Featured iPhoneographer: Kim Holloway
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 7:05PM | Star Rush 
Above: Sunshine Buddies © Kim HollowayThe photographer is a careful study of her environment, a watcher, looking closely and intentionally. “I will stand and watch the ocean for ages, trying to understand the pattern of the waves so I can anticipate when to get the best photo,” says Kim Holloway, an Australian iphoneographer whose photographs reveal her observations of the natural world, well, naturally, with as she explains little post-capture apping. “I like to capture what I see, as I see it.”
Tell us about yourself, Kim.
My name is Kim Holloway. I am an Australian living in Portsmouth, UK, currently on relocation back to Sydney. I work as a software analyst for a global company, specializing in Warehouse Management software: Safety Boots, hi-vis vests and all that great stuff :-)
When I got the original iPhone I did not use the camera a lot. However, in my quest to pack less on holiday--making more room for shopping on the way home--I decided to chance it and take only the iPhone. Leaving my compact camera at home meant one less set of batteries and chargers to carry around. Apart from some grainy night shots, I ended up with a great set of holiday pictures and have been using the iPhone as my primary camera ever since.
Above: Drops © Kim Holloway
What are your favorite or most frequent subjects, Kim?
I like to capture what I see, as I see it. For me the thrill is getting the photo I want straight out of the camera.
My favorite photos are nature related: landscapes, flowers and animals. It has taken me a while to figure out what I like photographing, but these are the things that interest me most. I buy flowers based on their photographic qualities, and as annoying as seagulls can be, I love the thrill of the chase when trying to get a photo of them.
Above: Fenced © Kim Holloway
Kim, how would you describe your style or approach to photography?
It has taken me a while to understand and accept my style of photography. I have tried various apps and techniques. Occasionally, I end up with an interesting one, but it comes back to what I enjoy most about photography: capturing the moment as it is. That doesn't mean I snap away without thinking. I think about the right angle, looking for lines, moving around, and so on. I will stand and watch the ocean for ages, trying to understand the pattern of the waves so I can anticipate when to get the best photo. What I love most is getting the photo I want without any post-processing. I shoot a lot with Hipstamatic because I love the square format and the tones. These days I use a modified lens which doesn't apply any filters and stick with just one or two frames.
Above: I Am King © Kim Holloway
Through these experiences, I’ve come to know that I love taking photos, whether it be with the iPhone or with a compact camera.
I don't have an artistic or creative background. I suppose I am influenced by what my eyes see. Although I do not do a lot of post-processing, I am in complete awe of people who do.
Above: In Flight © Kim Holloway
Kim, is there a memorable or favorite photo that you’ve taken this year?
“Fog Ahoy” is a photo I took of HMS Warrior in December 2010. It was the middle of winter and freezing cold. It took every ounce of willpower I could find to go outside, but it was a great photographic opportunity. I like the atmosphere of this picture. It is a great reminder of the town I live in. His photo was displayed at the Orange Dot Gallery in London earlier this year as part of a Hipstamatic exhibition.
Above: Fog Ahoy © Kim Holloway
What is iPhoneography to you, Kim?
iPhoneography for me is as much about viewing other peoples work as it is sharing my own. I have found an amazing group of artists who create and share their work. There are places in this world that I've never been to, but I feel I know better because of the work of the online community (of iphoneographers).
Social networking is a huge part of iPhoneography, and mobile photography in general.
Above: Incoming © Kim Holloway
I just do what works for me, but always explore the latest and greatest app or website to see if it offers anything new or exciting. I steer clear of the politics and just enjoy the work of others--that's my plan for the future as well.
Be true to yourself and what you enjoy. I branched out into different areas but always come back to nature, and non-app'd photographs. It's what I love to do. I am a big user of Hipstamatic. I know it is unpopular with a lot of people, but I never let those opinions stop me from using it. I take and share pictures to please myself, not anyone else.
Above: Portrait of a Flower © Kim Holloway
Above: Surfs Up © Kim Holloway
Above: Take Off © Kim Holloway
What are your favorite or most used apps?
I have 5 folders of Apps on my iPhone, the majority of which I never use. Hipstamatic is the app I use almost every time I pick up my iPhone. Pano was the first photo App I ever bought, and I still love using it. I like playing around with Diptic, Shake-It Photo and occasionally use PS Express, TiltShiftGen and PictureShow. I've tried using Iris, Photo FX, Camera+ and PhotoForge2 but usually never save the results as I'm just not that good at the post-processing thing.
You can see more of Kim’s photographs at:
Reader Comments (7)
Looking forward to catching up with you in Sydney!
Congrats Kim.