People Watching People – Hazel Holloway

Hazel Holloway’s a photography-loving northerner now settled on the Fylde coast after 18 years down under. A mum, writer, and photographer, she’s snapped weddings from Blackpool to Bali and picked up quite a few diplomas along the way from a City and Guilds qualification in photography to a diploma in Feature and Travel Writing from the London School of Journalism. From documenting remote communities in the Australian outback to highlighting the vital work of StreetLife Blackpool, Hazel’s lens captures powerful stories, one adventure at a time.

When did your passion for photography first begin, and what sparked it?

I’ve always had an interest from an early age. An uncle of mine used to film me and his two boys all the time, which I found fascinating. When I was 16, he gave me a film camera, although I had no idea how to use it. A couple of years later, I bought an automatic film camera and never put it down. It wasn’t until my first child was born that I started taking it seriously, and I enrolled in a night course to study for a City and Guilds qualification in photography.

What do you enjoy photographing the most?

People, without a doubt. I adore people-watching, so photographing weddings is perfect – there is always something fascinating to see.

Tell me about how you use photography in your charity work

I love making a difference with my camera. If one of my images can raise awareness, change a mindset, or help someone take that step to assist them, I’m happy. Lately, I have worked with Lancashire Women, who support women with mental health, money advice, and employment—I capture what they do in a day so images can be used across their social media pages. I’ve also collaborated with StreetLife Blackpool, a charity who supports vulnerable and homeless young people, and Age UK Lancashire.

“To me, the perfect picture is one that speaks to you”

Working for Frontier Services was also an honour. The organisation helps people in remote areas throughout Australia. I was asked to travel to the Pilbara in Western Australia and meet with some of their workers to document what they did. I met people living in some of the remotest places in WA; for example, a couple running a farm that was the size of a fairly big county in the UK. After a five-hour drive, it was another half an hour up the drive to the homestead! I arrived only to find out that the couple were from Yorkshire and the first thing they said was, “fancy a cup of Yorkshire tea, love?”!

 The organisation would check on them regularly and at different times of the year, particularly in the rainy season, and the only way to reach them was by plane. It was this trip that also taught me about the First People of the land. I met many Indigenous people with numerous stories.

Which country or place have you most enjoyed photographing, and why?

That’s easy – India. I went there a couple of years ago, and I’m heading back on a photography tour I’m running in October. On my first visit, I spent time at the Sambahli Trust in Rajasthan, documenting the work they do to help women and children with their education and provide them with sewing skills, enabling them to find employment. The people are incredible and so hospitable. Initially, India is a shock to the system; a cacophony of colour, noise, and chaos which soon becomes your norm. I also visited Kolkata and the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa, and I witnessed the Chhat Puj festival, which was an incredible sight. I made a pact with my dear friend and fellow photographer that we would not go in the water! Half an hour later, I was waist-deep and spotted her also waist-deep, going for that shot. We both laughed and said, ‘Oh well, when will we ever see this again?’.

What’s your favourite photograph you’ve ever taken—and what’s the story behind it?

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on our elderly relatives and how we often overlook including them in family photographs. I undertook a project with a care home at the end of the pandemic, where I created portraits of the residents that were displayed alongside a few words they wrote. Five of those portraits have since been used at their funerals, sitting proudly on their caskets. Each family member expressed the same sentiment to me—that they had many pictures of their mum or dad, but nothing recent. Currently, this image of one of the residents is my favourite.  It was quite an honour to have taken these pictures.

What do you think makes a photograph truly powerful or ‘perfect’?

To me, the perfect picture is one that speaks to you; it draws you in and holds your gaze for a minute or so. It should evoke an emotion and raise questions.

Is there a spot in the North you think is especially photogenic or underrated?

Knott End-on-Sea, where I live. I’ve been here for almost three years now.  If I loved chasing the light, I would have endless images of stunning sunrises and sunsets. At certain times of the year, the bird life is incredible, and people arrive having driven long distances just to spot a specific bird. It also features a little ferry that is very photogenic. L S Lowry knew about this hidden treasure and visited often to sketch. The fish and chips aren’t bad either.

“The best picture you will ever take is the one in your head as you drive away.”

What’s the most valuable lesson photography has taught you over the years?

I’ve had many lessons, but I think photography has generally taught me to be humble and to appreciate the world around me, both the good and the bad. Photography is a never-ending learning curve, and as someone once said to me, “The best picture you will ever take is the one in your head as you drive away.”

Any particularly memorable moments or stories from your time behind the lens?

I’ve loved my photography journey so far and have had many diverse experiences. One that stands out was spending a day with an 8-year-old boy who was born with only half a working heart and an uncertain future. After three heart surgeries in his short eight years, the team at Make-A-Wish gave him a magical day he will never forget. Across the country, a collaboration of businesses and ghostbuster enthusiasts united to give him the best day ever! It all began when he and his family were given a police escort to Leeds Library, where he was greeted with a guard of honour before teaming up with four other ghostbusters to catch a ghost! The Mayor was there, along with super fans, and I was there capturing it all on camera for him. He smiled all day – the adults who weren’t acting cried most of it – happy tears.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in photography?

I would say never leave the house without your camera. If you’re shooting digitally, use the manual settings. Take a small notepad out with you and note the settings for each shot. Make mistakes, learn from them, and just enjoy!

Do you have any exciting projects or travels coming up?

I’m heading to India again in October to co-host a photography workshop. It will be an immersive journalistic journey that explores Jodhpur’s hidden corners, a special non-profit organisation, and a few authentic experiences. After Jodhpur, I will be heading north to Ladakh in search of ancient monasteries and nomadic tribes.

Head to www.hazelholloway.me to find out more about Hazel and her photography or, if you would like to book Hazel for your wedding photography, head to www.hazelholloway.com

NorthernLife Sep/Oct/Nov 25