One of the most beautiful spots in the Florida Keys is Alligator Reef Lighthouse. It is here where we find photographer Emma Putney’s spot.
“The colors of the water, all the wildlife beneath the surface and the lighthouse itself always leave me feeling so inspired and in awe,” Putney said. “I’ve captured that area from above, in the boat and underneath the water, and I am always shocked at how beautiful it is from all perspectives.”
Emma Putney, otherwise known as Emma NorthMich because she is from North Michigan, loves to photograph the water.
“I would say all of my photography is tied together by this component, whether it’s an aerial shot of a shore break or a shot of a sea turtle under the water. Water will always be tied into all of my pieces, whether it’s the main focus of the image or just another part of it,” she said. “Lately, I have been loving how light and water interact. It’s truly beautiful and a new realm I’ve been exploring with my camera.”
Putney’s bold and stylistic photographs showcase the idyllic life in the Florida Keys, reminding viewers why we live here. Putney started in photography when her grandma decided to sell her a camera when she was 16. She taught herself and used it every day. Her father, who once had to sell his camera to buy his first car, has always been helpful along her journey as a photographer.
“My family has lived and been coming down here my entire life. I live on the Great Lakes in Michigan and have always been drawn to the water,” Putney said. “Coming down here to the ocean was just a step up from that. As I furthered my photography career, I also realized that I prefer tropical scenes (I love palm trees) as opposed to more woodsy scenery that I have back in Michigan. The nice weather year-round is a plus too.”
Photography is a lot about timing and patience.
“I’ve found that every time I try to plan a shoot I never end up getting the shots I want or I’m left feeling like the photos are too forced. The best photos I’ve taken have all been unplanned and captured due to perfect timing and a lot of luck,” Putney said. “The time of day, lighting and weather all play huge roles in when I shoot. I know it may sound cliché, but I definitely have to be feeling the moment in order to capture it. Anyone can take a photo, but capturing it from a new perspective and in a different light is what captures your attention when viewing it.”
Putney’s photos are bright and bold, giving the viewers an enhanced experience of the location. She tries to show feelings with her photography, be it hope, happiness or calmness. Her work is available at Jessica Ann Art Gallery, located right behind Florida Keys Brewing Co. in Islamorada, as well as online at emmanorthmich.com.
