Folklike Friday

Yes "folklike" is a word! I am going to start having Folklike Friday from this day on. It is going to be the day where I recap my week, and take a moment and just be thankful. I have been given so many lovely opportunities lately. Through these opportunities I have developed a lot of beautiful friendships. I am continuously grateful and happy to make people happy with the photos I take of them. I am always pushing myself to see things differently then one may with my pictures. I want to continue to tell stories, and make you feel like you have known that person for years when you see the photos.
 
Today I finally got to pick up the new volume of Kinfolk. I swoon every time there is a new issue out. One day I would love to be published in their beautiful coffee table book. I know that I will have these volumes forever. There is something so raw and beautiful about everything they put into these, and that in itself draws me too them. 
 
This issue in particular focuses on stepping back from your everyday busy lifestyle, and just relaxing. Cutting yourself off from the virtual world is something I think we all should do one day out of the week/weekend. By that I also mean actually picking up a book or magazine to read something, and not your kindle or iPad. I think I may try this myself..I need to read more. I have a lot I need/want to learn.
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Also I haven't been to my favorite coffee place in a while, and today I decided it was time. I have been running around shooting, and then editing nonstop....(again completely thankful!) Today I got paid for my first real job that I have been apart of for about a month. It felt so good to put money in the bank. Hard work does pay off. 

Anyways I sat at Bakeri and just breathed in and out...Much needed after a very hectic past couple weeks. It was a beautiful overcast/SUNNY day. The fall air is finally here, and I couldn't be more ready. As I drank my #dailycortado and devoured my favorite peanut chocolate chip cookie I couldn't help but think how blessed I am. I have a beautiful/supportive mom that I miss dearly, and a lot of lovely new NY friends that have helped me thus far in my career. Not to mention those who are reading this right now. Thank you for taking the time to click my link and read my rambling words. I tend to talk in circles...if you haven't noticed already;) I am smiling more and breathing more. A lot of good vibes happening , and I am determined to make those vibes continue. 
 
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend, and remember to actually relax a little! Sending good vibes to all:)

xx
EJK

Pie Party

In honor of the Pie Party today I thought I would share some images from my pie making day with Camille Becerra and Kristy Mucci. They are some beautiful and talented ladies. It was just a lovely afternoon of making pies and tarts while the beautiful natural light in Camille's apartment was flooding in. I have had the pleasure to meet a lot of creative people lately, and couldn't be more grateful. We all have so much to learn from others, and I try to soak up as much as I can during something as simple as making a pie. I hope you all are having a beautiful start to the Fall. More lovely things coming soon. Make sure to follow my instagram for more recent updates : emjane12 
 
xx
EJK

A Familiar Face

Hey everyone! I am so sorry for not posting lately! I have been getting everything together for my portfolio, and having last minute photoshoots that have taken up my free time! I am back and should be posting a little more frequently now! 
 
"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you today just the way you are."
 
This past weekend my best friend Ashleykate came to visit from NC. I have been missing her A LOT. It was time for her to come to say the least. It was nice seeing a familiar face on Bedford Ave at 4:00am. That's right, she had a lot of bad luck with the airport in Charlotte, NC and ended up being delayed for a good 6 hours. Oh well she got here and that is all that matters! I had a lot planned for her visit, but I feel as though once a friend gets here you end up spending more time talking in a coffee shop then seeing the city! She was only here for a weekend....bummer...but we made the most of it. We took the long way into the city, and walked across the Williamsburg bridge. We became indecisive about where to eat because I had endless places to choose from.
 
We ended up getting brunch at Jack's Wife Freda. An adorable place in Soho. As we were waiting for a table I began to people watch...like I always do. I was waiting for someone to make me whip out my camera. Sure enough I noticed this girl with some awesome sunnies on. They were round and her messy(in a good way) curly hair was fighting with the wind, and providing me with the perfect shot. She never noticed me. I wish I would have done a quick photoshoot with her, but then it was our time to eat. I enjoyed a delicious waffle with some kind of honey syrup, and Ashleykate got some type of Greek meal. So many colors so I had to photograph it! I also got a latte that was delicious. After we sat and talked about who knows what we left and wandered around Soho for awhile. Eventually we got back over to Brooklyn, and took care of our cravings for something sweet. Of course I told her about my favorite spot Bakeri. We both love chocolate chip cookies and I told her she had to have theirs! We sat out on their patio and ate cookies, and I got a cortado. Soon I will eventually turn into one of those things..
 
Anyways I took a couple shots and then we walked to the East river. We watched the sun go down, and possibly checked out some beautiful men that just happened to be "reading" in the park. Eventually I had to say my goodbyes...well more like see you later to my best friend. I am so glad she came and spent a couple days with me. I am relaxed and ready to finish my portfolio and hopefully blow everyone away!
 
I hope you enjoy the photos of our mini adventures!
 
xx
EJK

Afternoon Delight

Last week I began to visit a local bakery called Bakeri a little more then I would like to admit. I can't help myself though. From their delicious cortado's and yummy chocolate chip peanut butter cookies they have me hooked. Not to mention their interior and exterior is divine. I almost feel like I have stepped out of NYC and into Paris. In New York not a lot of places have back patios to relax on. When I found out that Bakeri did I have kind of escaped there this past week. I observed my surroundings..whether it would be beautiful people, or the birds chirping..it was just soothing.  
 
During school we had an assignment to photograph 36 strangers in all different kinds of lighting conditions. It was how we learned to use a flash for a DSLR. As if learning how to use a flash isn't hard enough...we then had to go up to 36 strangers. For me the stranger part was the easy part. I love people and love to talk. My favorite thing to do in coffee shops or well pretty much anywhere is to strike up a conversation. There are artistic people all around me here in NYC, and not taking advantage of that is well..DUMB. I am sure you are wondering why this applies with this post. Well I actually noticed this beautiful, natural girl on the back patio as I was eating lunch. You will notice my creeper shot. haha Then I noticed this beautiful stone wall covered in greenery. Naturally I thought why not put the two subjects together. I waited for this couple to leave. I then asked her if she would mind if we do a little mini photoshoot. She probably thought I was crazy, and that I talk really fast...my bad. 
 
 -Side Note: When I get excited about an idea I tend to talk really fast, and just not make any sense. Oh well..that's Emma for ya.
 
Anyways she eventually understood what I meant and was happy to help. I first thought that was amazing, and then thought Emma you have to take full advantage of this situation. So below I included a couple shots I was able to achieve with a beautiful girl named Yuri. I feel the atmosphere fit her natural beauty rather perfect actually. I am leaving some for a surprise later on for my portfolio..but you will get the idea.
 
Thank you again Yuri for your time and letting me photograph you. It was certainly a pleasure and kind of an awesome part of my day.
 
xx
Emma Jane

Beautiful Soul

With Kacy Johnson it's a completely different story because she also has a beautiful, well GORGEOUS face. Kacy is someone I can call a great friend, mentor, therapist (to all my boy problems) and someone who will listen to my everyday struggles. She also tells me  the honest truth and doesn't sugar coat things. As you may have figured out Emma lives in a some-what fantasy/hopeless romantic world....yes I realize I just talked about myself in third person.. s o - w h a t . Being in that world has me constantly thinking the best of people even when they actually aren't being that great to me. She let's me know what it's "Not a thing" and to just go on to the next. You have to pick your battles and ever since my english teacher told me that I will never forget it. Those tiny, maybe sometimes big problems that sometimes aren't worth the aftermath. 
​
​Basically KJ is a beautiful person inside and out. I have had the pleasure of getting to know her from photography school. She is someone I personally look up too and aspire too in many ways. You know that one person that you can talk about future plans with and could totally backpack across Europe with?! Well she is definitely that person to me...(Kacy if you are reading this hint hint on the backpacking through Europe thing..ha) I have learned a lot from being around this chic and couldn't imagine not having her in my life. She has been interning in Brazil with a photographer and traveling from place to place for the past couple of months. The best part is she has landed in the beautiful NYC for a little while, and will be interning here for a bit before heading back to Sao Paulo.

We decided to get some brunch at OAK WINE and BAR and then go to some flea markets. I find her completely beautiful so OF course I took full advantage of photographing her. I am obsessed with the last two images I think it is. My new lens was on POINT today and having a beautiful model also helps. I asked her a couple questions to kind of go along with the post I hope you all enjoy!​

xx
​Emma Jane

What do you love most about photography? Wow, tough question. I'm a pretty shy in person, at least until I get to know you well. I like meeting people and being around people, but I'm hesitant to reveal much of myself in conversation and sometimes I just can't seem to put the right words together the way I hope to. For me, photography is a way to convey something that I see in the world without having to use words, projecting emotion with an image.

Who or what has most influenced your path to becoming a photographer? No one person, but lots of books, music, language, paintings, films, design of all kinds.

I know you recently were in Sao Paulo Brazil interning for (Julio Bittencourt) what was your most memorable experience? You know I have a love affair with Brazil, girl:) Put it on your list of places to visit, Emma! I'm definitely going back, so you can come vist me. :) Julio is a ridiculously talented photographer and the loveliest person you'll ever meet. I really couldn't have asked for anything more from that experience. Brazil is huge, and it is incredibly diverse. Unbelievable beaches, crazy rainforest, a monstrous city; just so much to explore. The people I met there were all wonderful. It's a really special place, and I feel so lucky to have found my way there.

Where do you want to travel to next? Thailand, Cuba, France and Russia come to mind. For now though, I'm thrilled to spend spring and summer in NYC working with an awesome film director. After that, I'm just staying open, and we'll see where life leads me.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I see myself experimenting with music and video and hopefully using photography to work with people and organizations that are doing good work in the world.

What's something (like a motto or saying) that gets you through each day and motivates you.(Maybe something someone has told you that you will never forget) I read this letter to Agnes De Mille from Martha Graham, and it has really stuck with me. Creative souls like this keep me inspired to push and explore when I feel wary about where I'm going creatively.

​
​A Letter to Agnes De Mille from Martha Graham - 

There is a vitality,
​a life force,
​a quickening
​that is translated through you into action,
​and because there is only one of you in all time,
​this expression is unique.

And If you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost.
​The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine
​how good it is
​nor how valuable it is
​nor how it compares with other expressions.

It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly
​to keep the channel open.
​You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work.
​You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate YOU.

Keep the channel open...
​No artist is pleased...

There is no satisfaction whatever at anytime
​There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction
​a blessed unrest that keeps us marching
​and makes "us" MORE alive than the others.

Coffee, Sprinkles and Inspiration

I promised you all a happy post today, and I'd like to think I follow through with my promises! ha Anyways last week I finally decided on one of my days off to try Sprinkles! I know you are all probably like...you have never had their cupcakes....and I am all like no I am from North Carolina...nuff said. ha Well I decided to go on a day I was feeling pretty crappy and the cupcakes definitely made up for it. I had a normal sized plain vanilla cupcake and a mini red velvet. They were PERFECTION. I have had a lot of cupcakes in my day but the frosting is pretty killer at Sprinkles. ​

The best part about the trip was the fact that I sat down in their small place and was next to this older lady who was enjoying a cupcake as well. Can you all think what happened next....well you probably guessed it, we started talking and had a full on conversation. We talked about many things, but there was one thing she said I will never forget. She said "I think nice people meet nice people" and I said "I think your right." Those simple moments in life that many of us take for granted but that is one I will never forget. 

More after Sprinkle pictures..​

Toby's Estate Coffee

Then yesterday I decided to stop by a coffee place I pass everyday. It is called Toby's Estate Coffee. The reason I have not went in yet is because everyone you see in the window is gorgeous...so that means I had to look my absolute BEST before entering. The atmosphere is simple and awesome...filled with again BEAUTIFUL people. ha.. The people who worked there were very helpful and made me a beautiful latte! If you are ever in the area and need some delicious coffee and a great atmosphere to get something work done, Toby's is the place to go! ​
​
​125 N 6th St  Brooklyn, NY 11249
​​(347) 457-6160

Things that inspired me this week!​

​Favorite Portfolio Ideas

​Favorite Words

​Favorite DIY

​Favorite Bedroom Idea

​Favorite Moment

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!​

xx
​Emma Jane

This one is for Sawyer..

Sorry for not being on point lately with my blog posts. Tomorrow will be both a (late) try-it Tuesday...we will just make it try-it Thursday almost Friday post...ha. This post is just letting you know why I was so behind at the beginning of this month. 

April is here and at the beginning of this month for the past...now ...4 years it has been pretty shitty. I had to grow up pretty fast emotionally and mentally. 

--->Before going further I don't want this to be viewed as a cry for sympathy, but more of me just telling you a little bit so you can all get to know me more. ​

So let's all breath in and breath out.....​and read along..

My brother Sawyer, the youngest of my four brothers....yes that is right I am the youngest of four crazy but loveable brothers. Growing up with them wasn't easy but Griffin, Hunter and Adam were a lot older when I was a baby but sawyer was the youngest, which made us four years apart from one another.

He was the one who was responsible for all the bruises I had when I was younger and I am sure I have a couple dents in my head too. I am sure you are like wait....what DENTS...well that would be because our rooms were directly across from one another growing up. Therefore when we would be going to bed and there were times I would "tattle tale" on him about 5 minutes ago when he hit me or just talking and he didn't want to hear me so he would then....throw stuff. Keep in mind this was in more of the younger stages from like well maybe 1 year old till about 14 years old. I am not sure if he ever liked me haha. I do have evidence of him holding me as a baby, but usually he had such a mischievous face when around me. His so called "hugs" I see in pictures with me is actually him choke/hugging me. When he was suppose to be going to sleep/waiting till the last minute to do homework and knew he couldn't come into my room and physically hit me he would reach on his desk (which was located right beside his bed) and would throw ANYTHING he had at me across the hall. Let me just give you a couple of examples.....hmm I think I recall pennies(any kind of change for that matter), pencils, ​erasers, hangers that you use for clothes.....basically anything that had enough weight to travel in the air. The worst thing was that he NEVER missed me!! No matter if I would duck or see it coming at me...he never failed to NAIL me in the head...haha.

Then there was this one thing he used to call me...oh not my name..I don't even think he knew my actual name. He would refer to me as "Gay."​ No my brother was not a homophobe...but I suppose one wouldn't/shouldn't throw that word around of course. I think it was just a thing that was easy to say instead of my actual name that is only one more letter long. I would like to think he meant it in the actual definition of Gay. 

Gay: The term was originally used to refer to feelings of being "carefree", "happy", or "bright and showy".​

If that was the case then I totally accept it because I was/am a pretty happy and loving person.​ Somehow I don't think he meant it that way....but we will just go with that for now. Anyways..one thing I will never forget was when this generally started. I think it was right around when I was 13 or so. It would be late at night because I have always been a night owl..he would be in his room and yell my name. "Hey gay, go get me some tea..." and I am like... "uhhh...no" In the back of my head I knew I would probably pay for that "no" later so I just went and got him a tea or some food. I would like to say this was where the so called (bonding) a brother and sister have was -->FINALLY<-- starting between us. Yes definitely a totally different bonding then others may have....but I will never forget it. Eventually I got used to it and didn't really care because I was thinking one day he WILL do something for me if I really need him too.

....and of course that wasn't the case..let's be real..if he picked me up from school he was told to do so from mom. haha

Eventually I got a little older and we became a lot closer. At this point the "gay" thing was still in play but instead I would be up late doing my hair. No I was not a primadonna more just I had a process you could say. My mirror was on the floor which would be behind the door when you open it. So around 1:30 or later in the morning I would be in "my hair process" and sawyer would be getting home and he would open my door a little and peer in and say "​hey gay, what you doing?" and I would be like "just my hair....where are you getting in from?" We would talk a little then he would go to his room. Sometimes I would go in and we would talk a little and watch TV or he would be telling me about something he did that day with his truck. I want to let you all know my brother was far from stupid. He would probably be considered "gifted" with how smart he was with anything he set his mind to. I have never seen someone try and figure out why things were put together the way they were by completely taking them apart. He knew it was a challenge and he dominated it every time. Whether it was his little remote control cars when he was little or as he got older it was his dirt bikes and his trucks. He never stopped until it was fixed or fixed enough for him to ride it a little..ha. Basically we were just getting to that point where we could both talk to each other and he wouldn't hit me or there wasn't that stereotypical "sibling hatred." We were cool, we had those talks that brothers and sisters have. One night he was showing me his bow that he got and how you pull it back..I tried and of course half-way succeeded. He randomly said to me "Hey, promise you won't do or try anything like smoking or drinking without doing it with me first.." and I was half stunned and kind of completely happy at the same time. I then responded with "I promise I won't"...then being the annoying sister I am I made him pinky promise. That was a moment where the whole "family is everything" came into play. I knew if I ever needed my brothers to beat a guy that hurt me up I could just snap my fingers and they would be on it. They never pushed it though...I think sawyer was the only one who may have threatened guys without me knowing....(if people who know me and him are reading this and know of a time..DO TELL!) I never thought that my brother really cared about me to a point where he brought me up to other people. (Again if there are any stories I am not aware of...I would love to hear them.) So at this point we are finally bonding you could say and he is being that "protective brother" that sisters want/don't want. I will admit that protecting can go to far with some brothers, but for some reason I loved hearing he had my back. Finally after all these bruises from him kicking me and all these dents he put in my head from pennies and pencils (which by the way is probably the reason I don't test that well) it was finally worth it. He was being that brother/soon to be friend I would have to go to if I needed him.

A little time passes and it was almost like everything was OK in the family...meaning we were all kind of happy..doing good. You know that feeling where everything just seems alright for the moment...but wait that's not a realistic feeling in this lifetime. SOMETHING has to go wrong...whether it is small or a big ordeal something bad or unnecessary had to happen for it to be...well..LIFE. And then the unspeakable and unimaginable happened..my brother was gone..just like that. ​

How can someone so young already be so talented and already be taken away. As if he has already fulfilled everything he was supposed to do in life.​..just taken.

I ask that question everyday..​

On April 2nd, 2009 my brother was in an ATV accident...it had rained earlier so roads were slick that night and he was taking someone home. On his way back..2 miles from our house..it just happened. Maybe he didn't realize the curve was a little sharper then he thought...but he KNOWS how to use/work a 4-wheeler. He knew what ours couldn't do so he wouldn't force it. He is SMART when it comes to that stuff. My brother was a goofy/funny/always smiling..oh that never failed..ALWAYS smiling kind of guy but when something was real like dealing with vehicles he was smart with them.

This whole situation kind of pisses me off..obviously I'm not happy about my brother dieing..I mean he was 19 who would be half-way or at all ok with that? ​He has a whole life to live..or so I thought. The worst part is I am 19 about to be 20 and I will soon be outliving my older brother. What is up with that? I am literally mind boggled at the fact that I am living longer then him and the fact that it has already been 4 years. It feels like yesterday..no one knows that unless you have been through it but it really feels like one day I am going to be at home and he is going to come in and peer into my room and say "Hey gay, what are you doing?" No I am not in denial, I am simply probably still in shock really. Also sawyer was ALWAYS out doing stuff so I wasn't used to him being home all the time. That is why it kind of feels like he is on a very long vacation...but I also know he isn't coming back and never will.

I have never been so inspired by someone or look up to them like I constantly did with him. I never can recall a time where he wasn't constantly smiling or helping someone or making them laugh. I'd like to say that is the thing we had in common. I love to see people happy and make them happy no matter how crappy my day may be going. We both smile A LOT. There is one thing I have learned is to live everyday like it's your last. Yes I am in NYC "living a dream life" no I am simply LIVING life. I am constantly emailing people to take their pictures and for them to be apart of my blog...doing what I love and what I know best, and that is talking to everyone like I have known them for years and photographing them like that's the first and final time I will be able to do so.

I am sure I should be crying a lot more and letting those feelings out constantly so that one day that won't all be added up and I just BLOW UP. To be honest my way of "dealing" with this loosing a brother thing it's how I celebrate him and honor him. I kind of did that with tattoos and through my senior pictures and how I am always smiling. He will forever be my brother and apart of me.​ His name was my first tattoo and the smile was the second. When I am having a bad day I know I can always look at my wrist and find myself laughing...firstly because there is a smile on my wrist his smile to be exact and secondly how could that not bring joy to one's heart.

​I am sorry for this some-what depressing post....LONG too...also sorry about that. I just want you all to know what is constantly making me strive to challenge myself and to always be good to everyone I meet. You never know what they may do for you someday or when you will see them again. I will never give someone a reason to dislike me...no I don't mean I am fake..I am and always have been a humble, loving person. I guess you could add "strong" to the list but I still don't see that. I have just decided to live my life and not let the little things touch me. "Pick your Battles" that is what my favorite English teacher told me and I will never forget it. No sense in dwelling over that boy that didn't text you back or maybe how someone cut you off while driving down the road. Is it really worth all the rage and anger? I mean there are far worse things that could happen right?

Anyways..take this as you will..man did that feel good to let out..maybe I should write a book or something..haha just kidding.​

An uplifting post will be up tomorrow I PROMISE! ha

​Much love,

Emma Jane