Returning to Film: Exploring Nature & Portraits in Black and White
Back to where it all started
I learnt photography developing in the darkroom 24 years ago. I loved shooting black and white film.
Since I’ve been shooting digital for the past 10 years, I’ve tried getting back into film every now and then — and to be honest, I felt like I sucked. At least, that’s what I thought until recently.
I was chatting to a friend, Baz Anderson who was a commercial film photographer back in the day, and he helped me realise something important: I’d been approaching film the same way I shoot digital — spontaneous, fluid moments, full of movement. I was photographing on film while out and about with people, but I’d forgotten that shooting film is more about framing the moment with intention. Slowing down to capture that one frame.
It’s not like surf photography, where you’re constantly moving, reacting to the conditions and the surfer. Even my lifestyle photography is about movement and spontaneous moments.
I opened up the photos again and started to see the recurring subjects I’m always drawn to: repetition and patterns in nature, interesting light, reflections, and portraits. I love textures and the repetition of elements — how nature can look like a blanket of intricate detail.
Lush fern forest on a recent trip to New Zealand.
This creative black and white film photography series is a return to my roots — exploring nature, light, and portraiture through the lens of traditional film. I’m currently based in Cabarita Beach, and much of my inspiration comes from growing up in Evans Head and spending time along the Northern Rivers coastline. The textures, patterns, and light in this landscape are what continue to draw me back.
So I decided to hone in on those subjects and create a black and white series around them. This post is here to hold me accountable to this creative project: a series exploring patterns in nature, light in nature, and intimate portraits — all in black and white.
La Ticla, Mexico - 2021
Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing pieces from this series here, and I’d love to know what you think. In this post, I’ve included the photos that helped piece together the vision, along with some of my very early black and white work from when I was 16.
A gallery of work from my film developing days in the darkroom at school.
Feel free to share your thoughts with me below!
Life Lately: Published Work, Surf Sessions & Creative Musings
Early morning musings ~ Rainbow Bay, QLD
It’s been a little while since I last shared an update—what started as a monthly newsletter has become more of an every-few-months kind of rhythm. Lately, I’ve been spending time redefining my business and reflecting on where I want to go creatively. The female surf industry has always been a huge part of my work as a surf lifestyle photographer, and it will continue to be a focus. I want to share more about the incredible women I photograph, the reasons I’m drawn to their style, and their stories that inspire my work. And always, with dreamy light and sparkly skies.
A Few Highlights From the Last Few Months
I’m super stoked to share that I was recently published in Every Body Surf—a stunning new photo book that celebrates women of all ages, body types, and ethnicities in the surf. Having both my images and words featured in this project was an absolute honour. Representation in surf media has been evolving, and it’s so encouraging to see more diversity in surf photography and advertising. Still, I’d love to see more brands focusing on the athleticism, talent, and individual style of the surfer—not just how they look in a bikini. Buy book internationally ~ buy book in Australia
Some other exciting features I haven’t yet shared: my work was published in Tracks Magazine last year and White Horses Magazine in 2023. These two projects are incredibly special to me because they included not only my photography but also my writing.
In White Horses, I had the privilege of interviewing two talented Mexican surfers—Mirian and Brenda—who I’ve photographed over the years and become close with. While I’ve always admired them, diving into their personal journeys gave me a whole new level of appreciation for their strength, spirit, and contributions to the female surf culture.
For Tracks Magazine, I had just moved back from Mexico and wrote about my time living there for the past six years. I found writing this article hard—writing about yourself and your journey is terrifying when it’s out there for everyone to read. But it was an incredible experience to reflect back over my time in Mexico and see all the amazing dreams I accomplished, the lifelong friends I made, and the life-changing experiences that have shaped the person I am today.
New Offerings & Creative Sessions
On the business side of things, I’ve introduced Creative Content Sessions—a new way to work with me. These sessions are perfect for creatives, entrepreneurs, or anyone wanting to create content that is tailored to reflect you. I’m still offering Surf Sessions, Commercial Photography for surf and lifestyle brands, and my Fine Art Print Shop, where you can take a piece of the ocean home with you.
If you’re curious to learn more or want to collaborate, you can explore all the options on my website: www.saltysee.com.
A Moment from the Sea
I’ll leave you with a little moment from a recent swell in Lennox Head. Even though we arrived before the swell had fully filled in, the electric energy was contagious—it’s why I love documenting these moments.
Thanks so much for reading and for continuing to support this ever evolving journey. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just recently found me, I’m really stoked you’re here.
With love,
Emy