Sometimes you’ll look at a photograph and say to yourself, “that’s a good photo” at other times you may say, “That’s a great photo”, but then there are those times when you view a photo and you can’t even begin to put into words what you’re feeling. All you know is that you feel something powerful and exciting. It takes a special photographer to produce an image that evokes this type of reaction and Chris Spira is one of those photographers.
Chris’s images are thought provoking, full of life and honest. When viewing them you can’t help but to notice her amazing use of light and the way she composes each photo. Visit her Flickr stream and you’ll soon agree with me that she is a very special photographer with an abundance of talent.
Q: How did you get started with Photography?
A: The first camera I had in my hands was my grandfathers old pentax. I loved playing with it, but my real first love was a lomo - I guess that`s when my heart got into capturing moments. But it took some years before I got my first SLR, a Nikon Fe2, and started taking “serious” shots.
Q: How long have you been involved in photography?
A: Seriously about 3 years, thanks to the Nikon Fe2 and a passion that wanted to get out. But photography has been part of my life much longer. Working as an Art Director in advertising for several years I had exposure to many great and talented photographers and portfolios. A major in Visual Communication also helps I guess. 1.5 years ago I made a conscious decision to change sides and focus on working behind the viewfinder.
Q: How would you describe your overall style of photography?
A: Simple, Aesthetic, Honest, Heartful. Close.
Q: What advice do you have for emerging photographers?
A: Don´t follow others. Follow your heart. Be in the moment. and: The secret is your eye, not the expensive equipment.
Q: How do you get people on the street to allow you to photograph them?
A: With a big open smile. When I approach people there are two ways. Be very fast and brave or interact with your subject. I prefer the interaction, because the more you open up, the more beautiful reactions you will get. Even if you don´t speak the language, a big smile and body language will always do. This way I feel that I have a better connection from heart to heart and you will eventually see it in the shot- the portrait becomes more intimate. Guess I also develop a sensitivity when it is o.k. to take a shot and when not.
Q: What type of equipment do you use when shooting?
A: I shoot with a Canon Rebel XT and basically 3 lenses. A Canon 50mm f1.8II, a Sigma 10-20mm and a Tamron 28-75 f.2.8.
Q: What photographers are you influenced by?
A: Steve McCurry and James Nachtwey. I admire their work. And of course many wonderful talents I met on flickr. One really sticks out to me: “stoneth” , but of course there are many others that give me constant learning and inspiration.
Q: How do you know when the image you’ve taken is a good one?
A: When it touches me and leaves a strong emotion.
Q: What’s your goal with your photography?.
A: Inspire people to see that everything has beauty and love is all around them. If I will create one image that will make people think, open their heart and change their perspective to make this world a better place, I will be happy. Guess for me the journey is the destination, but I would like to be able to keep doing what I love the most, taking pictures.
Chris is one of my favorite photographers, her work inspires and motivates me and I look forward to seeing what she comes out with next. She is currently living in Shanghai, China and considers herself “a starving artist trying to live from photography and design”.
You can view Chris’s work by clicking here and visiting her Flickr site.
Good luck Chris! =)
Leave a Reply