Caroline Bloor

I became interested in photography in my late twenties at the time of the great storms, which swept across much of the south of England. Stranded without electricity or means of travelling far, I purchased my first 35mm camera from a local shop, and spent the unexpected free time practising shooting the surrounding tree debris. Shortly after this, I became joint owner manager of a photographic retail outlet and film-processing centre, where I was able to improve on my camera skills and learn the trade. I soon reached a point where I was able to earn money using my camera, photographing weddings and animals, and producing portraits for portfolios, legal and business purposes.

In 1998, frustrated by knowledge that was still escaping me on the technical side of using SLR cameras, I enrolled on a part-time diploma course in photography at a local college. Four years later, I left the same college with a first class honours BA in Photography, Media and Society. I went straight on to do a Masters in Photography at The Surrey Institute of Art and Design, and graduated early in 2004. Research areas included women’s photographic landscape practice, the history of landscape and the mythology of woodland.

During this period of study I was able to continue to work on professional assignments, and had the opportunity to teach photography to students at college, enrolled on Fine Art and Media courses. Students ranged in ages and abilities, with the more able going on to take places at university.

I now have my own publishing company, which allows me to work creatively, as a photographic artist, alongside work as a professional photographer. My art practice tends to be based around woodland imagery, and I remain committed to blurring the boundaries between art and photography. My artistic influences include Andy Goldsworthy, Terri Weifenbach, Fay Godwin (Glassworks and Secret Lives series), Annie Brigman and The Pictorialists. My work has been shown at various venues around the south-east of England, including Horsham Arts Centre; Petworth House; The Old Market, Hove; Surrey Institute, Farnham and The Antique Centre, Chichester. I continue to exhibit regularly at large commercial shows around the south.

I have been tutoring for the Open College of the Arts since 2005, alongside private teaching sessions and Adult and Community Learning. It is a privilege to be able to share the learning process with budding photography enthusiasts.

I firmly believe that technical photographic knowledge has an important function to enhance the possibilities of creative practice, but should not be used to stem the flow of the imagination.