mapp of london
Emma and I wear many hats: from designer and photographer to maker and workshop
tutor. One of my first passions was photography, strongly inspired by my father
and my uncle, who were both talented amateur photographers. Growing up in
Namibia and South Africa, I remember my dad always having a camera in hand,
recording our childhood or the stunning African landscape. As a teenager I
poured over magazines like National Geographic, Drum and Life, feeling
transported to distant lands through the incredible photography. I longed to
leave school and travel the world, taking my own photographs. Eventually I got
the chance to travel to many wonderful countries. But life got in the way and
instead of pursuing my creative passions, I ended up working as a lawyer in
London. The 2009 recession was a turning point in my life. Having been made
redundant from my job in the City, I resolved to take the plunge and pursue a
career that would make me feel more fulfilled. I decided to return to my
childhood passion of photography. It’s a decision I’ve never regretted as it has
led to some amazing opportunities, from co-founding the London Photo Festival to
having my work featured in publications including The Telegraph and the Metro.
It’s also taken me in directions I never could have anticipated. My frustration
at having to juggle a bulky, unattractive camera bag as well as a handbag led me
to create my own range of stylish camera bags and accessories. Over the past few
years, I’ve become increasingly interested in sustainability, with an emphasis
on using eco dyes, natural resources and recycled material. I now run classes
along these principles which have been featured in Country Loving and Breath
magazines. These take places in my she-shed in Twickenham and range from
Christmas wreath making to cyanotype printing – “nature's printing press” – a
more eco-friendly form of photography that is particularly effective at
capturing texture. As a result of the pandemic, I’ve also started selling DIY
creative kits so that you can try these crafts out in the comfort of your own
home. It’s been gratifying to see these becoming so popular – my Christmas
bauble kit appeared in the Metro and The Sunday Telegraph. To see more of what
I’m up to or to hear about the latest classes, follow me on social media.
