With three noticeable talents, namely photography, singing, and fashion design, Emma Blair is exceptional – and not afraid to be loud and proud about her interests.
Her father ignited her passion for photography when Blair was four years old. It was 2005, Christmas time in the Yukon. The family had just moved to the Yukon and her father gave her a disposable camera.
From that disposable, she made her move on to instant film cameras – and it became apparent she had an aptitude for photography.
She would dress up her younger brother and use a blanket as a makeshift backdrop. She photographed landscapes, people, and fashion, and enjoyed every minute of it.
Then her first digital camera opened up even more possibilities.
“I got (it) when I was nine years old and I used to go on photo walks all the time,” she says. “It was a Nikon Coolpix.”
When Blair asked me whether I like to be in front of the camera or behind it, and I replied “the latter,” she sighed and explained that this was one of the reasons she takes photos of people: because they don’t see themselves as photogenic. But she sees the beauty, the personality – and a great photo – in different people.
Now 15-years-old, Blair’s singing career is taking off too; she has a demo album on the way. Earlier this month it was announced that Blair and her father, Colby, are among the 11 musicians who received funding through the Yukon Sound Recording Program to create a demo-length recording.
Blair has a lovely voice and has a passion for singing that comes through as she performs. She likes to sing indie-folk music as well as classics from the 1950s through ’80s, and having performed at the Arts in the Park event in downtown Whitehorse and on such stages as Epic Pizza and the Yukon Arts Centre, she is a recognized voice in the community.
She has teamed up with local bands, as well as performing solo and with her dad. For example, she has performed at the Blue Feather Music Festival with the Yukon band Say No More, and has performed backing vocals for the local band Speed Control.
She’s a fiery artist who maintains a humility about her.
Blair’s other interest — fashion — is not simply about sporting the latest trend, but rather creating new designs. She likes creating unique clothing using unusual fabrics and vintage materials.
Singing, photography, and fashion design, are her gifts; somehow, she makes the time to practice all of these talents. One day we may wear her clothing label, listen to her albums, and see her photos in an art gallery and publications.
In the meantime, there are two ways to see Blair perform. On Thursday, Feb. 20, she will be performing at the 2014 Yukon Energy Superstar Competition at the Yukon Arts Centre. The other opportunity is any day, anytime on her YouTube channel. To see more of her photography, go to her Facebook page: Emma Lou Photography.
