Why I Decided to do Emerge
The decision to continue with Emerge came from a place of newfound confidence. Doing well in Embark and getting really positive feedback at the 2024 International Pet Photography Awards (IPPA) gave me the push I needed to challenge myself further. I went into Emerge with real confidence in my ability to create artistic images for each challenge. I didn’t think it would be easy, but I also wasn’t expecting it to be as challenging as it has been.
What I’ve discovered is that Emerge operates differently than Embark. Where Embark built foundational photography skills in a connected, progressive way – starting with simple elements like understanding complementary and contrasting colours, then getting down to the dog’s line of sight, then various compositional concepts – Emerge focuses on artistic elements that can elevate your work and create variety in a client’s Gallery. It’s about pushing the creative boundaries you’ve set for yourself.
Challenge 1: “Framed”
When I first saw the “Framed” challenge, my immediate thought was wondering how I could create something beautiful without taking the generic route of a door or archway. I had this preconceived idea that framing could only be done with architecture, but this challenge completely shifted my perspective and made me consider how natural elements could create compelling frames.
The reality of my submission was far from ideal – I literally took it around midday on the day it was due. It wasn’t what I’d planned and definitely wasn’t edited to my normal standard, but I wanted to submit something to get feedback either way. What I ended up with was Bones standing in front of an old mudbrick cottage, specifically – framed against the fireplace and chimney going up the side of the building.
The feedback was invaluable, even for this last-minute effort. They pointed out how I could have painted with light to enhance the subject more and addressed the bright spot on the edge of the roof tiles caused by rain that I’d overlooked. Looking back, I’d have liked Bones closer to me to fill the frame better. But there was also a positive note – multiple people mentioned that the chimney shape matched Bones’ physique, which was a compositional element I hadn’t noticed at the time.
Challenge 2: “Spaced Out”
Negative space was something I felt comfortable with going into this challenge, having used it multiple times in client photos. But my biggest revelation was realising I could create a “panorama” of photos to composite into a single image to achieve the negative space I wanted.
I was adamant that the negative space had to have purpose – whether that’s the dog moving into the space, or a strong gaze or body posture directed towards it. What I ended up capturing was Bones staring intensely across the river at a duck, which caused him to lean forwards slightly into the negative space I’d created.
The story behind this image is one of my favourites because it perfectly illustrates how the best photography moments often happen when we’re not forcing them. It started with waking up and feeling like taking Bones for a relaxing walk down by the river before the workday began. I almost left the house without my camera, wanting to just enjoy the walk, but at the last moment changed my mind and grabbed it just in case there was anything worth capturing. Then I decided as I almost walked past the entrance to a particular spot that we could pop in. And that’s where I ended up taking the photo I submitted. By pure chance, I also remembered to take photos of the surrounding area so I’d have the images to stitch together for the composite I had in mind.
Of course, the technical side wasn’t without its challenges – I was fighting a laptop that was literally in the process of dying as I tried to edit my photo for submission. But despite these limitations, I felt confident that my photo met the brief, and the feedback I received aligned with what I expected.
Challenge 3: “Highs and Lows”
For this Challenge I chose to focus on a low key image because my style naturally trends that way, thinking it would be easier for me. How wrong I was! This challenge became my biggest struggle and taught me some hard lessons about working with light.
The main feedback I received was that I was fighting the light rather than working with it, despite thinking I’d chosen a good location and day to get the right lighting. Several factors contributed to this struggle: the wet weather meant the plants had lots of bright spots I hadn’t considered, and those bright autumn leaves I was using as a leading line actually led viewers to the dog’s feet, which ended up too dark with almost no detail. You get kind of lost in what becomes a pit of blackness.
Adding to the technical challenges, I was using a friend’s lens and didn’t have the experience to understand its focusing needs, which caused me to miss focus on the dog’s cheek rather than the eye. The feedback also mentioned that if I’d changed my angle slightly and zoomed in more, I would have had an easier time achieving the low key look I was after in that location.
I wasn’t super confident about the image when I submitted it – it definitely didn’t feel like a winning image. But I wasn’t expecting such direct feedback about the technical execution. It was humbling, but ultimately valuable. I’m definitely going to try this challenge again, and I have a snow session coming up that might give me an opportunity to explore high key imagery instead.
The Reality of Balancing Creativity with Life
One thing that’s become clear through these first three challenges is how much real life impacts creative work. My submissions weren’t as perfect as I’d have liked, and that’s because I was focused more on balancing my life as a whole, rather than giving myself completely to something that, at the end of the day, isn’t going to impact me long term (unlike house renovations).
My approach has been to do the bare minimum in areas where I can’t push back or adjust timelines, and drop things that I can, to help me stay afloat. It’s not ideal for creating award-winning challenge submissions, but it’s realistic for someone juggling multiple businesses, everyday responsibilities and massive house renovations.
The technical obstacles – dying laptop and unfamiliar equipment – I see as both frustrating limitations and a part of life. Technology will fail, new equipment requires a learning curve. That’s simply reality. I’m trying not to be too hard on myself and instead focus on what I can take away from these experiences and what I can do differently in future similar situations.
Moving Forwards
These first three Emerge challenges have been humbling, educational, and occasionally frustrating. They’ve pushed me beyond my comfort zone in ways I didn’t anticipate and reminded me that growth often comes through struggle. While my submissions weren’t perfect, each one taught me something valuable about light, composition, and the importance of not giving up on the details.
The experience has reinforced that this level of creative challenge requires a different approach than the more foundational learning of Embark. It’s about pushing artistic boundaries while maintaining technical excellence – a balance I’m still working to achieve.
As I continue through the remaining Emerge challenges, I’m carrying these lessons forward: work with the light rather than against it, don’t underestimate the impact of small details, and remain open to those unexpected moments that often produce the most authentic work. The journey continues, and I’m curious to see where the next challenges will take me – hopefully with a more cooperative computer next time!