programmes that need to be dubbed
into English.
Now at West Island School,
Sophie has little time for anything
except school, homework and classes
to help her continue building her
already impressive CV. She takes
various dancing, singing and acting
classes every night of the week,
and leaves Friday night aside for
homework.
“I don’t really have time for play
dates; I just see my friends at school.
I’m willing to give up things like that
because I have a dream and I know
what I want to do with my life,” she
says. The future is promising for
this determined young lady, who
underwent a liver transplant at just
11 months old. “My goal is to move
to New York and attend a university
dedicated to acting and musical
theatre. I want to be on the stage and
under the bright lights in a big way!”
The photographer with flair
Not all kids want to be in the spotlight
though – some young people are
making a crust honing their skills
behind the camera.
As a child, Emma Vermylen
became fascinated with photography.
When she discovered pictures could
be altered using special effects, her
interest grew, and she began snapping
photos of her friends. The shots went
on Emma’s Facebook page and soon
there were others queuing up to book
their own photo sessions.
In the past
year, the 14-year-
old has turned her
passion into a potential
career path, establishing
Emmeline Primrose Photography.
She charges minimal rates compared
to the professionals, as she is more
interested in building her portfolio.
“It’s great to have the extra
spending money, but I just love the
thrill of producing beautiful pictures
for people. When someone sees their
photos and they’re just so happy and
excited with the result, it’s the biggest
confidence booster,” she says.
Emma is now being booked for
“photo shoot parties” where guests
have their make-up done, participate
in a shoot, and then take home some
fabulous shots of themselves and their
friends.
She is also moving in a
new direction with her work,
experimenting with advanced
techniques such as layering one
picture over the other, and enhancing
photographs with pixelated paint and
other forward-thinking artistry.
But having now entered high
school at Hong Kong International
School, Emma’s homework load has
increased, reducing the time she can
devote to her camera. She spends
her limited spare time editing her
photographs and planning future
shoots. “It’s the best stress relief from
Photo: Michal Garcia
