At only 30 years old, Brigette Bloom has built an incredible body of work, sharing her mysterious and ethereal view of her surroundings. Channeling her energy into shooting on film, her efforts pay off immensely, delivering a completely unique and haunting style of photograph. With changes afoot in her approach to photography and her lifestyle, we caught up with Brigette to shed some light on the artist behind the lens…
1. Who are you?
Brigette Bloom, 30, currently living in Seattle…
2. Describe your medium & process for your photos...
I’ve always created with film, there’s just something about the quality of it that feels very intimate and honest. Feeling the weight of the camera in your hand, hearing all the little clicks and turns has always felt like this magical process to me. When I started in the darkroom I became obsessed with experimental processes. I was so curious about learning new ways I can interact with the film. When you try a lot of different techniques, a lot of rolls either get completely ruined, or end up blowing your mind because they transform into something you never imagined. I love the uncertainty of it all.
3. How did you find your passion? Who/what influences your work?
I really just fell into it. I was always running around with a camera, shooting photos of anything as a kid. Like slugs, or my dog, friends in the neighborhood.. .that kind of stuff. Overtime, people started paying attention and giving me cameras to work with. Even now, I think just about every camera I own has been gifted to me.
My biggest influence has always been the rhythms of nature… The ocean. Animals. Of course, I’m inspired by friends and other artists around me, but it always comes back to nature.
4. What excites you about your work? What do you struggle with?
What excites me the most right now is collaborating. Most of my work has been based in self portraits and it’s something that’s always been very therapeutic for me. Now, though, I find more inspiration and excitement in sharing ideas to make a collective work. That’s what really lights me up right now.
I also feel that my work has a lot of heart in it. It’s less about the image and more of an emotional experience. I’ve never really cared about the technicality of photographs. In school they teach you about lighting and how to achieve really precise results; but those things never resonated with me. They can be great skills to have. But when it comes down to it, all I really want to express is a feeling.
5. What are your goals? Where do you see yourself going?
Well, this past year I’ve just opened a new business so that’s been the current focus. My life has taken a 180-degree turn, and I’ve been learning so much about myself so my goals have really shifted. I haven’t shot anything in over a year, which is the longest I’ve ever gone without picking up a camera. I know I’ll dive back into it when the timing is right. The desire to get back into creating is bubbling up so it won’t be long.
I have lots of ideas but who knows where I’m going. Anything can happen.
You can see more of Brigette's work here:
website • facebook • instagram