ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE :
POPPY HOLLIS
INTERNATIONAL JET-SETTING PHOTOGRAPHER POPPY HOLLIS HAS SHOT FOR THE LIKES OF ITALIAN VOGUE AND HARPER ’ S BAZAAR ONLINE , insideKENT EXPLORES MORE OF HER WONDERFUL WORLD OF TRAVEL AND PHOTOGRAPHY .
Do you have a specific narrative you wish to convey when taking images , or do you let your subjects take you on an unplanned journey ?
For advertising assignments , I work to a brief and to a specific outcome guided by the client . On editorial assignments , I work closely with a journalist and together we come up with the story and I shoot accordingly . When I work on my personal projects I usually have a clear idea of the images that I am looking for . I am influenced spontaneously and very differently by each destination I visit : the culture , language , climate , food , colours , sounds , and scents – a sensory journey that I try to capture in my images , and of course , it ’ s all about the moment .
Did you always know you wanted to be a photographer ?
My godmother was a successful commercial photographer and I would often attend her photo shoots , so I had an insight into the photographic world quite early on , which definitely kindled my interest . I would say passion and perseverance has been the driving force of where I find myself today , along with the experience and skills that I learnt working as a creative producer for many years after graduating from university .
Has experiencing different people and cultures had an effect on the way you work and your outlook on life ?
Travel is my passion . Meeting people of different cultures has always been at the heart of travel , and there is no doubt that I have become more empathetic . The most important aspect from a work perspective is to learn to put people at ease in front of my camera , and to make a connection with them in some way . This always shows through particularly in portraits . I definitely have a need to see , absorb and capture as much as I can , whilst at the same time treading lightly , discreetly and respectfully .
You have been incredibly successful in your career , what do you attribute your success to ?
I have been fortunate to work with some of my favourite magazines and brands . Perseverance and determination is key and of course there are challenges that you face along the way . I believe it is important to remain true to yourself and the work you want to produce . You can ’ t be put off by rejection . Like many fields in all industries this is a competitive one , and you have to keep putting yourself out there . It ’ s important to remain humble , professional and passionate about photography . It really has to be a part of you .
What has been the highlight of your career ?
I worked on a shoot in India for Vogue Italia which was a dream come true and National Geographic recently featured a couple of my images , that for me , was a great accomplishment . The highlight for me is that my work is my passion and therefore it doesn ’ t really feel like work because it is what I love to do .
Where can we find your work ?
You can find my portfolio of work at www . poppyhollis . com , and you can also find me on instagram @ poppyhollis . I sell some of my travel images , as advertised on the opposite page , these can be found at www . poppyhollis . com / store and I am in the process of photographing and curating a collection of Kent-based images , soon to be launched on my estore . I also sell limited edition prints via Canterbury ’ s Platform Gallery ( www . platform-shop . co . uk ). I also sell my work through online fine art photography gallery ; The Woods ( www . thewoods . co ).
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