This month, Exposed hears from local snapper Emma Bothamley about her journey into the world of photography, how she’s found inspiration in Sheffield’s architecture and her advice to budding photographers…
How did you first get into photography?
Photography is something I’ve been interested in for as long as I can remember. My grandads and great-grandad were all into photography, so I’ve always been surrounded by cameras. As an only child, taking photos of anything and everything helped keep me occupied in my own little world. My first camera was a Fisher Price 35mm Easy Share – the red one with a viewfinder for each eye! My interest in photography turned into a serious hobby when I was 14. I then did a photography course at Norton College for two years.
After college, I got into motorsports and managed to photograph a few events, such as the British Touring Car Championship and a Formula E test day. I photographed these on behalf of a website called Carwitter. Sadly, my maternal grandad passed away in 2015, and the grieving process lasted way longer than I realised at the time. I lost a lot of motivation and self-esteem, which led me to lose interest in photography. Just as I started to feel like I was wanting to give photography another go, Covid happened. At the start of 2023, I was really fed up with the rut I put myself in, and I decided to give photography another try and began regularly sharing my work on social media.
Has your style evolved much since starting out?
I think my style with how I take a photo hasn’t changed much over the years; it’s more of an instinctive feeling. I always want to take a pleasing image and try and get the usual ticks in a photo: working the rule of thirds, leading lines, a clear subject, etc. I always use natural light. I’m yet to own a flash gun or studio lights.
My editing style has changed numerous times. I loved pumping up the saturation when I was a teen and then making everything HDR (high dynamic range), the type of HDR that makes photos look far too dramatic and fake. At the start of this year, I finally got Lightroom, and it’s the best thing I’ve done with my photography. Being able to tweak so many aspects and then be able to save them as a preset to apply to other photos is a game changer and a time saver.
Your photos predominantly feature urban and architectural scenes. What do you think drew you to these types of subjects?
The architectural side was more of an accident. The design of some buildings I seem to really like, and with that, I want to document the buildings I find interesting. Luckily, Sheffield has a wide range of architecture. Brutalism seems to be my thing; I go to Park Hill flats a lot, and the Moore Street Substation is so cool.
In terms of the urban side, it was a desire of wanting to show that Sheffield is actually a photogenic place. Street photography is the genre of photography I want to do more of, but it’s very challenging.
What is your favourite shot to date and why?
I would say the sunset shot from Meersbrook Park that I took in June this year. There was a couple sat on the grass. As soon as I walked over to get them in the frame, they had a loving moment, briefly resting their heads on each other whilst looking at the stunning view. I’ve taken many photos from Meersbrook, but I love the golden hour light, the view and the couple, for me, it makes the shot complete. Unless I get the bucket list shot of the Northern Lights over Sheffield (which I don’t know if it’s possible with the light pollution), I don’t think I can better it.
The Christmas Market sunset taken at the top of The Moor last year is a close second. It was taken on a Saturday, and the day before there was such an awesome sunset, but I watched it from the office window. I’m sure other photographers can relate to witnessing the best-ever sunsets but being otherwise engaged! Looking at the weather forecast, the next day was going to be a carbon copy. So, I went into town just before golden hour, and thankfully, the same fiery sunset happened again.
That’s the thing with the majority of my photos, I tend to remember the story behind them, so if the shot is a good one, it has a nice double meaning to me. I hope that doesn’t sound self-absorbed!
When are you happiest behind a camera?
I would say I’m at my happiest when I’m able to replicate something I envisioned in my head. It doesn’t happen as often as I would like!
In all honesty, I’m always happy behind a camera. It helps me clear my mind and escape from life for a little while.
What advice would you give to budding photographers?
I’m still learning myself, but I would say my biggest advice is to get out there. I’ve said about the gap I had with my photography after my grandad’s passing, but really, I could have restarted a lot sooner if I hadn’t put a huge amount of self-doubt on myself and put thought into action.
Another tip would be to buy used equipment. With mirrorless cameras taking over, you can get used DSLRs for not that much, and the lenses that fit them are also good value. It goes hand in hand that you don’t need the latest and greatest gear to get results.
Lastly, don’t let social media numbers be a source of validation. Do photography for you.
