The Architectural Symphonies in the Photography of Kim Høltermand

Exact sciences don’t really appeal to me. It’s not that I’m not good at them, I am! I’m just not among those people who can admire the neatly derived formula or see the poetry in the theorem proving. With that being said, I never took the architectural photography seriously… until I came across the works of the Danish photographer Kim Høltermand. It was his photography that made me see and feel the laconic beauty of the architectural creations. No wonder, you’ll say, the buildings and constructions in the photography of Høltermand will impress anybody. The subject play an important role, indeed. however, it’s not just about the original subject, but the way the photographer depicts it. Showing the skillful use of light, reflections, textures and composition, Kim unites the language of architecture and photography creating the new kind of visual harmony.

Today I’m happy to present you the interview with Kim Høltermand. Enjoy it and don’t forget to share your impressions with us in the comments!

Please tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get started in photography? When did you interest in architecture photography spark?

I bought my first DSLR about 3-4 years ago. I always loved photography and thought I’d try getting more serious than just shooting with a pocket camera. That’s when I first met my 350D from Canon. It was instant love. And the story evolved from there very fast. I have also always loved the clean lines and aesthetics of architecture. The balance and awesomeness of clean lines. It has drawn me for years. Besides that the former owners of our house had forgotten to terminate their subscription of several awesome architectural magazines – which I started reading. And I fell instantly in love. And started shooting architecture. Funny story is that my grandfather actually used to work as an architect for some years and my father is an artist (painting/drawing) too. It runs in our family.

What is inspiration for you? Where do you usually find it, or is it more correct to ask where it finds you?

I find it in many places. My biggest inspiration comes from music; like Sigur Rós, Hammock, Moby, Trentemøller, Max Richter and the list is endless. I especially like electronic/ambient music. It sets the mood when I’m shooting. I both listen too it in the preparation for a shoot, during a shoot and in the post production face. But I also find inspiration in movies (Stanley Kubrick is king), books, magazines, television, posters, art. you name it. An idea can come from everywhere.

A Desolate Place/Nightlines

What sort of equipment do you use? Anything you’d like to expand your photography gear with?

I shoot with Canon DSLR’s and use different lenses from different brands – both zooms and primes. A lot of wide-angle lenses. And I always use natural light. Of course I would love to shoot with the highest end cameras and hopefully I will one day but equipment is not the most important element for me. Seeing is.

Kopenhagen Architecture

Do you pay much attention to post processing your images?

Not really. Even though all my work has been post processed in some way I only try to “tint” my work to make it into the Kim Høltermand style – my style. With my mood.

Hyllie Water Tower/Turning Torso

Could you single out a couple of your own photos that appeal to you most of all? What memories do you connect with them? What were you thinking about while taking those pics?

The pictures in my “Silo” series was epic to make. The place still sends shivers down my spine when I’m thinking of it. It is one of the most awe-inspiring places I have ever been to. The “Silo” (Valby Gassilo) is a huge empty gas silo situated just outside the capital of Copenhagen – in Valby.Entering this behemoth was like entering a cathedral situated somewhere between heaven and hell. It was like the most beautiful place and creepy place at the same time. With light only entering the top of the silo and the sound of my steps echoing inside for several minutes when I took a step it was a breathtaking experience. Made me feel so small and made me think. But most of the places I have been to and which later found themselves in my photographs give me different memories. They have all contributed to my success so they all mean a lot to me.

How popular is architecture photography in Denmark and the world in general? What spheres is it applied in most often? Is it easy to make a living as a full-time architecture photographer, comparing to other genres?

It is a very tight area with a few very talented photographers dominating the stage of architectural photography – and I’m still trying to become one of those great few. Also worldwide. I’m not working as a fulltime photographer and don’t intend to at this time but who knows. I am becoming more and more famous so you’ll never know what this craze will bring me.

What if you could travel in time with your camera, where would you go first?

That’s a difficult one. But I would probably travel forth in time – to a time when all cities lie desolate. I would have all the time in the world and all the buildings in the world to my self. Empty of people, and would shoot epic, moody, awe-inspiring images of our worldwide wasteland.

Who are your influences both in art and photography?

There’s a lot of creative people to whom I owe respect for influencing my work – mostly in photography. People like Michael Kenna, Nadav Kander, Benedict Redgrove, Jason Koxvold, Josef Schulz and Tim Simmons have among a lot of others been huge sources of inspiration and influence.

Besides architecture, there are lots of amazing landscape and fine art images in your portfolio. What are you favorite destinations and why?

I tend to travel to Sweden a lot. There’s something quiet and soothing about being there and there’s a lot of wide open desolate places which I love a lot. Sweden makes me gear down and brings me new ideas and material for new unseen work. But I love empty places, both in nature and in architecture and if there is fog you can be sure I am somewhere in it with my camera.

What are your passions in life besides the photography?

My wife and daughter come first. No doubt about that, and family and friends, of course. Creatively I have been drawing ever since I could walk so I have this urge to draw which sometimes draws me in like a huge magnet. But I am currently focusing on my photography 100 % but it happens that I find some paper and some pencils and draw.

What, in your opinion, are the qualities of a great photographer? Which of them do you have?

Seeing things. Feeling things. And not focusing so much on your equipment. And I have them all :)

They say, doubts are frequent fellows of an artist. Do you ever doubt what you are doing? How important is a public opinion to you?

I very rarely doubt what I do – and when I do I look at the things I have made until now. My success. And it makes me proud and makes me wanna make even more unique, epic and awe-inspiring imagery. Public opinion means a lot to me. To be honest who wouldn’t get a kick out of being featured in huge glittering magazines, books, endless blogs and even receiving fanmail. You tell me.

Do you think tips and advice from peers are important for budding photographers? If so, what would you recommend to the beginners?

definitely. I also received tips and advice from “better and bigger” photographers and I think it is invaluable knowledge and something you should definitely try to obtain if possible. It never hurts to ask. I say always believe in what you do. Stay true to your talent. It is your gift – believe in it. Even though some people won’t like your work, there will be some others that will like your work. Experiment. Don’t be sorry if you won’t succeed the first time you submit your work to some forum or competition – maybe the success awaits the second time you submit. Keep your creative juices flowing. And even if this may sound cliché this quote from Mr. Walt Disney has followed me since my childhood – “if you can dream it, you can do it”.

We’d like to thank Kim for taking time and doing this great interview for our journal. We hope inspiration never leaves you and you will bring more exciting work to your viewer!