Birmingham Botanical Gardens: Kate Hook Shoots with the LomoChrome Classicolor ISO 200
5UK photographer Kate Hook leads the way when it comes to shooting with film and fully embraces the idiosyncrasies of analogue, from light leaks, double exposures, color shifts & motion blurs to create images that are playful but uncompromising in their creative approach. We were thrilled when Kate agreed to test out a roll of the new LomoChrome Classicolor ISO 200 35 mm film which she took to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens to capture a flurry of floral activity under the early autumn sun.
Could you tell us a little about yourself and what usually inspires you to pick up a camera?
I’m Kate Hook, a photographer from the UK. I’ve been shooting film since forever, moreso right at that transitional point when digital started to take over. That era shaped my relationship with photography, as film became my way of preserving truth, texture, and emotion in a world increasingly obsessed with perfection. I’m inspired by impermanence, flaws, color, memory, and how light feels more than how it looks. Picking up a camera is often a way for me to reconnect with something real, to slow down and translate how a place or moment actually feels rather than how it simply appears.
Tell us about the day you spent with LomoChrome Classicolor 200. Where did you take it, and what subjects caught your eye?
I spent the day at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, wandering around through the late summer flowers. The light was soft but a little unpredictable, a mix of overcast moments and bursts of sun, which made it perfect for testing a film that claims to balance color so naturally.
I was drawn to the quiet areas: the untamed parts where wildflowers bend into benches, or where blooms are starting to fade. It felt like the kind of day where everything was gently winding down, and I wanted to capture that transition before autumn fully set in.
What were your first impressions when you saw the results?
I was honestly taken aback by how painterly the tones were. The palette leans slightly cinematic, there’s warmth, but it’s balanced with a chill coolness that feels very true to life without being flat. It has this lovely fine grain, that gives depth without overpowering the detail. The greens didn't feel too saturated, and the pinks and blues carried a nostalgic glow, almost like early 2000s slide film that’s been slightly softened with time.
How would you describe the mood this film carries?
It feels like remembering, yearning almost, like tender, melancholic, and sincere. There’s a quiet optimism in it too, like the calm at the end of a chapter. LomoChrome Classicolor has that rare ability to feel timeless; it doesn’t force a retro look or lean into artificial warmth. Instead, it feels grounded, with just enough moodiness to make you slow down and really look.
Looking ahead, in what kinds of situations or projects can you imagine yourself reaching for this film again?
I would probably use it for any project that’s about reflection or subtle emotion. So like, personal work, portraits in natural light, or quiet travel moments. It would pair beautifully with overcast coastal scenes or early morning city light, where you want honest colors but still crave atmosphere. It’s the kind of film I’d reach for when I want truth and tenderness in the same frame, for when I want the photo to breathe.
To see more of Kate's work, visit her website, katehook.com.
2025-11-03
#people #places #kate-hook #birmingham-botanical-gardens
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