Definitely a force of nature the wonderful Kt Bruce, as anyone who came to last month’s Second Wednesday will agree. She always had a longing to study the arts and after mentioning it to her father, was told that “only hippies did that and she’d become a teacher”. So she did, eventually, even being fired for being too good a teacher. It’s a measure of the person that she gives a hundred percent of herself at all times. And then one day she took this shot and everything changed.
It’s easy to see how the atmosphere of this photograph spoke to her creativity; the mood and spirit, to her natural empathy; and how the spontaneous nature of capturing the shot would appeal to such an instinctive person. By becoming a photographer, she finally found the career that would make her truly happy.
Her portfolio is full of landscapes; you’d recognise the nature reserve in all its seasons and wildlife. And architecture, from her time living in Oxford. But portraits are her forte. Her warmth and enthusiasm relaxes her subjects and enables her to capture their true character, whoever they are, or however long she has to spend with them.
She’s not happy until she finds the light in their eyes, that tells her who they really are.
She’s such a joy to be around, that she has remained friends with many of her subjects and becomes their photographer of choice. One of her career highlights is that she photographed the Queen six times, on engagements, as well as at Buckingham Palace.
She’s my colleague at Rye News, but most importantly, a kind and thoughtful friend and took one of my favourite pictures of me (see: Instagram promotes Rye News daily). Her talk, filled with anecdotes and photographic tips, went so well that she will be repeating it on Friday, July 14 at 5pm at the Brewery Yard Club. In typical Kt style, money collected will go to Rye Foodbank.
As I never tire of saying, we are so lucky to share this beautiful part of the world with extraordinary people, present and past. Join us in Winchelsea on July 12, when we will meet Elaine Luke who will talk to us about former resident Malcolm Saville. As you will have read, either in his books or in Rye News, (Malcolm Saville: blue plaque unveiled) he was a huge supporter of Rye and based many of his books in and around the town. You will end the second Wednesday of July, richer both in knowledge and friendships. Wednesday July 12, 2:30pm, Winchelsea New Hall.
Image Credits: Kt Bruce .