Emily Carey doesn’t know for sure what she took her first photograph of, but if she had to put a bet on it, she knows what her money would be going on.
“It was probably the dog in front of the gas fire… or my mum in the garden.
“I do remember my first camera was a Kodak 110 point and shoot. It was long and thin with a built-in flash and took 16mm film — pretty cool, I wish I still had it!”
The 44-year-old, who was born in Cramlington, Northumberland and grew up in Richmond, North Yorkshire from when she was five, credits her Grandad with her initial interest in capturing the world around her.
“He was a keen amateur photographer which rubbed off on me,” she says. “He collected vintage cameras, which I now own.
“My dad always used to film all our family holidays or days out on Super 8 Cine film as well, so I kind of absorbed the fact that precious memories are worth documenting and important to keep around.”
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After graduating from university — studying art and photography — Emily enrolled at Sheffield College to train as a press photographer before getting a job at the Leicester Mercury.
Asked what makes her a good photographer, she immediately draws on a lesson she learned from those early days in her career.
“I’m not one to blow my own trumpet, and I’ll always remember when I was training at the Leicester Mercury, Andy Baker — a legendary Leicester photographer — used to say: ‘You’re only as good as your last photo…’, which is a mantra I try to live by!”
Since stepping away from press photography the best part of a decade ago, Emily has carved herself a career as a commercial and wedding photographer, leaning into what she’s best at, which she says is: “People, capturing the moment.”
When it comes to her least favourite and/or most challenging subjects, a couple of chilly examples come first to mind.
“I once had to photograph a bobsleigh going at 200mph in low light and no flash was allowed…that was bloody hard! Ice hockey is tricky too shooting through scratched plastic safety panels!
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“And cars are my nemesis too!” she laughs.
Assuming the Winter Olympics and Formula One are on her ‘No thank you’ list, what would be on Emily’s wishlist?
“I love photographing weddings, all the love and romance keeps me happy,” she says.
Having worked in the North East media for many years and remaining in the region — Emily is based in Durham — it’s perhaps not surprising that she cites some familiar names when asked whose work she admires.
“There are so many talented North East photographers — many of whom have already been featured by The QT… such as Owen Humphreys and John Millard. I’ve always admired Cindy Sherman, Nan Goldin and Martin Parr too.”
Finally, asked to provide some tips to aspiring photographers, Emily says: “Try every genre, fashion, editorial, studio, whatever, and then pick your niche. Take millions of photos and learn from your mistakes. Always have respect for whoever or whatever you’re photographing.”
You can see more of Emily’s work at www.silverbirdphotography.com and follow her on Instagram @silverbirdphotography.
I love photographing weddings, all the love and romance keeps me happy
This gallery shows a mixture of my most recent and favourite weddings.
My style is modern, fun and relaxed. I love capturing loved-up, laid-back couples, having the time of their lives with their nearest and dearest – it makes me feel so lucky!
I’ll capture real moments as they happen in my own creative style. Visual storytelling full of candid moments. Perfect for anyone who shudders at the thought of awkward posing! I’m all about the real moments, no cheesy poses, just couples having the best day ever with their family and friends.
I shoot the beautiful parts and the out-takes. The happy tears and the disco feet. I want couples to spend their day having fun with family and friends. I’m not one of those photographers who takes over the day. I make time for a few fun, casual portraits of the happy couple and a few group shots, and I always keep these relaxed and cheese-free.
