This week’s Member Moment features work by Film Club member Emily Earp Mitchell, who takes engaging street-life photos. Scroll down to see her pictures and to read the interview!
PL: What got you interested in photography?
EEM: My school had a photography class and my father had taken an interest in the hobby himself years before. He encouraged me to enroll in the class, and bought me my first 35mm (which I still use...).
PL: What type of camera do you shoot with?
PL: When taking pictures, what are some objects or elements or feelings within a scene that inspire you to take a photo?
EEM: I try to think Light First. A composition with interesting light can almost always stand on its own, regardless of thematic elements. But the best moments are thematic contrasts. Different modes of transportation, cops v. protesters, refuse v. polish.
PL: Of the pictures you submitted, can you share an interesting story about one?
EEM: I had started a roll of film with every intention of doing a strictly thematic double- exposure of fall elements in Dallas (the city I'm from). I totally forgot i already shot that roll, so I triple exposed it all willy-nilly while walking through Philly for the first time. What resulted what a weirdly appropriate textual study of cities I love.
PL: What do you enjoy most about digital/film photography and what is challenging about it?
EEM: I love film the most. The procedural aspect leaves a lot of room for both decision and chance. A visible part of the final image will be procedure and handling. On the flip side, there's a lot of room for error--obscuring certain opportunities within the final image.
PL: How would you like to grow this collection of photographs?
EEM: Portraiture is the future challenge. There's a huge burden of dignity to capturing someone's image, but I want to develop the humility and talent to do that creatively.
Every day, Club Members take exceptional pictures. If you are not a Film Club Member yet what are you waiting for? Join today to support the photo community in Philly and to start saving money on film processing!