Katherine Fish is a fine art photographer from the Manchester area of Northwest England. She works "...with both digital and traditional black and white darkroom techniques...."
I met Katherine through one of the awesome groups on LinkedIn. [not familiar with this networking site? Then you are missing out on truly valuable discussions and meeting incredible people from all over the world. Where else would someone who lives in a northern California [USA] community meet someone who lives in the United Kingdom?]
Anyway...I really love the way Katherine's eye sees the world through the lens of her camera. The example to the left is a perfect one. This work is titled, "Abstract Structure." For me I love that 1)it is in black and white; 2)it is a composition of curves at odds with dagger-like points. It works.
The senior software engineer guy and I will be unpacking a new camera this evening [more about that in another post] and I'm so looking forward to expanding my own fine art photography. I'm so constantly amazed at the diversity of artistic sensibilities that abound artist-to-artist. One photographer sees one way, another sees, well, another way. After enjoying Katherine's online gallery I got curious to know more about her work and she graciously accepted my invitation to an interview.
Say hello to Katherine Fish.
Q: On your website you refer to yourself as "Fine Art Photographer" – I love that. I have been in discussions where the idea of a photograph as fine art was hotly debated. How would you answer someone who questions whether photography can be/is fine art?
Katherine: I think that any medium which can be used to express artistic ideas can be considered "fine art." Just because a camera is mechanical does not mean it isn't as "pure" as painting. Photography can be very creative.
Q: How did you first get involved with photography? What about this medium appealed to you as your choice for creative expression?
Katherine: A photography A-level course was suggested to me at college. Since then I went on to study the subject at university. Photography, for me, is a way of capturing how I feel about a subject, be it still life or architecture. I use the camera to show others what I see. I also find darkroom photography exciting; there's always an aspect of uncertainty when developing your prints.
*I relate to that! [the uncertainty when developing your prints] Years ago [okay, quite a few] I worked in black and white photography and learned to develop the film. However the process of developing was never something I really enjoyed.
Q: What draws you to architecture as subject matter? Through your viewfinder, what is it that you see?
Katherine: I think that architecture is an art form in itself. I love the endless compositions that can be created from the geometry, textures and sculptures of a building. I use the camera to capture abstract compositions which draw attention to the artistic side of architecture; to show others that architecture is beautiful.
"Abstraction 3" by Katherine Fish
Q: On your “Behind the Lens” page you mention that you are “strongly against digital manipulation” – that’s a pretty strong statement…why do you feel this way?
Katherine: I feel strongly about digital manipulation even though it is seemingly popular, because it changes reality. Digital manipulation itself suggests that reality isn't good enough, that it must be enhanced until it becomes highly dramatic and unrealistic. I like to use photographic techniques pre- and post-production to create a striking image with only a little cropping or tweaking of contrast and colour to strengthen the image. Some use manipulation to enhance their unsatisfactory images, as if it is an easier option. I appreciate that manipulation can be used very artistically, but I consider this to be art created by using a camera, rather than photography.
*Again, Katherine makes a good point when she says "...I consider this to be art created by using a camera..." because that is how I myself view my fine art photography. For me the photograph itself is the canvas upon which I work.
- Do you think Photography as an artistic medium suffered when it phased out of film and into digital?
- Katherine: I do feel that photography has suffered since the take-over of digital. Many people no longer appreciate the quality of film. It creates a unique aesthetic; a richer, broader range of tones. I still use film and I am passionate about keeping it alive.
Q: Your website shows a portfolio of “traditional darkroom black and white.” So for this work you use film rather than digital photography? If yes, are you finding it harder to find film and processing materials? And, what is your attraction to working in black and white?
Katherine: Yes this section is film photography produced in the darkroom. Yes it is increasingly harder to find materials but there a still very successful specialist companies that continue to supply the materials.
I love black & white because it encourages you to see the subject, to appreciate the form, shape, texture and not be distracted by colour. It has a unique, timeless aesthetic and encourages you to see things differently. Creating darkroom prints is exciting and a more enjoyable process than sitting in front of a computer with digital images. I feel more of a practical artist; that I can be more hand- on producing my images.
Q: In your Still Life portfolio is a work you titled “Still Life with Flowers.” I love this! What is the color of the not-white flower? It seems to be an extremely pale lavender shade. Can you describe the process in creating this work?
Katherine: I would describe it as a pale lilac shade. To produce this image I used studio lighting with sofboxes to create a soft, even light. This is a digital image, so in post preduction I subtley enhanced the grain and evened out the tonal range to create a subdued lighting aesthetic. Other than that small enhancement there is very little else done to the image.
Q: In your Architecture & Landscape portfolio is a work titled “Circular;” it has a very organic feel to me. Can you describe where and what it is and what about it inspired your finished photograph?
Katherine: This image is part of a ruined building called Rivington Folly in Rivington, Lancashire, UK. I loved the circular shape; the geometry appealed to me and the blue tone of the sky was very striking and further enhances the shape.
Q: Is there a photographer and/or artist who has inspired your work?
Katherine: There are many, but in particular Lucien Herve, who used film photography to capture abstract architecture using geometry and shadow.
Q: What are your longterm goals for your work?
Katherine: I would love to have a full exhibition in a gallery, but I am also looking for full-time work as a professional photographer.
Wow! I have enjoyed this conversation with Katherine and I hope you'll take a look at her website and get to know her and work more. Here's another of her fantastic black and white images, "Spoons."
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