Christopher James
A bit about me
My interest in photography began at secondary school with Media Studies. The potential of photography as a broader activity was realised there with apps such as Photoshop and Lightroom completing the loop to publication and distribution. Alongside Media studies was Art, developing my artistic and abstract sides, the potential with all this combined was there.
A four year diploma course in Photography, from studying specific styles and compositions of world class photographers, to the technical sides of a fully equipped studio. All from film to digital, cyanotypes and other mediums of photography were covered, real foundations were laid - real background and depth to understand and appreciate the subject.
I was out and about on photo shoots and trips with my father, building an instinctive hands-on feel for the camera and subjects. Starting with a modest but capable Canon 650D, I soon migrated through the 70D & 80D, and from consumer zooms to fast prime lenses.
After college, photography automatically became my main hobby. Inevitably equipment has evolved to meet the needs of the subject styles I have gravitated towards. There's no way to have predicted where this journey would take me, for example a Medium Format Bronica ETRS has pride of place alongside my hi-tech Canon R7,which is as up to date as it gets. 35mm film still has a place with my 1973 Canon FTb QL and Olympus OM10, both with advantages and quirks.
Lens wise the 50mm f1.2 is my go to Lens but for wildlife, I use the 70-300mm, (480mm with the R7), for Landscapes the 17-40mm - check the "Equipment" page for the full list.
It's interesting looking back to see where my photography has come after a relatively short time.
Aims and activities
Street Photography is one of my favourite areas, but as much as the architecture and urban scenes interest me, portraiture was the start and still is the centre gravity for me; capturing the personality and vibe of someone as well as taking a unique picture. Something which puts a smile on someone's face, causing them to pause, look and admire some of the detail in the subject. Remember, the thought processes for a portrait can be applied to anything.
None of the above are exclusive and all genres are expanded upon.
Photography
I'm lucky to have found something I enjoy and have an skill for, clearly there is a huge amount of breadth and depth to photography.
The good news for me is as it's a creative subject, and an ergonomic process, it'll never get old or stale, just evolve. Developing an artistic and dynamic vocation / career, just suits me.
