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 KATE
BELLM
FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER
BERLIN, GERMANY
Kate
divides her time between
Berlin and London. At age 23 Kate’s
work has already been featured in publications such as;
GQ, Nylon, Indie, Tatler, L’Officiel, The Herald
Tribune, and Esquire, to mention a few. Kate
has a unique eye and view on fashion and beauty.
Exclusively Fashion Magazine:
Can you tell me how your career started as a fashion
photographer?
Kate Bellm:
It started when I was 14 at school. I put all my
energy into photography and the darkroom. I would
set up backdrops in my dorm room and use my friends as
my team for models, styling and makeup and create full
blown fashion shoots. That was my foundation.
My career started with friends who were being shot with
magazines in London and would take me on as the
photographer. My first proper job was a 6 page
story for British Esquire aged 19 in South Carolina.
I then moved to Berlin where I worked for Vice and Lurve
as Photo editor, during this time I looked at hundreds
of different photos a day. That kick started my
inspiration and from then on I couldn't stop shooting.
EFM: How long have you been a fashion
photographer?
KB:
I have been taking fashion
photographs since I was 14. But, working
properly for magazines at age 19 when I was living
in Paris.
EFM: What
is your view on fashion and photography?
KB:
Fashion helps make my photos what
they are and I love using clothes to develop a story and
a character. If the clothes don't work. Then
go nude!
EFM: Would you say that you're
more of an editorial photographer than a fashion
photographer?
KB:
I do more editorial work as there
are less boundaries involved.
EFM: Can you describe your style
as a fashion photographer?
KB:
I would stay its young, fun,
colourful, but raw. There is a lot of nudity and
sunshine and colourful houses!! I'm really
inspired by Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, Dan Martensen,
and Martin Parr.
EFM:
Have you ever assisted any established photographers;
if so, who were they and what have you learned from them?
KB:
I never really properly assisted.
I just asked A LOT of questions to a lot of people to try
and find things out. I am still asking questions
to this day and just trying out different things in my
shoots all the time.
EFM:
You live in Berlin; do you think it's difficult to be a
successful fashion photographer?
KB:
Berlin is full of
inspirational people and places so it gives me constant
inspiration. I shoot a lot of fun editorial
projects here in Berlin, but most of my clients are in
London or Paris so I shoot a lot over there too.
EFM:
Do you prefer shooting on location or in the studio?
KB:
Location, location,
location!!! I love being able to use a new setting
in every picture and explore different places.
Also have the chance just to work outside is much nicer.
EFM:
Do you ever find yourself trying to evolve or reinvent
yourself as a photographer?
KB:
Yes, I think it's normal to
evolve. For me, I am still developing my own
style but I definitely know the direction its going in.
EFM:
What advice can you give to aspiring fashion
photographers?
KB:
Don't be afraid to ask
questions. Shoot as much as you can and the best
way to learn is using friends and family because you can
make them do crazy things without having to worry about
annoying them!
Interview by Rochell “E” James
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