Jemima Richards is an upcoming fashion photographer from Sydney, Australia. Despite working hard to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at COFA in Sydney Jemima has forged an impressive portfolio of fashion shots we’d like to share with you. Read the interview below to find out what Jemima enjoys photographing most, who she would like to work with given a chance and what music she enjoys listening to.
Jemima Richards Photography
Jemima Richards Photography
Q: How did you get into professional photography?
When I was 16 I picked up an SLR and I haven’t looked back. During high school I worked hard to get my portfolio started and also completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Q: What do you enjoy most photographing?
EVERYTHING! I love that I can work with some of the most amazing people to create images that I’m so incredibly proud of.
Q: How has the last 12 months been for you?
Busy! I completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts at COFA in Sydney, Australia in November of last year so a lot of my time was spent working on a final body of work. Now it’s all over I’ve been working hard to secure myself as a figure within the industry. But it is definitely a tough one to crack.
Q: Who inspires you?
I like to think more of a what rather than who. I consider myself an old soul so I take a lot of inspiration from images of the past. I love all things kitsch and quirky, eclectic and crazy. I love looking at photos and artworks from the 50’s and 60’s and planning on how I can recreate it and make it my own.
Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
I still have a soft spot for the ever-amazing Coco Chanel; I think she was just the epitome of class and femininity. I also love the new wave of amazing modern pin ups like Dita von Teese, Sabina Kelly, Mosh and Micheline Pitt. There are currently some amazing plus sized ladies out there who I feel an extremely strong connection with. One of which is Tess Munster, she is so fantastically sassy and old school all rolled into one and she does some amazing work for body positivity.
Q: What makes a good photographer in your opinion?
If you’ve got an eye and you can find where your work sits in the world then you’re a winner in my eyes.
Q: Do you prefer using film cameras or digital?
I love both. I think they both have their place. Digital allows there to be a real immediacy of the images, but the nostalgia of film and the quality of the images just cannot be beat. The manual nature of film is something I really love when I feel overwhelmed by the constantly changing world and it allows me to look at my work with renewed eyes and remember why I do what I do.
Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?
I much prefer location, but I prefer interiors. I think a solid interior or location can make a shoot just that extra bit more special. But it is a double-edged sword. Use the wrong location and your shoot looks ridiculous.
Q: Do you have any interesting stories about a particular photo shoot you’d like to share?
When I first started building my portfolio while I was still in high school I was friends with a local musician. We decided to shoot in an abandoned house not far from where I was living at the time and upon entering the house we found it completely covered in graffiti inside except for one room that had a little girl’s name on the door. We choose this room as our location. After 5 minutes of shooting we stopped dead when we started to hear music coming from what sounded like under the floorboards and we bailed faster than I’ve ever bailed from anything in my entire house. To this day that house still stands and nothing has changed at all.
Jemima Richards Photography
Jemima Richards Photography
Q: Do you have a specific style of photography that makes you unique?
I wouldn’t say that my style is specifically unique but it’s my voice and it’s ever changing.
Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?
I have so so many!
Q: Who is your favourite photographer?
There are also many. I adore the work of Terry Richardson, Melbourne photographer She is Frank and South Australian photographer Harmony Nicholas.
Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with (either behind or in front of the camera)?
I would love to work with any of the girls I mentioned in the fashion icons question.
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is another form of expression. We live in an extremely visual culture where people make assumptions on the way you look and fashion really allows us to swing that to our advantage. I went to a job interview recently and I could hear my interviewers talking about me in the other room and one of them described me as a voluptuous blonde with fantastic choice in shoes. I got that job and I like to laugh and think it was thanks to those cute red pumps I rocked during the interview (even though I was most definitely qualified to rock the job also!)
Q: How would you define your personal style?
Nostalgia meets grunge. I was a Goth once upon a time and that still reflects a little bit on what I wear and how I style it. In other words I still wear a great deal of black.
Q: Where are you based?
The Inner Western Suburbs of Sydney, Australia.
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
It’s young, busy and eclectic.
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
I got to work with Australia’s Pin Up Pocket Rocket Miss Kelly Ann Doll on a few shoots, and let me tell you, what she doesn’t have in height she makes up for in personality and awesomeness!
Jemima Richards Photography
Jemima Richards Photography
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in the future?
All I want to do is travel and take photos. I do really want to participate in more exhibitions though and collaborate with more new designers.
Q: What do you do to relax?
I spend a lot of time watching bad reality TV and hanging out with my puppy and kitten. (And my mister)
Q: Where would your favourite holiday (vacation) be and why?
Hanging out in California getting tattooed by some of the best tattooers. Because it’s just something I’ve wanted to do for quite a while.
Q: What songs are on your iPod at the moment?
Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Dan Sultan and The Snowdroppers.
Q: Do you have any interesting hobbies?
I like cooking? But that’s fairly boring haha.
Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for aspiring photographers what would it be?
Prepare to work and never get ahead of yourself. One big mistake I see young photographers making is claiming to be more than they are. Slow down and be modest, your work can always grow and develop. Always.
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
The knowledge that there’s always something different. Every project is new and exciting.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
As I mentioned previously I am currently looking to collaborate with young Australian designers! If you’re interested please get in contact!
Jemima Richards Photography
Editor’s Note: Jemima Richards has started an incredible journey creating appealing fashion photography with a commercial edge. We’re looking forwards to Jemima’s portfolio develop over the coming months!
If you’d like to learn more about or get in touch with Jemima just follow the links below:
Twitter link: http://www.twitter.com/jemshootsframes
Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/JemShootsFrames-Photography-by-Jemima-Richards/
Web page link:www.jemshootsframes.com
About Urbanity Chic
