Meet the Orbitz travel artist of the month: Emma Simmons

Photo by Richard Curtis

Emma Simmons is the Orbitz Travel Blog’s travel artist of the month. Each week we will feature a series of photographs from her collection. Before we share her amazing photographs, we asked Emma to share a little about herself.

By Emma Simmons

Ever since I can remember, I have had a camera in my hand. What started as a hobby of photographing landscapes, sunsets and the contrast and shadows they cast, has now turned into a career in photography.

The catalyst for pursuing a career in photography was a trip to Tanzania after I graduated from Colorado College in 2006. For three months I volunteered at a day care and orphanage. Throughout this time I realized the extraordinary opportunity I had to see and capture a side of these people’s lives intangible to most tourist and travelers. This is where my camera came in handy.

Upon returning from Tanzania, I was inspired to study what was once just a hobby. In the summer of 2007, I enrolled as a Summer Resident at the Maine Media Workshops, immersing myself in a 12-week intensive course. I had the opportunity to study under renowned photographers Alison Shaw, Bob Krist, Bob Sacha, Jay Dickman, John Isaac and Joyce Tenneson. After that I spent much time assisting photographers in their studios or on location.

My latest achievement, which I will highlight tomorrow, was assisting my mentor John Isaac on two photographic workshops to Kashmir and Rajasthan, India in October 2008.

Emma Simmons is a professional photographer who splits her time between the east and west coasts. Although permanently residing within the continental U.S., her passion for photography has taken her across the globe. Check out the world from the eyes of Emma at http://www.emmasimmons.com

Tagged: Photo essay