Emilie Sandy’s Mission

Emilie Sandy is dedicated to supporting those who have experienced the loss of a loved one through the power of creative expression. With over two decades of experience as a professional portrait photographer and a decade of teaching photography in higher education, Emilie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work. She has also trained in participatory photography with Photovoice and is currently integrating mindfulness practices into her workshops.

Since the loss of her parents in 2012, Emilie personally discovered the therapeutic benefits of storytelling through photography. Her Master's degree in Photography provided an opportunity to create a personal project exploring the absence and presence of her parents. Inspired by the care her father received at Sue Ryder Hospice, she initiated a collaborative pilot program with the day hospice. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these plans. However, during lockdown, Emilie launched an online workshop called "Loss and Change" to support those who had experienced loss during the pandemic, facilitated in collaboration with Dr. Neil Gibson.

Emilie's participatory projects and workshops aim to provide a channel for participants to visually express themselves and their experiences, ultimately contributing to their well-being.

Emilie Sandy's "I Found A Small Lemon Tree" is a personal project that explores the themes of loss, memory, and the enduring power of family connections. The project is deeply rooted in Emilie's own experience of losing her parents and her reflections on their lives.

The project features a series of photographs that capture the essence of her parents' lives, as well as personal objects that hold sentimental value. The images are often paired with poignant text, creating a powerful and moving narrative.

You can find more information about the project here.