Chris L.

More about Chris L....

What do you love about your job?

My favorite aspect of photography is the interactions with people it creates - these very purposeful, goal-driven meetings seem to bring out the best in me and I enjoy collaborating with people to achieve common goals. I especially enjoy working with people who are new to getting their photos taken, who may say things like "I don't know what to do in front of a camera" or "I don't come out well in photos" and get them to trust in me and relax and see their own potential. Whoever said truth is beauty was right in more ways than one: people who are genuine are by definition beautiful and it is very satisfying to achieve and record this. I also love the technical challenges that photography presents and learning new things to overcome these hurdles.

What types of shoots have you done and how did you make them special?

I have done most types of portrait shoots. I do believe it is a big part of the photographer's job to make each special and to do that is to get everyone involved relaxed but also engaged. I do this by interacting with my subjects and keep the fiddling with equipment to a minimum, which is mostly being as prepared as possible and maybe even scouting the location before a shoot; I know I am more relaxed and don't have to think so much the more prepared I feel and this resonates with people. Also the style now is to get away from the studio-style photos to one that includes more environment, more color and especially more movement, so I like getting subjects on their feet and jumping around and laughing.

Awards, honors, and recognitions received

None

A fun fact about this photographer

I eat, sleep and breathe photography so there may not be much. I try but am a horrible cook, piano player and golfer. I'm Korean-fluent. I read and journal extensively, which serves, again, mostly the photography, because I like to learn by writing things down that might be improved upon or learned from after shoots - you know, real fun!