Q&A with Carrie Lees
S/S '25
S/S '25
I love that you describe what you do as ‘plant portraiture’. What are you trying to capture when you take a photograph?
I am trying to capture simple but structural images to portray the living essence of the plants themselves, similar to portraits of people.
Leaves or flowers? Do you have a different approach to different kinds of plants?
Leaves are often an integral part of larger structural plants like artichokes, which I love. I tend to produce these as large black and white images which have an almost 3D quality. Flowers are generally softer and I think look better as colour prints.
Talk a bit about your working process?
I trained as a fine art photographer focusing on using traditional methods and I think of each image as an individual portrait rather than following a set process. Where possible, I like to photograph the plants in my studio at home in an isolated situation. I have various backdrops and use natural light wherever possible.
Where do you work?
In my studio at home in Hampshire, but also on location.
Do you think your work changes according to the seasons?
Yes definitely. I love the Spring flowers but the Summer brings my favourite plants and longer, brighter days. The evening light in Summer is when I feel I achieve my best results. The Winter is a quieter time.
For the photographic nerds amongst us, can you tell us about your camera, film, lighting and development techniques?
I use a variety of cameras, both digital and film. I use a Nikon for a lot of my work, but also love using my old Rolleiflex film camera and Mamiya R267 which has a large 6x7 negative. I have a darkroom at home, where I develop as much as possible myself and also enjoy experimenting with other printing processes, like cyanotypes and photopolymer etchings. I think these lend themselves to botanical images.
What led you to become a photographer?
I have always been inspired by the Old Master photographers. I started off doing travel and landscape photography with some magazine commissions, then concentrated on portraiture when I had my children. This, coupled with my love for botanical art has more recently led onto my plant portraits using the same methods.
Is it like children or are you allowed a favourite plant? And are you a particular fan of a geranium?
I love structural plants like artichokes and angelica, but have always loved geraniums because of their different characteristics, colours and scents. I have an ever expanding collection at home and it was wonderful to do a collaboration with C.Atherley.
You’ve worked with Cath Kidston Padgham and her brand C.Atherley in the past. Are her house and garden really as beautiful as they look in the photos?
Yes, it’s wonderful. Her greenhouses must be seen to be believed!
Caroline Lees at The Hambledon feels like a match. Why do you think we make a good pair?
The Hambledon has always been right up there as one of my favourite shops. I know that I will always find something I love there. I would like to think we share a love of beautifully crafted things, a sense of style and approach to life. I am very excited to be having my work showing there.
Shop Carrie Lees' Geranium
Photography Prints
All works are for sale, either framed or unframed, and will be printed, framed and ready for dispatch or collection two weeks after the close of this exhibition. The exhibition will run from 27 January - 23 February. All prints are available in the following:
90 x 60cm in an edition of 5
Framed £1,200 Unframed £850
60 x 40cm in an edition of 15
Framed £725 Unframed £500
45 x 30cm in an edition of 25
Framed £425 Unframed £275
Call us on 01962890055 or email shop@thehambledon.com for further information.
