Interview: Izzie Farr

25 Sept

Izzie Farr has been making waves in the photographic community ever since her open letter calling on Kodak to diversify their social media hit our Instagram feeds.

We wanted to learn more about the person behind the words, how the pandemic helped her find her creative voice and what advice she has for fellow photographers seeking connection in this digital age.

So Tell Us A Bit About Yourself

My name Is Izzie, I live in London but grew up in Nottinghamshire. I work in the culture sector doing projects with museums.

My best friend Josie got me into film photography a couple of years ago. I guess she knew I’d love it! I got a simple (but excellent) point and shoot camera (an Olympus XA2) and fell in love with film. As many will know, as soon as family and friends hear you are into film cameras, the analogue cameras seem to roll in! My first SLR (Canon A1) was given to me by my mum’s hairdresser, along with a bunch of lenses. The best thing I’ve ever been given.

How had the Pandemic Impacted Your Practice / Daily Life?

The pandemic actually coincided with when I started to use my first SLR. Because the world slowed down I used the extra time to practice. It’s a cliche but it really helped me creatively. Because of the lockdowns and travel restrictions, my photos were a reflection of my immediate surroundings - both geographically and temporally. For example, I took photos of parks in London because that’s all I had access to and my photos are very connected with seasons. My main source of joy for a time in the midst of the lockdowns was going outside for walks, so I felt like I noticed all the nuances of the changing seasons. I think capturing a sense of place is what I ultimately want to achieve. You can see how the pandemic influenced that!

Then, more recently, with what has happened to Kodak, things have shifted again. I’m engaged with more like-minded people on Instagram and actually have the confidence to go on photo walks and meet the people I’ve connected with online. I’ve always felt very self-conscious posting and talking about my photography on social media. Sometimes I still do, especially as I feel more people are watching now, but at the same time something has clicked and I’m embracing how into photography I’ve become.

Are You Working On Anything At The Moment?

So, I’m still keeping an eye on Kodak stuff, and other photography brands that are not featuring a representative selection of photographers on their social media.

I have started writing a new post on my blog (bekindshootfilm) about nude self-portraiture. This isn’t a form I actually practice, but some of my favourite photographers do. Essentially I’ve noticed a negative attitude towards the the people who practice this type of photography and so I want to explore the motives behind this genre

How Have You Used Photography To Improve Your Mental And Emotional Wellbeing? Any Advice For Others?

These days photography is so interlinked with social media that I think the negative aspects associated with that can particularly impact creatives (and others too). For example it can be disheartening if you feel your work is not getting much recognition on Instagram. It is impossible to keep up with an algorithm that turns art into ‘content’, and although it is handy to understand how to apply social media, don’t let it be the primary lens through which you judge your art. Passion for your work and a genuine engagement with people is what enriches your experience with social media. And from that, you may gain support and be able to do more with your creativity - whether that is writing on a blog, a magazine, selling prints of your photos or even freelance photography.

Obviously taking a break from social media, or just not letting it run your life, it a great idea too!

On Reflection, As We Emerge From Isolation, What Lessons Will You Carry With You As You Look Towards The Future?

I really enjoyed the slower pace of life, and although I’m so happy to see friends and family again, and to actually be able to go to places, it did make me appreciate what was right on my doorstep. So I am going to try and carry that mindset forward with me.

👋 Want to see more from Izzie Farr?

Instagram: Click Here

Her blog “Be Kind, Shoot Film “: Click Here

Alecia Barnes