Jason Harris
Emma Jane Rose Healy is a lighting technician and stage manager for major films, musicals, operas, ballets, and theatre shows. Modelling was something Emma kind of fell into, almost as a natural progression within her career. She studied Bachelor of Fine Arts at QUT, and has spent many years performing – most recently as a Disney Princess for children’s parties. Photoshoots and videography have always been a big part of her work; she was just used to being behind the camera, not in front.
Her first official photoshoot was actually with a work colleague, Lachlan Cross, who has an extensive background in architectural photography and wanted to try out portrait photography. From there she began freelancing, working with companies such as Sea Skin Australia and Lifeline, and amazing photographers like Jess Clowes Photography. StarCentral Magazine recently caught up with Emma and here’s what went down:
What are your favourite down time activities?
Picnics, D&D, puzzles, ice skating, drinking jasmine tea, dancing, reading and archery – just to name a few.
Photo Credit: Sea Skin Australia Shoot by The Edit Suite
How did you start with modelling?
My first official photoshoot was actually with a work colleague, Lachlan Cross, who has an extensive background in architectural photography and wanted to try out portrait photography. He’s incredibly talented, and the shots are still some of my favourite images today. From there I began freelancing, working with companies such as Sea Skin Australia and Lifeline, and amazing photographers like Jess Clowes Photography.
What do you like most about the modelling industry?
The modelling industry has always been a double-edged sword for me. On one hand, I love meeting new crews, making new friends, and seeing an ordinary scenario becoming an extraordinary image. It’s joyful, beautiful, and never the same experience twice. In that respect, modelling is an unparalleled outlet for self-expression, artistry, and confidence.
On the other hand, it’s an industry that is built around appearance, and there can be an incredibly harmful culture developed when people unconsciously tie self-worth to an image. Fortunately, there are many amazing initiatives and brands that actively promote diversity and inclusion (not tokenisation, but representation), despite the fact that we still have a long way to go in achieving an ethically sustainable modelling industry.
What has been the most memorable experience of your life as a model so far?
Well, it’s still in progress, but it would have to be competing in Miss World Australia this year. I’m usually working as a technician, lifting heavy lights in steel caps, and walking the stage in a sequinned gown and heels is very different! And that’s the point.
For me, Miss World Australia is about challenging limitations on female strength and identity – and I’ve talked about this before on my social media. I know my ripped, faded, black work jeans are very different from my photoshoot outfits. But I’m versatile, and steel caps don’t compromise my ability to be feminine. I can be a technician and compete at Miss World Australia. Femininity and strength are not, and have never been, mutually exclusive.
That’s why this experience is so memorable for me, even though it’s still going. It’s been a lot of self-reflection, research, and analysis around how I can use my voice to help build a better world. And ultimately, I want to reinforce a positive, healthy and inclusive environment – whether that be through modelling, Miss World Australia, or as a technician.
Photo Credit: Jess Clowes Photography
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned? This can be about the industry or yourself. Or both!
Be prepared, be positive and be kind!
Working in an industry whose only emphasis is on the outside characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?
At the end of the day, I think it’s about staying grateful. I’m incredibly blessed with a strong network of family, friends, and colleagues, and I know I’m supported and loved. I get to meet amazing people, have magical experiences, and bring joy to the world around me. I know it sounds a little corny, but I love making the world a brighter place.
Is your family supportive of your career?
I have an incredible relationship with my family, and they support me in everything that I do. I’m honoured to have them by my side.
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about making plans by now, it’s that they’re always going to change! I never imagined I would be a published model and a Finalist for Miss World Australia in the middle of a global pandemic, but here we are. In the long run, it’s more important to have strong relationships, a positive outlook, and a determined attitude. As long as I maintain those, I’m excited to see what the future holds.
Photo Credit: Jess Clowes Photography
The “Lightning Fast” Round:
Last good movie I’ve seen: The Dressmaker.
What do you consider beautiful and why? I believe beauty is a matter of perception, and the best way to sum it up is: “Comparing women is like holding a flower to fairy lights – both are beautiful yet neither are alike”.
What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? Acrobatics training.
Complete this sentence: If I had no fear, I’d be… an actor!
What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? My hair – it received incessant teasing when I was younger, and I wanted to dye it blonde! I’m forever grateful my mother stopped me, as now I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Photo Credit: Jess Clowes Photography
Jason Harris
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