Siren Serenades
Photographer: Emily SuDock
1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?
Two major experiences that have shaped me. First, being adopted from China, into a loving supportive family who saw my talent from day one. Helped push me to pursue photography because they believed in my talent. Second, losing a friend who impacted me heavily. I was at the lowest point of my life. Losing them suddenly, which has taught me not to take life for granted and live to the fullest without regrets.
2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?
I get most of my ideas from traveling far or locally. I love location scouting and imagining what kind of photoshoot would fit a space. I went to a museum in Long Island, New York and saw these eye-catching balls by Marko Remec. I was immediately inspired to do a photoshoot there. I started building the idea and naturally found a dress at the local thrift. Which fit the same “abstract pop” aesthetic as the location. Then I connected with a model who contrasted beautifully with the space. It was so fun and different, it really clicked, giving me that euphoric feeling once I finished processing the pictures and sharing it with the world!
3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?
This photoshoot will always mean a lot to me and it truly paved the way for me as a photographer. I was part of a magazine club in school andI told my teacher I’m going to make the cover. She quickly disagreed with me and reminded me not to assume anything, which really humbled me. I was taken back but it lit a fire in me. I knew I wanted to prove myself and her wrong. I wanted everyone in the magazine team to believe in me. I planned way ahead and wanted the group shoot to represent the magazine and my school/ town. I was able to organize eight models from my school who wanted to collaborate. We met after school to shoot in the town’s park. It was so thrilling and inspiring to collaborate with those who believe in me. Once I created the cover I was able to get the front and back of the magazine! My teacher was speechless and proud. I learned to believe in yourself, even when others doubt you, it can lead to powerful outcomes.
4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?
I include everyone in the photoshoot process. My model isn’t just a subject, they are part of the story. I want everyone on my team’s opinion. Plus whoever I collaborate with I find people who align with the story. For example, if I wanted to do a shoot inspired by R&B music I want to find a model who loves R&B music who actually loves the genre - not just anyone. Another, is that I create for fun! I use to be obsess over being the #1 photographer in the world but I’ve let go of that idea because of the pressure. I truly do it because I’m obsessed with the craft. Success, for me, is when people naturally gravitate toward my work and want to collaborate. That's when I know I’m doing something right.
5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you've set for your artistic career in the coming years?
This is my first magazine cover as a full time photographer, and this has been a huge motivator. It has taught me to keep going because people do eventually see what I see! I plan on doing a lot of art shows to appreciate what I have created from the past to present. I already have two this summer 2025 and I am stoked! I am also constantly mood boarding my future photoshoots and what I strive for is story telling to the next level. I want to bend the rules of what the eye can see and continue to collaborate with passionate creatives who want to tell creative, fun, meaningful, real stories.
-
An Ethereal Lone Wolf drifts through the tide and twilight, her looks lure and mysterious gaze. She is both hunter, untamed and born of myth.
-
Creative Director/Photographer - Emily SuDock
Model - Kerin Mcaleese
MUA / Hair - Moorea Griffin
Designer - Skyy Phillips
Nails - Jenn Yin
-
Skyy Philips