My Story.

My story, as far as photography is concerned, began when I was perhaps 8.

My father owned a Nikon film SLR camera, which he took the time and patience to introduce me to. How grateful I am to him. I remember how meticulous he was, in keeping the lens clean, the body free of oils and sticky residues, gently handling the body and carefully sliding it back into it's tailored case, where it would stay safe and nestled until our next family outing to Purling Brook Falls.

During these family outings, he would teach me the basic principles of photography - or, as he had always called it - "painting with light". I vividly remember his fingers guiding mine to the shutter speed dial, telling me that if I changed it this way and that, the water I saw gushing at our feet would be photographed as fast and swishy, or sharp and frozen. At Taronga Zoo, he showed me the wonders of manual focus - as he swiveled the focus ring a little further - and to my amazement, the bars in front of the crocodile enclosure were now blurred, and beyond - the beady lusting eyes of the young reptile, once hard to make out, now gleamed in the sharp focus. And after savoring each shot on a roll of 24 prints, trying to make each count as best as a 10 year old could, at last - the prints were developed, and I could admire my work.

The smell of the prints, still warm and mildly curled from the machine. The negative slicks, so fascinating, as I held them to the light for what seemed like hours. And of course, the photographs; exactly how I remembered them looking in my viewfinder the moment the shutter closed.

It was magic. There was no other way to describe it but pure magic. From the very first moment a camera came into my hands, that was it - I was hooked, addicted - a lost cause.

Now, over 10 years later, the world of photography, for me, has lost none of that magic and splendor. In point of fact, it has evolved into something even more magical - digital. Gone are the days of 24 print rolls of film. 2mp SLR bodies. Slow, shuddering lenses. And my senses have lost none of their love for this world. Endless possibilities; just delete and try again until you get it right. The delicious sound of a lens as it is snap-locked into place. The click of the Speedlite in the hot shoe tread as it braces itself to the body. The addictive cla-chick of the shutter as it shuts and re-opens with beautiful, timed, mechanical accuracy every time. The feel of the thick strap grazing the back of your neck. The weight in your hands, the power to create in your palms. The thra-pa-pa-pa of the flash, bursting to aid my auto-focusing lens.

I love Photography. When I'm sick, all I want to do is take photographs. When I'm sad, all I want to do is smother my SD cards with more photographs. When I'm tired, all I want to do is stay up all night editing the photographs from my latest venture or shoot. Turning each and every one of them into a work of art. A work, a painting, of Light. I literally live, eat, breathe, sleep and drink photography.

My very first camera of my own was an Olympus FE-100 - which was described as the least expensive, most budget, feature-stripped digital compact point-and-shoot camera in Olympus stock at the time. I was 11 years old, and I had been saving for what seemed like forever - but it was all I could afford. It was a 4mp - which, for me, was incredible. I took that camera everywhere. To school. To the shopping centre. To church. If there would ever be a photographic opportunity, I was determined to never miss it. I shot photos of my favourite things, my favourite places, my friends.

Two years later, I saved and invested in a very substantial upgrade: the Canon A590 IS. This is fantastic, I thought. For $300AUD, it had 8mp, a great lens with wide angle capabilities and manual modes which commanded my craving attention. The difference in comparison to my Olympus was astounding, and I quickly put it's capabilities to creative use - using myself as a model, I began to enter into the division of portrait photography - and I loved it. With programs like Photoshop now available to me, I worked for hours and hours, editing, experimenting, showcasing, learning, soaking in all I could and drawing myself deeper and deeper into the glorious age of digital photography. My desire to create and capture had always been present, but it had now become insatiable.

After wearing the A590 IS down to the bone (literally), and growing tired of the limitations I was now feeling when using it, I bit the bullet and acquired my first DSLR - the Canon 500D. 15mp. Twin lenses. Full manual and program modes. Manual focus. HD video. A vast array of compatible lenses to help me paint whatever my mind, heart and imagination could conjure. With the freedom and motivation to create, my attention turned again to portrait photography, as I discovered my true passion - candid photography. The art of seeing the emotion, that fleeting moment, and saving it for the rest of the world to see. With so many options and paths at my feet, I knew that it was only the beginning of a fantastic journey. And so, with the support of my husband Matthew, my family and friends, I launched my business - Emmy K. Stone Photography.

That's my story.

Now let me tell yours.

Together, we'll paint your world with light.


Emmy xx




Emmy K. Stone Photography