Finding Inspiration | Photography with Emily

Emily Metcalfe came to Soul Circus by true destiny and captured our festival with such energy and beauty we knew we wanted her in our circle forever. Her ability to see the world through her camera lens is truly inspiring and we learn more about what inspires her here.

What is your favorite thing to create?

Photography... Mostly of people and places. I absolutely love creating images when travelling, especially on 35mm film! Experiencing new destinations allows me to see and hear magic within different cultures around the world, capturing that light and essence is what I love the most. I then take those dreamy moments and try to implement them into other photography work!

Can you share (either visually, musically, or in words) your most prized creation with us?

This is a hard one for me (hello libra indecisiveness) but if i had to choose something within my archives, i would probably head to my Cuba albums. There is something nostalgic about the images, they transport me to that moment and beyond. There really is magic within Havana!

Havana, Cuba

Havana, Cuba

What inspired you to create this particular piece?

The colours, the people, the sunrises and sunsets, the sounds coming from the neighbours within the streets or the music in the restaurants.... There is an unexplainable mood that inspires me and I think if you have the opportunity, everyone needs to experience Cuba once.

Where do you find your inspiration?

When I'm not travelling, I find inspiration through dreamy Sundays reading my favourite mag Suitcase and flicking through my coffee table books like the amazing pages of 'Annie Leibovitz at work'. I am also massively inspired by other creatives online, some I am fortunate enough to call my friends - Amen! Lastly, a good playlist of new and old music (current new faves include Sault, TSHA, The Big Moon and Infinity Song- these artists are such a vibe for me right now!!)

When your inspo levels are low and things look pretty bleak, how do you get yourself back into your creative space?

I surround myself with things that inspire me, walk, get my Asian cookbooks out (growing up in Hong Kong serves me well in the kitchen), my friends who have an incredible eye in fashion, art and design! Lots of music and of course travelling to somewhere new - my bags are packed for 2021.

Any words of wisdom or advice for those who find themselves lacking inspiration at this moment in time?

Try not to put pressure on yourself to constantly be inspired. Nothing is permanent, even the feeling of lacking inspiration! I feel like inspiration comes and goes, ride the wave and feel the feels. Do something that makes you feel alive, have fun and remember why you started doing whatever you're doing in the first place. Go from there and see where it takes you!

Where can we find you and your work?

Catch me on instagram @emrometcalfephoto or my website www.emrometcalfephoto.com

Havana, Cuba

ABOUT EMILY

Emily specialises in natural and engaging stories of people, places, events and cultures in the UK and worldwide, shooting on digital and film.

Worldwide, her destination photography has extended from the United States and Caribbean to Europe and China.