This week in our At Home With series, photographer Kerry Cook shares how life in Bali has shaped her slower, more intuitive approach to creativity.
Tell us about you, and what you do.
Hi lovelies, I’m Kerry! You may have seen some of my photography work on Dora’s Instagram over the past couple of years. Whilst I’m a photographer, I definitely sit somewhere between the creative and technical worlds. I work in marketing technology as a consultant, alongside having a background in fine art photography.
So my life is basically a constant balancing act between the technical and creative sides of my brain, which I honestly love!
How long have you been working as a photographer, and what sparked your interest in photography in the first place?
I’ve been working as a photographer on and off since graduating from university. In the beginning, I found it quite difficult balancing my creative side whilst working a full-time job, and photography naturally took a bit of a back seat for a while.
When I moved into consulting in my mid 20s, I suddenly had a lot more freedom and flexibility, which allowed me to reconnect with the creative side of myself and find a much healthier balance between the two worlds.
There were a lot of reasons I fell in love with photography, but I think what really drew me in was shooting on film. I loved how intentional the process felt. Slowing everything down, being more present, and thinking carefully about every frame because film is limited (and expensive!). I think that mindset still influences the way I shoot now. I'm much more focused on capturing feeling, atmosphere, and genuine moments rather than just taking lots of photos.
You’re currently based in Bali, how has being there influenced your creative process, visual style, or the stories you’re drawn to tell?
Being in Bali has definitely influenced the way I approach creativity. Life feels a lot slower and more connected here, and I think that naturally changes the way you observe things and the kind of moments you’re drawn to capture. There’s a real emphasis on beauty in everyday life, whether that’s through nature, rituals, interiors, fashion, or the way people express themselves. I think that’s made me more intentional and intuitive with my work.
Visually, I’ve found myself leaning more towards softer, more natural imagery with an emphasis on texture and light. It helps that the sun is almost always shining. Now I’m less interested in creating something overly polished and edited, and more interested in images that capture the person or object in front of me more honestly.
Is photography your only creative outlet, or do you find your expression in other ways, too?
Jewellery has always been a big form of self-expression for me. I honestly feel a little lost without all of my rings on. At the end of last year, I started making my own jewellery, which I’ve completely fallen in love with. It’s been really rewarding having another hands-on creative outlet outside of photography.
At times it can feel a little overwhelming knowing where to start or what to make, but I’m trying to approach it more slowly and intentionally rather than putting pressure on myself to create constantly. Although… it definitely looks like I’ve picked up another expensive hobby!
What inspires you most right now, both creatively and personally?
My inspiration comes from many different places and changes daily, and can depend on how I'm feeling. Right now, I'm really inspired by vast landscapes, especially on moody days. But this may just be a sign I'm missing home in the lake district.
What projects or plans do you have coming up for the rest of the year?
I’m focusing on creating jewellery and seeing where that takes me, so watch this space!
Shop Kerry’s edit here.
See Kerry’s Instagram here.
