We were lucky to catch up with Emma Vurdien recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emma, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learned photography through a combination of self-study and experimentation. Countless hours were invested in watching informational videos to grasp various shooting techniques and the intricacies of camera buttons and dials. This technical knowledge was then integrated with my pre-existing understanding of composing images.

Although I had some prior experience with editing tools like Adobe’s Lightroom and Photoshop, I had never applied them to the realm of professional photography. With time, as I continued to refine my camera skills and spent more hours editing images of various musical artists, my perception of composition underwent significant transformation and new dimensions to my interpretations emerged.

It’s imperative to acknowledge that, as creative individuals, we all follow our unique timelines, and there is no definitive roadmap for this creative journey. Where you currently stand is precisely where you should be in the present, and as time progresses, you’ll accumulate more tools and knowledge to enhance your creative capabilities.

It’s worth noting that the most crucial skills are often not purely technical but revolve around having an open mind and seizing opportunities. Each shoot presents a chance to learn and grow. It’s easy to succumb to self-doubt and the notion that you might not belong in certain creative spaces, but how can we truly know without taking that leap? Personally, I grappled with “imposter syndrome” during my learning process. The fear of not being talented enough held me back from exploring certain creative avenues. This ties back to the concept of individual timelines. It serves as a reminder that we should never postpone our opportunity for knowledge and growth.

Emma, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I work as a music photographer, primarily operating in the Los Angeles and Orange County region. It’s challenging to pinpoint the exact moment I ventured into music photography, but it likely boils down to my enduring passion for music, which has been a constant presence in my life. I still vividly remember my very first concert as a teenager, and that excitement remains with me to this day.

In addition to my love for music, I’ve always had a deep affection for digital art, whether it’s in the form of video editing, creating photo collages, or experimenting with photo editing software. The natural connection between music and photography became apparent, and I’ve found immense creative fulfillment in pursuing this path.

What distinguishes me from others in this field is my genuine and profound love for the genres that I photograph. Being a fan of music provides me with a unique perspective, enabling me to create in a manner that respects and understands the essence and community of the music artists I capture. Every photograph I capture of an artist is a product of my respect and empathy for their performances. I take pride in my ability to authentically capture the joy and emotions of artists, both onstage and offstage.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

To me, the most fulfilling part of being a creative is the capacity to produce photography that elicits positive emotions in others. It brings me immense delight and a sense of warmth to witness how my photographs have the power to put people at ease or even bring happiness as they view how I portray someone they hold dear in a genuine and positive light. It’s of utmost importance for me to capture individuals as they truly are and allow the photograph to convey their unique story.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

My fellow photographers have likely heard the familiar comment from non-creative acquaintances: “Your camera takes great photos.” While this statement may seem innocuous, it opens the door to a more profound conversation. Although having quality equipment can be beneficial, it is far from the sole driver of our creative vision. What truly shapes our vision is the effort we put into composing shots, the hours dedicated to editing, and the experiments we undertake behind the lens. I’ve seen many talented creatives produce remarkable art using nothing more than smartphones or older digital point-and-shoot cameras. Ultimately, it’s not about the gear.

So, for the creatives who may be holding back due to uncertainties about their equipment, I wholeheartedly encourage you to keep going, because your photography holds significance beyond the gear you use.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emmafayev.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmafayev/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evurdien/