CF: Who is Kasia Bobula? What were your initial steps in the photography world and how would you say your approach to photography has evolved through the years?
I’m a portrait and documentary photographer, who often photographs people within their homes and work spaces.
My journey towards becoming photographer has been interesting to say the least! I studied fashion design at Central Saint Martin’s in London and after graduating, I started to photograph my friends’ collections when they debuted at London Fashion Week. Photography was very much a hobby back then – I had a small 35mm Nikon camera at the time, which my mum gave me. Funnily enough, it’s still one of my favourite cameras today.
I used it for all of my backstage work and the work was very experimental as I only worked with the existing light, which was rare in backstage photography at the time.
Shortly after I started, I got contacted by Dazed & Confused who commissioned me to shoot a lot of their fashion week content. I have since expanded into shooting more portraits and documentary work, with backstage photography happening only occasionally.
“I had a small 35mm Nikon camera at the time, which my mum gave me. Funnily enough, it’s still one of my favourite cameras today.”
“There is nothing that I love more than snooping around people’s homes or work spaces”
CF: It seems like most of your recent work is focused on people in their homes or their working space, what has been the most curious or interesting corner you have documented yet?
There is nothing that I love more than snooping around people’s homes or work spaces. Over the years I have shot so many places that I loved. One of my favourites was the home and studio of artist Lubaina Himid, who lives and works in Preston. The studio in her Victorian home is just packed full of her inspiration – old pottery found in car boot sales, African fabrics, books on Hogarth. It was such a pleasure to be invited into her home and see her work process.
CF: During lockdown, you initiated a project where you reached out and interviewed some of your artists’ friends, can you tell us a bit about it?
The project was mostly my attempt at getting in touch with friends that have moved away and I haven’t spoken to for a while. I was also curious about how people (especially creatives) have spent their time in lockdown. The variety of experiences has been fascinating –
“The first lockdown was a very different experience for friends who have children and for those, who live on their own. It was also amazing to see how much creativity can help (and heal) in uncertain times.”
CF: If you could soundtrack your work, what would you choose?
Kate Bush and Radiohead.
CF: What is your favourite thing about living in London?
Being exposed to so much creativity on a daily basis.
CF: Tell us about your future plans? What sort of work would you like to focus on?
I would love to continue photographing more people at their homes and also find new brand collaborations. My goal this year is to also experiment a bit more – find a new medium camera that I will enjoy, try new film stocks. I’m also very excited about doing more personal work.