Through Her Lens: A Conversation with Emily Widdekind of 1 of a Kind Photography
By Gabi Gauger | The Gauger Estate
On Saturday, November 21st, The Gauger House will welcome, the work of Syracuse-based photographer Emily Widdekind of 1 of a Kind Photography for Reflections, a special gallery opening featuring photographs from her recent travels through Colombia as well as other portraits and moments.
Photo by Olya
With a focus on vibrant color, unexpected connections, and the unspoken exchanges between people and their surroundings, Emily has developed a photographic style that invites viewers to look a little closer at the world around them.
As she prepares for an exciting new chapter—leaving Central New York to live and work in Colombia—we sat down to talk about how her photography journey began, what inspires her, and what she hopes visitors will take away from her upcoming exhibition.
An Unexpected Beginning
Gabi: What first sparked your passion for photography, and how has your creative style evolved over the years?
Emily: First, I want to say thanks for having me! This is only the second time I've been formally interviewed about my work, so it's really special.
My photography journey started about two or three years ago. I was cleaning houses with my good friend Anna Kinney, and somehow the conversation came up. She said, "I think you should buy a camera."
And I was like, "Huh, that's a good idea. I've never thought about that!"
So I went to Best Buy and bought a camera. That's how it started.
I remember the first photo I took was outside the house I was living in. There was this big tree, and I photographed something on it, maybe a seed or a leaf. The image was completely overexposed, but I still have that picture in my mind.
At first, I didn't really know what inspired me. I was just photographing anything that interested me and learning how to use my camera. I'd go into the woods at Pratt's Falls Park while it was drizzling, climbing under logs to photograph little mushrooms and ferns, just practicing and learning about exposure.
Eventually, I realized I really enjoyed photographing people. That evolved into photographing strangers, and over time I became more confident approaching people and asking to take their pictures.
I still love that, but right now I'm especially interested in color and texture and how those elements play together within a frame.
Finding Beauty in the Unexpected
Gabi: Your photography captures so much color, texture, and raw human emotion. What draws you to a particular person, place, or moment when you're behind the camera?
Emily: Definitely color first. I'm noticing color everywhere.
Maybe there's a yellow building, and then someone walks by carrying a yellow umbrella. Suddenly, something in the background and something in the foreground are communicating with each other.
That's what draws me in.
Sometimes it's similar textures, but usually there's a person interacting with the scene. It's hard to describe because everywhere I look, I see moments that could be captured.
Gabi: So it's really about the relationship between a person and their environment? You're seeing that connection?
Emily: Yes! It's like an unspoken communication. In my head, there's something being said.
For me, it's definitely about curiosity and intrigue. I'll see something and think, "Ooh, that looks so cool together!"
I also believe in synchronicities, alignment, and things falling into place. Sometimes it feels like someone was meant to walk into that exact frame at that exact moment. Their outfit just happens to match the background, and it creates this really beautiful, synchronistic moment.
The Courage to Connect
Gabi: Photographing strangers takes a certain amount of courage and curiosity. How do you approach those interactions, and has a particular encounter left a lasting impression on you?
Emily: Usually, I'll notice a scene unfolding and maybe take a photo from farther away without engaging directly.
When I first started, I used a 35-millimeter prime lens, which means you can't zoom in and out. You have to physically move closer to your subject.
Sometimes people would notice me taking their photo, and we'd make eye contact. It's almost like I'm looking into their soul, thinking, "Yes, I just took a photo of you."
Other times, I'd approach them and say, "Hey, I'm a photographer. I was wondering if I could take your photo."
Most of the time, people say yes.
Gabi: I remember us talking about that moment before. Is there a name for the look someone gives you when they realize you're photographing them?
Emily: I don't think I've defined it yet. But to me, it's like an open door. An open door that makes me want to go deeper into that connection.
Colombia: A Lesson in Bravery
Gabi: Colombia has clearly captured your heart. What is it about the country and its culture that keeps calling you back, and how has your time there influenced your photography and perspective on life?
Emily: I've always had a love for South America, ever since I first visited Brazil in 2014.
There's something about the vibrancy of the culture. The colors of the buildings, the fruits, the food, the music. Whenever I hear Latin music, I just feel so warm and ooey-gooey inside.
I've always had this inner knowing that I'm meant to live in South America.
When I visited Colombia this past March, I was staying with friends, and the experience became an exercise in practicing bravery.
Photography is always pushing me outside my comfort zone, especially when it comes to interacting with strangers. But in Colombia, I was also navigating a new culture.
People always tell you Colombia is dangerous. I wondered whether someone might try to steal my camera or whether people might be offended by having their photograph taken.
But I remember my first day in Bogotá. It was rainy, and people were walking to work. There were people on the corners getting arepas and coffee, and there was so much happening around me.
I didn't even have my GPS. I just wandered around with my camera, taking pictures.
A lot of the photographs in this gallery are from that very first day.
It was really about practicing being brave. Telling myself, "Okay, I really want to do this, and I'm not going to let my mind talk me out of it. I'm just going to go do the damn thing."
And while doing the damn thing, I captured some really badass photos!
I also noticed that my artistic interests were evolving. I've always loved color and texture, but the more I photograph, the more my sense of what attracts me changes.
A Blank Page and a New Beginning
Gabi: With a big move on the horizon, you're entering an exciting new chapter. What are you most looking forward to?
Emily: In reality, I'm most excited to move somewhere new.
I've lived in Syracuse almost my entire life, except for a year abroad in Brazil. I just want to start fresh. I want to live somewhere new and see different things every day.
I want a blank page to start over.
Gabi: That was always one of my favorite things about traveling, too. Every time you arrive somewhere new, you almost get to be a new version of yourself. You can take the things you've learned from previous chapters and apply them in a new space.
Emily: Absolutely. There have been so many years when I thought I was going to move back to South America, and I never did.
I feel like the reason it's happening now is because I'm finally ready.
I'm a much more confident version of myself, and I feel ready to really embrace the possibilities and opportunities that come with living abroad.
Seeing Colombia Through a Different Lens
Gabi: What do you hope people take away from your photography and this exhibition?
Emily: I hope people gain a new perspective on Colombia.
We all have these predetermined ideas about places we've never been, often based on other people's beliefs or experiences.
The biggest thing people say to me is, "Isn't Colombia dangerous?"
And sure, maybe there are dangerous places, but there are dangerous places here, too.
There's so much beauty in Colombian culture, and I hope people walk away with new ideas about what the country is really like.
These are real pictures of real places and people. I hope they encourage people to imagine what Colombia can be, rather than focusing only on the negative things they've heard.
Gabi: So you're especially hoping to influence the perspectives of people here in Central New York, in the community you've been part of for so long?
Emily: Definitely. When I tell people here that I'm moving to Colombia, they're often shocked.
I hope this exhibition helps people see a different side of the country and maybe reconsider some of those assumptions.
Gabi: I'm so excited for this next chapter for you, and I'm so proud of you. I can't wait to see how it goes and what kind of art comes out of it.
Join Us for the Gallery Opening
Emily's story is about more than photography. It's about trusting your instincts, finding beauty in unexpected places, embracing curiosity, and having the courage to pursue the life you envision for yourself.
Her upcoming exhibition offers a glimpse into Colombia through the eyes of someone who sees not just buildings, streets, and strangers, but relationships between color, texture, people, and place.
As Emily prepares to begin her next adventure, we're honored to host her work at The Gauger House and share it with our community.
1 of a Kind Photography — Gallery Opening
Saturday, November 21, 2026
6:00–9:00 PM
The Gauger House | Hannibal, New York
In addition to her photography, Emily will be offering a selection of personal items for sale ahead of her move, including clothing, jewelry, pottery, and camera equipment.
Come explore her work, meet the artist, and spend an evening celebrating creativity, courage, and new beginnings.
We hope to see you there!
Itinerary
6:00-7:15 pm- Gallery Viewing
Food : Vegetarian/Vegan & meat wrap sandwiches
Gluten & GF options will be available
Herbal mocktails & Hot teas & Wine
7:30pm- Gallery Remarks by artist
8:00-9:00pm- More time to mingle, eat, and appreciate art.
Reserve your spot HERE.
Sliding Scale Ticket price at door $5-$12
