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Unraveled Expert Artist Interview | Emily Hodge, Unraveled

Emily is lover of adventure, dogs, sunshine, mountains, and fresh air. She bought her first camera, a canon rebel, after her son was born in 2013.  “I spent so many hours staring at my little miracle, taking so many pictures because I wanted to preserve every amazing little bit of him”. Her passion for her small subjects grew even more after the birth of her daughter, Selah in 2014. Becoming a mother was the reason her love of photography began to blossom. Capturing the raw beauty and innocence of children is a total rush! Her style is described as rustic, organic, and moody. She also works part time as a registered nurse for home health and hospice and is an affiliate photographer with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.  Emily lives in New Castle, Colorado with her husband and two wild children, Noah and Selah. 

Here at Unraveled, Emily Hodge is an Expert Artist (UEA) and Instructor at the Academy.

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Here is Emily, Unraveled…

What inspired your art? 

Motherhood, my kids, and childhood in general. The gritty, dirty feet, messy hair, outdoors, barefoot in nature kind of childhood. 

What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens?

Canon Mark IV and 50mm 1.2 for newborns and 35 1.4 for everything else 

What other ways do you express your creativity?

I love trying new things within photography like double exposures, learning all the fun stuff that can be done to an image in photoshop, and shooting for myself

How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

I actually find editing cathartic for the most part. That and trash reality TV. 

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

I usually edit to the sound of my kids screaming, fighting or whining. When they go to sleep I edit to silence and the beauty of that. But for music I usually like singer/songwriter or folk rock kind of bands. 

What is your favorite book?

The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. 

Name one movie that inspires you.

Not sure of one that inspires me, but slumdog millionaire is a favorite. 

How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?

100% shooting for myself. Almost every image that I have loved has been one that I have shot for myself or created just for me. 

What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?

Not feeling like there is much support out there (before unraveled of course!). I think it is worth finding your tribe and people who support you. I’ve found it valuable to be kind to other photographers in your area. It turns envy upside down. 

Who is one of your favorite photographers? 

Stormy Solis. Not just for her breathtaking images, but also her heart and authenticity