This week we have Miguel Emmanuelli, a wedding photographer based in Jacksonville, USA. Miguel led a nomadic life growing up and continues to travel worldwide for weddings (and would like to travel even more). He watches TV vocationally, doesn’t have an attic and is into camellias and mattresses. Thanks for sharing Miguel!
1. Why do you make images?
It's always been a thing for me and it's what photographers do. Most days, if not all, I come across something that needs to be visually documented. These "things" along with their time and place exude a quality of having, if just for that moment, a soul. The ability to show others what I see, with the exemption of words, gives me creative purpose.
2. What is life to you? what it should be?
Life to me is being, learning, loving and doing what you love to the point of feeling unbearably light. I'm a passionate dude; I love living and I treat it like an art.
Life should be the pursuit of letting go of ourselves and finding something or someone to love. We live in interesting times where everything seems possible if you're willing to dream.
3. Where did you grow up and how did that play a role in your photography?
I grew up everywhere; Germany, west coast, up and down the east coast and yes, Texas. I couldn't say for certain how it's "played a role" except for having seen and experienced a whole lot as a child which may inform my work.
4. There are a lot of professions out there - why be a photographer?
It's what I love doing and it never feels like work. I always undercharge and overachieve. It's also, in my opinion, one of the most streamlined businesses out there. I'm thankful everyday to be so lucky. ;)
5. What TV are you watching?
I grew up in front of the television - I watch film/movies like it's my job. When I'm not watching "Cosmos" with my daughter I'm slowly chiseling away at anything in the Criterion Collection (lucky to have a friend that works there). Late night viewing is always a horror, good or bad, I'm down.
6. Is/Are there any project(s) you wish you could do - or might do?
I wish to travel more for destination weddings. I want photography to be my ticket around the world. I would also like to produce several books with my partner; she and I see the world similarly. We like the idea of doing one on camellias and mattresses.
7. Is there a big difference between your personal work and your commissioned work?
I don't think so. All of my work involves me liking what I see. The emotions may differ but the work is always pleasing to my eye.
8. Do you shoot with your left eye or your right?
I shoot with my left--I'm also left-handed. Not sure if those two relate.
9. Are there any unseen experimental images in your attic you’d like to show us now?
I don't have anything I would call experimental. I also don't have an attic. I don't typically share my personal work in groups so here's some to take a look at. There's no apparent beauty like that of my portrait sessions or anything on Looks Like Film, but they do tell a story if your willing to venture.
10. If you were to start all over again, is there anything you would do differently? Why?
Knowing what I know now? I wouldn't change anything. I'm the fortunate sum of all my good/bad decisions. Without my past I wouldn't be here nor would I see the world as I do.
Follow Miguel