Kell Blackmore’s photography offers a unique window into our local live music scene, capturing intimate, fleeting moments of performance with her trusty Polaroid camera.
Her passion for both music and photography blends seamlessly, offering a creative niche that celebrates the rawness of live gigs while embracing the tangible nature of instant film.
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“I’ve always loved going to gigs and I look up to the photographers,” Kell says, noting that her early influences included the legendary Linda McCartney. “I love the 60s, so Linda is a huge reason I picked up the camera. I went to her exhibition in 2020, and she’s a brilliant 35mm photographer, which I have tried and failed at many times, but her Polaroids just really captured me because it’s something tangible to show for her work.
“Polaroids are instant film; it’s that marriage between the instant gratification we get from phones, but with the imperfections,” she explains. “Sometimes it doesn’t roll out properly, or doesn’t focus on the things I want it to focus on but that’s the beauty of it. I know it’s not perfect because I’m not a perfect artist, so I really lean into it.”
Her journey into photography began somewhat unexpectedly with a cheap refurbished Polaroid she’s dubbed Silver Fox.”I have so many talented mates who do such good music and are such cool live acts, and I wanted a photo album for myself.”
Three years later, Kell has found her niche in the Geelong live music scene. “It turned into something I could really do and battle with all the 35mm and digital photographers at Barwon Club to get my shots. Having a camera in my hands makes me feel like I don’t have to do anything else but watch the band and capture it.”
When shooting, Kell is deliberate with her approach, especially since each roll of Polaroid film only has eight shots. “You have to make them count. But I’ll do more if I feel like it, and I don’t think about the cost; it’s not a waste if I like it.”
“I love to give a little to every band, regardless if they’re paying me or not. It’s such a nice thing to have and to do for others. It’s an unintentional creative collaboration.”
Kell and her partner Willem, who is also part of their band ‘Winsky’ and production company Creepy Baby Productions, often work together on projects for local bands.
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“It’s been surreal having people pay for my Polaroids and use them for an album cover. Making something for someone else is so scary and being involved in that process of an artist, I still pinch myself because it’s forever, it’s permanent.”
One standout moment in Kell’s career was photographing Angel Alsen at the Mona Foma Festival. “A lot of my photography I get by pushing in and making myself known. I’m very lucky as a musician myself, having my foot in the door a little more, and I fully acknowledge that privilege because I know what it’s like to be a woman in any form of art, and it’s a bit more difficult to be heard and taken seriously.”
Kell’s journey with Polaroids began as a teenager. “I always wanted a Polaroid. I got an INSTAX one for Christmas at 16 but I waited until I found the right camera to really jump in. It just happened to be in Geelong. I call her my silver fox. Some people think it’s a toaster,” she laughs.
“It takes about 15 minutes for a Polaroid to develop now. Being able to shove them in for 15 minutes, let it cook, and show someone on the night—it’s magical.”
With almost 1000 photos in her collection, Kell cherishes the variety in her work. “Black and white, warm, cool, monochromatic, circle Polaroids, it just depends on how old and good the film is. I feel so lucky to have all my mates down on film for life.
Her work has also given her a unique perspective on the evolution of music in the region. “I’ve noticed a lot more diversity in what is being played over time. You see a lot of angry music, punk, but I’m starting to see a lot more people feeling more comfortable with pop. Geelong really has everything though.”
For Kell, the combination of photography and music continues to fuel her passion. “I love seeing the bare bones of it when it hasn’t fully developed. It feels good to have a job to do while enjoying someone else’s art and being a part of it all.”
Check out Captain Blackmore’s archive here.
