so many photographers I admire, and work I see, and I think ‘Man, I’d love to do that! Why didn’t I think of that, or shoot an image that way?’

Theodore Roosevelt said: “Comparison is the thief of joy,” which is what I strive to remember when the niggles of imposter syndrome start creeping in. That drives me to explore my ideas to their full extent and create work that’s interesting to me, and hopefully many others.

I am a lover of succinct quotes or phrases. We have a Ted Lasso quote framed in our home: “Be Curious”. I’m never afraid to ask questions, which has helped me grow creatively. Curiosity is what drives me most.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’ve always thrived on creativity. I spent my school years studying photography and art, and although I wasn’t the best in my class – far from it – I loved the way taking photos made me feel. My photography teacher at high school actually told me I wouldn’t make it; I wasn’t good enough and I shouldn’t bother applying to university or pursuing photography.

From an early age, I was a “yes” person; always going for what I wanted. If I was asked to do something I didn’t know how to do, I’d just say, “Yes I can do that” – then franticly figure out the details later! A little tenacity and a great attitude go a long way.

When I moved to London seeking more experience, I knew no one. I got hold of a Yellow Pages phone book, opened it to the ‘Photography’ section and began ringing every photography company in the city until I got a meeting.

I began by first working Sundays, then getting more days than I could physically take on. It was fantastic – a baptism by fire to be honest – but I’ve found those are the best experiences. If you’re a little talented and a lot hungry for the career you dream of, you get it done. My advice for those who are repeatedly knocked back: Take on feedback from those you trust, seek out constructive criticism from the heroes in your field, and never give up. Ask questions. Be curious… always.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emilychalk.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilychalkphotographer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilychalkphotographer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-chalk-photographer

Image Credits

Photographer Photo: Gina Brumby , other photos all by Emily Chalk Photographer