‘Impossible’ Interview with Kate Bellm
We’re delighted to be working closer with The Impossible Project team as we continue to branch out and expand our reach with all things related to mobile photography. Analog post-processing of mobile images is becoming more and more popular and we’re going to make sure our readers are fully briefed on this very exciting development.
The Impossible Project is in many ways leading the way, but there is also a growing community of mobile artists and photographers experimenting with other analog post processing techniques in an attempt to make their mobile images stand out even more, in galleries, magazines and the like and we have viewed some outstanding images and techniques.
A good deal of my formal photographic training (many years ago) was spent in a huge college darkroom and it is an area that I’ve always enjoyed, I think you will too. I also had a very close working relationship with Polaroid built up through my years as Technical Editor for various UK photography print magazines/titles.
Today we are publishing the eleventh of a series of ‘Impossible’ articles, this time with Kate Bellm a renowned English fashion and portrait photographer whose work is featured in many major international magazines. She lives with her boyfriend Edgar but “we don’t have a permanent home… more on the nomadic trail.” Right now, they’re in Topanga Canyon, in California, but they’re already planning to head for Deia, on the Spanish island of Mallorca.
Kate Bellm
How long have you been shooting Polaroid/Impossible film?
Ever since I can remember! I’ve had polas all over my walls since I was a teenager.
What cameras do you use?
I use 600 because I love a good flash [laughs]. I also use SX-70 for landscapes and natural light.
Image – ©Kate Bellm
Where do you shoot most often?
The 600 is easier for me to travel with and I shoot on it everywhere! I lo-o-ove the Special Edition Color 600 Color Frames film. It’s all I’m shooting on right now.
How would you describe your work?
My work is all about youth, freedom, weirdos and colour. I’m inspired by everyone around me and all the places I travel. Life is inspirational!
Image – ©Kate Bellm
Tell us a little about the four works you have chosen as your favourites?
The first one is my friend Margo at Aalvation Mountain. She climbed to the top in 4-inch-heel hooker boots and we got this pola’ as a result. The next was on a fashion shooting in England and my friend Aminah Slor drew the graphic over the shot for me. The frame got really destroyed and I love it. The next 2 are also a collaboration: my boyfriend Edgar drew on these pictures of Vita.
Do you have any helpful creative techniques or advice you would like to share?
I think Impossible shots are a gift! I use them for sketchbooks, making art and, best of all, as presents and mementos for all the people I shoot and hang out with.
Image – ©Kate Bellm
Do you have any upcoming exhibitions/publications?
Yeah! My most recent show opened on 3rd April at Pavlov’s Dog gallery in Berlin.
Who are your favourite photographers?
Neil Krug, Ed Tempelton, Helmut Newton, and Purienne.
Image – ©Kate Bellm
What are you hoping for from Impossible during the next year?
More artist films! I love all the weird films you come out with. Maybe some kaleidoscope lenses?
Joanne Carter
Joanne Carter is a British photography journalist, editor, curator, and the founder of *TheAppWhisperer.com*, one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to mobile photography and art. Since its launch in 2009, TheAppWhisperer has become an international hub for artists of all levels to discover, learn, exhibit, and engage with contemporary photographic practice.Built on principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and artistic excellence, Joanne has spent almost two decades championing mobile photography as a serious artistic medium. Through interviews, critical essays, exhibitions, competitions, and education, she has helped shape and document the evolution of mobile art on a global scale.Her work has taken her internationally, lecturing on photography and mobile art at institutions and events including the Museum of Art in Seoul, South Korea, alongside appearances in the UK and Europe. She has served as a juror for international photography and mobile art awards across Portugal, Canada, the United States, South Korea, Italy, and the UK.Joanne is also the founder of *TheAppWhispererPrintSales.com*, one of the first online galleries dedicated exclusively to collectible mobile art, connecting artists with collectors across Europe, the United States, and Asia.Before founding TheAppWhisperer, Joanne worked extensively in print journalism and photographic publishing, including roles at a paparazzi photo agency and as deputy editor of a leading photography magazine. Her freelance journalism, criticism, and commentary have been published widely in both the UK and the US, with bylines in *The Times*, *The Sunday Times*, *The Guardian*, *Popular Photography*, *NikonPro*, *DPReview*, *Which?*, *Vogue Italia*, *LensCulture*, the *BBC*, and more recently, the *Financial Times*, where her published letters on photography continue to contribute to wider conversations around the medium.Alongside her editorial and curatorial work, Joanne’s own photographic practice has been exhibited internationally across the UK, Europe, South Korea, and the United States. Her work increasingly explores themes of grief, loss, death, memory, and the body.Her current research interests centre on grief, death, and poverty, with forthcoming postgraduate study leading towards doctoral research in these areas.Joanne is currently developing new long-form writing and photographic projects and is available for commissions, editorial projects, speaking engagements, and collaborations.Contact: joannetheappwhisperer@gmail.com)
