Words By Hannah Tapping | Images By Emily Harris
Through the lens of Emily Harris, who turns her focus to heritage craftspeople in marine-related environments.
As a sailor, photographer, and filmmaker, Emily has always valued her connection to the sea. So, it was natural that she would settle in Falmouth, Cornwall, a place that has become very special to her for both sailing and making work closely related to the sea and traditional craftsmanship.
A freelance photographer for nearly 20 years, her childhood spent on the Essex coastline first inspired her as she documented the characters and experiences of sailing traditional vessels native to East Anglia. Her documentary style became a thread throughout a Bachelor of Arts degree in photography at Farnham, Surrey, culminating in a project acquired by the Imperial War Museum, London.
After graduating in 2009 and reacquainting herself with coastal environments, she predominantly shot editorials for international sailing publications, including Classic Boat (UK) before starting to sell her work commercially and using moving-image (films) to showcase international historic boats for sale – storytelling in collaboration with international classic yacht broker Sandeman Yacht Co.
While continuing to shoot editorial and commercial photography, Emily undertook a commission to produce educational video content on traditional sailing skills for the National Maritime Museum (UK). More recently, she has also produced photographic bodies of work and film commissions for private individuals for long-term projects involving craftsmanship, design and adventure.
From welders to tailors, illustrating industrial processes or capturing the physicality of sailing a boat, Emily strives to provide the viewer of both her photographs and films with an immersive experience. She consistently looks to capture both human story and detail, showcasing those who hone their craft.
Emily has recently undertaken two photographic book commissions for the Department of Culture in the United Arab Emirates, shooting a neo-archaeological project, a Bronze-aged boat, and a UAE heritage food publication, both for the National Zayed Museum’s imminent opening.
Currently focusing on work closer to home, Emily is documenting local craftspeople through her film company Kreft Films and the traditional boating scene in Falmouth for her YouTube channel ‘Classic Yacht TV’.
