Charlotte Bellamy
Name: Charlotte (Charlie) Bellamy
Camera: Nikon Z6II and Nikon Z30
Favourite type of photography: ICM and multiple exposure
Location: Arnhem, Netherlands
Website: www.charlottebellamy.com
Instagram: @charlottebellamyholland
How did you get into photography?
From as long as I can remember, I always had a point-and-shoot film camera. I loved photographing our holidays and lots of random stuff (when I look at those images now). We moved to Chicago in 2007 and that was when I got my first 'proper' camera, my Nikon D40X. I really got into photography properly, actually learning how to make images, rather than just snapping.
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
I gained my Craftsman and, in 2018, Master Craftsman qualification with the Guild of Photographers. In 2012 and 2013, I was 'All Round' Photographer of the Year with the Guild of Photographers. In 2016, I was the Rural Image of the Year runner-up and, in 2017, the winner. In 2022 I was awarded a recognition award for my photography and commitment to helping the learning of others from The Guild.
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
I remember seeing the photo on the wall of my parents on their wedding day and thinking how cool it was to have the memory of all those people together on such a special day. They are still married 50 years later, and I realise now how valuable that image is.
What do you love about photography?
I love the whole experience, from seeing something that makes me want to pick up my camera, right through the process of making the photo - looking for the best way to say what I want about it. I love how it makes me look more and explore everything around me. More recently, since I have developed my creative photography, I love creating images that show people things that are right in front of them, but I am sure they fail to see!
Read our Guide to Understanding Camera Sensor Sizes
What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
I wish I had started my journey with my camera when I had to use film that I developed myself. I am sure everyone who has done this has a greater appreciation for the process rather than knowing that with a digital camera, you have unlimited opportunities. I think it may have made me a more concise photographer.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
I love photographing outside. Woodlands are my favourite place to immerse myself.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
Intentional camera Movement (ICM) and multiple exposure photography, combining them. I love exploring photography as a way of making art.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
I bring my images into Lightroom. I work through the basic panel, adjusting whites and blacks, vibrance, exposure and cropping, and dodging and burning to draw the eye.
What's your favourite lens?
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR
Do you have a favourite accessory?
My Kase magnetic filter set - it won the SheClicks Accessory of the Year 2022 Award.
Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
I have a lovely Peak Design bag, the 20L Everyday Backpack Zip, it's not perfect, though!
Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L Review
Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
Doug Chinnery and Valda Bailey inspired me into ICM photography some 8 years ago. They were the first ones to share their ICM techniques with the rest of the world via YouTube videos. The Dutch Photographer Lars Van De Goor inspired my woodland photography. More recently, Shona Perkins and Kim Grant have inspired my photographic journey with their wonderful and inspiring webinars and YouTube videos.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
Jackie Mulder @jackiemulder, Ania Rolinska @anzbau and Lou Sayers @Fig_tart
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
I've never owned a macro lens. I would love to own one.
Is there a genre of photography that you love but that you haven't tried yet?
Food photography.
What's your proudest photographic moment?
The publication of my book - If The Woods Whispered Would You Hear Them. It's been a massive 3 year-long project and a dream I had that I have managed to achieve.
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
To be more decisive when I come to choosing which images to edit! Working out which of the 2000 ICM images from a shoot are 'the ones' could save me so much time and make the editing process so much more enjoyable.
Your favourite baked goods are?
How long can my list be? Carrot cake has to be at the top. Dutch apple turnovers called 'appleflappen' are yummy and the name makes me smile every time!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am an outdoors girl. Most often found in wellies and attached to a pony or a camera. I have two ponies (a childhood dream realised at the age of 35) and it was what my husband promised me if I moved to The Netherlands with him! I live in the middle of nowhere in the east of the Netherlands, among the dairy farms and can speak almost fluent Dutch. I am a serial photographer, I just can’t stop myself making images if something speaks to me. I find the simplest and most mundane things beautiful (grass, leaves, puddles) and love to use my photography to show others what I think they have not seen. I am quietly determined, and aim to make my dreams a reality. In 2011, I completed the London Marathon (a childhood dream), and more recently, I published a book. I love red wine, food (all) and travelling. Laying on a beach is not my style though, I love getting under the skin of places I visit. New Zealand is my favourite place in the world. I am always looking for the next challenge to keep me inspired and excited about life.
