We’re chatting with Emma and Kevin Rogan this week! They share their love for Crandall Library (and the photography program that they teach there!), their go-to restaurant for take out downtown, some Farmers Market favorites, and more…
Tell us about yourselves!
Emma: My name is Emma Rogan and I'm a professional photographer as well as a Library Assistant in the Children's Department at Crandall Public Library. My husband, Kevin, and I got married on Halloween back in 2014 and we have two adorable guinea pig daughters, Gladys and Lois. We live in Queensbury.
Kevin: My name is Kevin Rogan and I’m a librarian, guitar and ukulele player, photographer, and home barista. I grew up in Lake George, and as a voracious reader of fiction, I visited Glens Falls often to borrow stacks of books from Crandall Public Library. I was fortunate enough to get a job at the Library in 2007, right after finishing grad school at SUNY Albany. I currently commute a whopping six minutes to work (from Queensbury) and when out and about am recognized by the area's toddlers and their parents simply as "Miss Emma's husband."
Emma: I was born in Hudson Falls, and have lived in the area my whole life. I was always at Crandall Public Library as a kid so as soon as I turned 14, I was thrilled to get my first job there. I worked as a page in the Children's Department for many years and continued working there while also attending (at the time) ACC to study photography. I was an odd tween/teen in the sense that I always knew without a doubt that photography was what I wanted to go to school for. I've loved it my whole life. Back then I was still using film and waiting for my photos to get developed! I was lucky enough to learn the basics of photography and the darkroom from my first ever professor, Sara Cutshall-King. She absolutely inspired me and really planted the seed for our photography program, Shutter Squad, down the road. Once I received my Associates, I went on to Burlington College in Burlington, VT to work towards my Bachelor's Degree. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Photography in 2012 and moved back to the area.
I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do with my photography business at first, so I was experimenting with a lot of different ventures. I tried my hand at freelancing, weddings and family photos. At the same time, I was also back to working part-time in the Children's Department at Crandall Public Library. I couldn't stay away! Eventually I was able to move up in my position and went from being a page to a Library Assistant full time. That's sort of when everything clicked into place for me. I truly love working with children, and thought it would be perfect if I could combine my love of working with kids, with my passion for photography.
On Starting Shutter Squad
Emma: Kevin also works at the library in the Folklife Center, and we started brainstorming ideas for a photography program. It was very important to us that we provided participants with all of the equipment they would need. I wanted anyone who was interested to be able to attend, whether or not they had experience or a camera to use. We were lucky enough to receive a grant from the Leo Cox Beach Philanthropic Foundation so we could purchase all the supplies. And Shutter Squad was born in fall of 2019!
Shutter Squad is a photography program for tweens ages 10-13. We offer a session four times a year/each season, and each session runs for six weeks. We have ten kits (they include a camera, two lenses, a memory card, and tripod), so we can take ten kids at a time and meet every other Tuesday afternoon for about 3 months. Participants learn the principles of photography using professional equipment in a collaborative, hands-on setting. The kids are able to take the cameras home with them which really enables them to discover and develop their own style. Whether or not they realize it, I always see their own personal styles start to develop. One of my favorite things about Shutter Squad is getting to see the world through their eyes. Once each session is over, we have them each pick out four of their favorite photos and Kevin will print, mat and hang them in the Folklife Gallery for a 3–4 month exhibit. He does an amazing job putting the whole thing together. We also like to have a reception for the kids to celebrate all their hard work once everything is ready to view. It's so fun seeing the kids show off their art to all their family and friends! It's amazing to me that we've already worked with 90 kids since we've started! I get so attached to each group and it's always a bit bittersweet when our session is over. We're just about to start our fall/winter session and I'm so excited to get to know everyone in a couple of weeks.
If anyone is interested in learning more about Shutter Squad or getting on a list for a future session, they can email me at erogan@sals.edu or learn more here.
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
Emma: I can't tell you how nice it is to work so close to two coffee shops! We are big fans of Kru and Spot Coffee. You can find us ordering takeout from Siam Thai on a very regular basis. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit all I have to do is call and say what time we're ordering for and they immediately know it's for Emma and what my order will be! If it's a Saturday, chances are you'll find us at the Farmer's Market. I am addicted to all things Pucker and we love the peanut butter cookies from Dickinson's!
Kevin: Of course, I have to start with Crandall Public Library, which for me is the heart of the city. There's something there for absolutely everyone. The Folklife Center, nestled in the basement, certainly qualifies as a hidden gem. Patrons are always very pleasantly surprised when they discover us down there. The Farmer's Market is another treasure that might fly below some people's radar. Be sure to bring an oversized basket if you go, though, because you're going to want to buy everything you see!
On The Past
Emma: It's so funny the things that stick in your mind, but I remember years ago there was a winter festival in Glens Falls. City Park was filled with all these large, amazing snow sculptures. It was such a fun and unique thing to have in the middle of town. I distinctly remember running around taking photos of all of the sculptures and then dropping off my film to get the pictures developed. That is when I knew I wanted to do pursue photography as a profession!
On the Future
Emma: I'm a huge boba tea fan and I'm so thankful I can get my fix from Siam Thai. I do think it would be fun if Glens Falls had a shop solely devoted to boba tea!
