Emily Gitelman is a Running Start student here at BC, and a senior at Skyline High School. Gitelman has been practicing photography for the past four years, ever since she was 14. She claims to do photography just for fun, but her determination and commitment has led her to start her own bussiness. She was accepted to School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she will be attending after graduating from both BC and SHS this coming June. There is no doubt that Gitelman is a great role model for others, her great personality and ambitions have motivated others into following their dreams.
1. Since when have you been interested in art?
I’ve been into photography since my dad bought a used Canon Rebel when I was 14. I immediately “borrowed” it from him and he hasn’t gotten it back.
2. What made you like photography?
I love that I’m able to capture a moment with a photo. Sometimes I see something beautiful and it’s only there for a split second, but with photography I’m able to preserve that special moment. I do recognize that at times I need to put down my camera in order to experience life. I’d say I’m an observer, but I still need to experience things in order to live a full and healthy life.
3. Have you received any recognition for your work?
Not exactly. I entered a contest for high school photographers and was in the semi-finals, but didn’t place. My mom decided to contact my high school and tell them that I had done that, and that led to an interview with the Issaquah Press that also ran in the Sammamish Review. My photos were shown on the Issaquah School District website as well. So I didn’t get any awards, but I did get exposure out of that experience. It was really nice to be recognized for my art, especially because I was at an interesting crossroads in my life where I was trying to choose between art or following a different path.
4. Have you taken any photography classes before?
I’ve taken the Photo 1 class at BC with Ginny Banks and I took a two-week course taught by John Opera at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Summer 2010. That experience definitely enriched me as an artist. I was able to realize that the foundations that I had taught myself (I’m self-taught) were definitely good and I was able to grow within those two weeks in a way that I don’t think I’ve ever been before.
5. Do you want to pursue a career in photography? If so what school would you be attending?
I absolutely want to pursue a career in photography. I’m attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, basically an “Ivy League art school”, so I’m going to learn from the best of the best and hopefully it will help me get to where I want to be with my career.
6. Do you take pictures for fun or do you have your own business too?
I take pictures for fun, but most of it is portfolio building at this point. I also have my own business, Emily Gitelman Photography. I take pictures from senior and family portraits, to model portfolio work to collaborating with a client on a piece of art.
7. Would you like me to print your contact information, so that readers can reach you in case they would like pictures?
If you would like to reach me either send me an email at egitelman@rocketmail.com or contact me through Facebook on the Emily Gitelman Photography page. Facebook.com/emilygitelmanphotography
8. What other activities do you enjoy doing other than taking pictures?
I play too many video games for my own good. I’m in love with anything Bioware does, I play a LOT of Assassin’s Creed and I’ll play pretty much anything. I also watch a lot of movies because I’m also interested in filmmaking. My favorite photographers are Annie Leibovitz, Zhang Jingna and Mike Rosenthal.
