We are back again with a great Canadian wildlife photographer and self described bird nerd. A true lover of the outdoors who shows us the beauty in getting off the beaten path. So without further ado we present the next installment of our "interview with a photographer" series featuring Emily Fekkert!
Cotton Carrier: Where do you call home?
Emily Fikkert: I have lived in the Greater Toronto Area my entire life.
CC: How long have you taken photographs for unprofessionally and professionally?
EF: I began taking photos about 5 years ago when I saw my first Snowy Owl. I am self-taught or as I like to call it, trial and error. My love of nature and birds began as far back as I can remember with my dad. Birds would visit our backyard and we would have wonderful family conversations about the birds visiting the family feeders. Years later, I would continue to hike and watch the birds, but it wasn’t until I saw my first Snowy Owl, I was inspired to pick up a camera and capture an image.
CC: How would you define your style as a photographer?
EF: I would define my style as someone who loves being outdoors and capturing the fun moments that present themselves. I’m known to my friends, colleagues and family as a bird nerd with a camera, and to me it is the biggest compliment.
CC: Have you ever gone to photography school?
EF: I am completely self-taught. When I first started taking photos, Youtube videos and meeting fellow photographers in the field was how I was always learning. I am always open to discussing and accepting great advice from fellow photographers as I like to think we are all always learning!
CC: Where is your favorite place or thing to shoot?
EF: My favourite place to go and capture moments is definitely Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada. Every time I go there, I get immersed in the forest and all the incredible nature and wildlife it has to offer.
CC: What Camera(s) / Lenses do you use?
EF: My current gear is the Nikon D500 camera and my lenses the I use most often are the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary and Nikkor 70 – 200mm.
CC: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to get “The Shot”?
IEF: wouldn’t say crazy, as I think it was worth the photo, but I stood outside fully bundled in – 40 degrees waiting for a Snowy Owl to take flight. It was a very cold evening, but as the sun was setting, I knew it was about to hunt and fly. Standing there shivering, barely able to feel my hands, let alone click the button was worth the photo.
CC: Who has inspired you as a photographer?
EF: There’s so much incredible talent out there, it’s almost impossible to choose. I think everyone from amateurs to professionals all inspire me in different ways.
CC: What advice would you tell an aspiring photographer?
EF: Keep practicing! Find a spot or subject you love and keep shooting.
CC: Can you share a photographic resource you personally use?
EF: Online there are so many tutorials and photography forums. YouTube has so many informative videos and tutorials too.
CC: How has photography shaped your day to day?
EF: I work full time, so I don’t get out as often as I’d like to, but on the weekends, or when the sun hasn’t set yet, I like to spend as much time with my family in the forest or by the trails capturing wildlife and nature. Photography has also taught me more about patience and time. I have also learned over the years to always carry my camera with me, because you miss 100% of the photos if it is not with you! ;)
CC: Where has photography taken you, and made you experience?
EF: Photography has taken me many places, but most recently it took me on a trip with my husband to see Burrowing Owls in Arizona.
Follow her work on Instagram @Em_photography22
