Q&A with Katie Carmichael

Katie Carmichael is a Melbourne-based photographic artist, whom we have had recently had the pleasure of working with on her series of works commissioned by the Little National Hotels, as well as a general admiration for her craft. We caught up with her to discuss inspirations, technique, what it's like being tasked with such a big project, as well as how her love for photography stems from her early childhood.

Your work often evokes a deep connection to nature and  a sense of calm. How do you approach capturing the "transient and ethereal" qualities of the natural world in your photography?

KC My approach to my work is slow and considered; comprising of long days immersing myself in nature, using the camera as a microscope to observe the subtle changes that unfold. By spending long periods of time and often returning to a similar location, I allow myself to become attuned to the constant subtle changes in the details of the landscape; often focusing on delicate fragments within the grander landscape.

How did your early experience in childhood shape your artistic vision and your journey into photography?

KC A lot of my childhood was spent in the country in North-East Victoria. Long, slow and adventurous days spent in nature throughout my childhood were pivotal in developing an appreciation for the beauty and observing the intricacies of the natural world. My father was a keen photographer and built a darkroom at home. This was my entrée into the process and wonderment of image-making at a young age. Being gifted with my first camera on my 10th birthday ignited the passion for taking images that still guides me to this day. Framing the world with my camera has always brought clarity to how I see the world and the beauty within it.

Your nostalgic tonal palette is a hallmark of your work. Could you share what influences your choice of tones and how they contribute to the emotional engagement of your images?

KC Image-making for me is a meditative process – a deep form of self-expression. I am drawn to creating works that are reflective and evoke a sense of solitude and calm for the viewer. I gravitate towards soft hues, often a monochromatic palette. By using muted, atmospheric tones found through a misty winter fog or the soft haze in a summer field, I aim to create works where the viewer can be immersed in the stillness and quiet found in nature, offering a moment of reflection and stillness.

There is a noticeable absence of people and animals in your work. Is this a conscious decision? And if so, how does this enhance the photograph for you? 

KC There is an absence of people and animals in my work. This is a conscious decision so there is no distraction to the quiet stillness of the natural environment. By removing these elements I am able to focus more clearly on the landscape and the details within it and capture a sense of solitude and quiet contemplation. 

For the Little National, you’ve created custom artwork for their hotels in Sydney, Canberra, and Newcastle. Can you share the creative process behind photographing these cities to reflect their unique identities?

KC With all three Little National Hotels, there has been a consistent design brief that focuses on capturing distinct, iconic landmarks and the natural surrounds that form the fabric of each city, with a focus on texture and form being the thread throughout. Most images are tightly cropped and focus on the colours, shapes, and architectural elements and have hints of the iconic fabric of each city. These have been fabulous projects to be involved in I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to photograph these cities in the same way I am drawn to shooting my personal work – using the lens as a microscope to capture fragments and elements of the greater landscape. 

Collaboration is central to your commissions, particularly with architects and designers. What’s the most rewarding part of this collaborative process for you?

KC Ultimately there is the goal to create a shared creative response to each individual project. With large commissions, there needs to be a careful methodical approach to mapping out timelines, logistics in production, delivery and installation whilst always staying focused on how you are meeting the creative brief in every image. It is extremely rewarding to develop ongoing positive relationships with clients and on the completion of these projects to have my works installed and compliment these beautifully designed architectural spaces.

Pictured: Two works for the Little National Sydney

Your work is crafted with attention to detail, from printing to museum-standard framing. Why is this craftmanship essential to your practice?

KC My vision early on was to create large-scale limited edition prints of quiet contemplative aspects of nature that project a sense of calm and reflection within a residential or commercial space. Producing works of the highest print and framing quality was essential to my practice. Developing a relationship with the amazing production team at Format and Fini has been pivotal in realising my vision. The beautiful detail in the printing process and craftsmanship in each bespoke frame is paramount in producing the works that are of the highest archival and gallery standards and meet the expectations in the investment that my clients are making.

With projects like Little National, how do you balance meeting the client’s vision with staying true to your artistic style?

KC Understanding the client brief and the project objectives is very important to ensure a successful outcome. Detailing and communicating a shared understanding of the project and a shared vision of the design and creative objectives is fundamental in ensuring to meet these objectives. This process requires time for me to understand the locations and the aesthetic of the specific location that is to be captured. Making sure to have clear shot list and think about nuanced ways to capture these iconic locations and the heart and soul of each city. Providing shots with the client throughout the shoot is imperative to make sure the images are aligned with the end vision of how each city is captured.  

Your photographs often create a "suspension of time and place." How do you achieve this sense of timelessness in your compositions?

KC Often I focus on small intimate details within the landscape, things within the expansive landscape that evoke a moment of reflection; often cropping into the greater expansive landscape. I seek to eliminate distractions of time and place by using a palate of muted tones, shooting in times of soft and fading light. I am particularly drawn to shooting when the mist and fog envelop the landscape. I engage with aspects of the landscape that are beautiful to me and evoke memory and an otherworldly connection to the landscape.

 Pictured (left to right): 'Little National #1', 'Leaving Home 2'.

What challenges do you face when working on large-scale commissions like hotel interiors, and how do you overcome them?

KC When working on larger-scale commissions, it is important from the onset to be clear of the budget and time frame you are working within. With larger-scale commissions, I recognise the artwork is a small part of a greater project so you need to be flexible with time constraints and adjust your schedule to meet the client's needs.

With the Little National Projects, there is a lot of ground to cover. Preparation and research of each individual city is crucial in creating an efficient and effective workflow. Having a clear shot list and conceptualising how to capture the individual landmarks and essence of each city within the design brief is an important facet of the project’s efficiency. These bigger projects involve careful management of logistics and creating a team that enables an effective outcome in all aspects of the project.

 

Finally, what advice would you give to emerging photographers looking to merge artistry with commercial projects successfully?

KC I think it is important early on to consider ways to have a commercial direction to your practice, allowing you to develop a brand or story behind who you are and your work. Being a sole practitioner, finding a creative support network to develop and share ideas and concepts I find is so important. Stay connected with other photographers and artists, and share your experiences and knowledge. Visit galleries, read, listen to podcasts and immerse yourself in the things and places that ignite your creativity. 

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Follow Katie Carmichael on Instagram to see more of her works and her latest adventures.