Today, we’d like to introduce you to Emma Putney.
Hi Emma, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up in Northern Michigan, I was always inspired by the Great Lakes, sand dunes, beaches, and sunsets that surrounded me. When I was 15, I bought my first camera and began capturing these moments and sharing them online so that everyone could enjoy the beauty of the views I was able to surround myself with every day. My camera came with me everywhere I went.
A few years later, I decided that there was more for my camera and me to capture, so I decided to travel out west to explore the mountains. From there, my sense of travel and adventure skyrocketed, and I decided to make the leap to move to Hawai’i for a little bit. I bought a drone and realized that an aerial perspective provided a brand new point of view that humans rarely see. I started printing some of my work before the inquiries started rolling in. First from family and then from friends.
I had moved from Hawai’i to the Florida Keys at this point. I had no intention of ever selling my work or thinking that was a possibility until I started working for a local artist, Jessica Ann, who had successfully opened her own gallery and print shop. She offered to mentor me, and ever since then, I have been a full-time artist selling my photo prints to people all over the world. I am grateful every day I get to do what I love!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been smooth! Selling photos can be super hard, especially with the “anyone can take a photo” mentality that comes from social media nowadays. I still face imposter syndrome every now and then, but constantly remind myself that I’ve made it this far because of the unique and vibrant style my photos have.
I will say it is smoother than most, though. I am lucky enough to work for a print shop, so printing my work, fulfilling online orders, and taking custom orders is a breeze since I do it all myself and can print a paper print for someone in ten minutes!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My name is EmmaNorthMich, and I am a fine art photographer. People always ask where the name EmmaNorthMich comes from because my name is Emma, and I am from Northern Michigan! It’s just kind of what stuck! I specialize in the fine-art printing side of photography, meaning that most of the photos I capture I sell through art galleries, online releases, and businesses in a physical form. I also work for a print shop, so not only do I have the opportunity to print my work, but I also print for other artists! It’s super fun!
I would say I am most recognized for my bright and bold colors as well as the unique perspective my photography takes on. I will look at a scene and think to myself, “How can I capture this from a perspective not yet seen by the world?” and go from there. A lot of my photos come from sitting patiently in the field and waiting for the moment as well as pure luck sometimes! People are always asking, “Are these photos or paintings?” I think that sets me apart from other photographers. I ride the line between a photograph and a painting and love to keep people guessing.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I will always have a special place in my heart for the Great Lakes. Northern Michigan’s palette of colors is what inspired me to pick up a camera in the first place!
It will always be the place I go to for peace and quiet. Sometimes, though, it can be a little too quiet and small for me. I’m not one to stay in one place for too long, so venturing from my hometown was much needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emmanorthmich.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmanorthmich
