Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Pittman.
Hi Chris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always had a passion for taking pictures. I find that you can tell the best stories through photography. They say a picture is worth a thousand words.
When I was in middle school, my parents bought me the Nickelodeon Photo Blaster. It shot these cool mini 35mm film pictures that I would have to take to the store to get developed. I took that camera everywhere with me. I would take it to school, on my field trips, and around the neighborhood. I would take pictures of my friends and anything that looked cool to my eyes. Pretty much the same thing I do now.
As I gained more experience, I started becoming more intentional with the photos I captured and paid close attention to the details of the scenery. I started really telling stories through my images.
Now, my photography allows me to continue telling stories but on a larger, sometimes high production scale. I get to work with other creative minds, where we can put our ideas together and create something truly unique.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think sometimes, as with anything in the creative world, there are going to be times where you might feel stuck. You might get caught up in trying to figure out what comes next, if you should change things up or maybe just leave things the same.
A challenge that I face from time to time with photography is getting in a place where I start comparing my images to other photographers on my level. I start wondering if I should try something different like a new lighting technique, or maybe a new film stock, maybe even change the way I edit my images.
Comparing your work with others will sometimes end up leaving you unsatisfied and second guessing yourself. I have to remind myself that my work, just the way it is, is what got me to where I am now and remember what drives my passion.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a portrait photographer I shoot on both film and digital. I’ve been shooting more on digital as of lately because it allows for a wide variety of edits, and can be of a much higher quality.
Film will always be my favorite and I shoot on film as much as I can, especially if it’s one of my own personal projects.
When using film, it requires me to be more mindful and patient with my shots. I take my time and almost have to envision what the final shot will look like beforehand. Since you don’t get to see the photo until after the film is developed you want to make sure you do everything you can to avoid mistakes and waste a frame.
I am known for my creative double exposure shots, which yes, you can create with digital photos in post editing, but where do you think they got the idea from?
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I would say I got really lucky when I started shooting as a freelance photographer for Vogue. This amazing opportunity has opened so many doors and has allowed me to build a portfolio of editorial work, while forming creative partnerships. The fact that my name comes up on the Vogue website under their list of well known photographers, some of which I have looked up to and admired for years, is still crazy to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.christopherjphotography.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/photozbychris.film
- Other: https://www.vogue.com/photovogue/photographers/340189
