The beauty of time

Trained in the world of fashion photography, Hitchin’s Kasia Burke has turned her lens away from youth towards the beauty of decay

- Sandra Smith

It was inevitable that digital technology would filter through my interview with Kasia Burke. I just assumed when we arranged to meet that such wizardry would be part of this talented photographer’s work – with the aid of a Nikon D800 with a 50ml lens – to manipulate everyday objects into images that recall the 17th century Dutch still life paintings. But between our initial contact and the interview, Covid-19 struck, putting an end to face-to-face dialogue. Ah, but remember what I was saying about technology? Thanks to Skype, Kasia and I are able to meet, virtually at least, and, once pixelated screens and delayed sound are sorted, we settle down to discuss her career.

‘Photography has always been a passion of mine but, like art, was one of those things my parents discouraged in favor of a proper job,’ Kasia explains with no indication of resentment. In fact, her early training would play a part in her reinvention.

‘I studied hospitality management at uni but by the age of 28 realized it wasn’t what I wanted to be doing so did a two year HND in photography. Still, life and product photography were subjects I’ve always enjoyed, and I love food photography too.’

Prior to developing her own style, she worked at London’s MetroLab assisting iconic practitioners such as Rankin and Nick Knight. The fashion industry may not have appealed – ‘cutthroat, just like The Devil Wears Prada’ – but nevertheless provided valuable experience.