‘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 photographer, photography journalist, editor and curator and the founder and editorial director of TheAppWhisperer.com, an independent international photography publication established in 2009.Her journalism, criticism and commentary have appeared in The Times, The Sunday Times, The Guardian, Financial Times, BBC, Vogue Italia, LensCulture, Popular Photography, Android Magazine, NikonPro, DPReview, Which Digital Camera and Which Camera. She has lectured internationally on photography and mobile art, served as a juror for international photography awards, and exhibited her own photographic work across the UK, Europe, South Korea and the United States.Alongside her editorial work, Joanne's photographic and postgraduate research explores death, grief, memory, representation and social inequality through contemporary photography, participatory practice and visual research methods, with the longer-term aim of developing this work through doctoral research.Through TheAppWhisperer, she continues to publish independent photography journalism spanning contemporary photographic practice, mobile imaging, photographic apps, computational photography and emerging imaging technologies.Joanne is available for editorial commissions, photography projects, judging, curatorial work, speaking engagements, consultancy and selected collaborations.
