Featured Photographer - Chris Hunt

Q&A

Did you go to school or teach yourself? 

I taught myself.  Since I was a kid I played around with photography, and I always had an interest in documentary photography or photo journalism.  I even shot for my local newspaper and my college newspaper.  But it wasn’t until I was winding down my job as a model agent that I really started teaching myself about lighting and the technical aspects of photography.  There was no trick to it, I just shot every day and tried out a lot of different equipment and techniques.  I think this is one of the reasons that my style is so varied… I just loved learning and trying things out and that love of experimentation has followed me through my career.

What interested you in photography? 

At first it was the idea of making a living as a photographer that was the attraction…. the creativity and the lifestyle it allowed.

Why did you choose the fashion industry? 

My mom was a model so I was around the fashion world as a small child.  After college I got a job in a model agency, and from there being a fashion photographer just started to make sense as a next step.

How would you describe your style? 

In general I have a California vibe… but I have done a bit of everything, and in many different styles. 

What’s the thing you like the most about being a photographer? And the least? 

Every job is different and challenging in it’s own way, and that keeps things exciting for me.  And now that I am expanding into filmmaking, it’s opened up a whole new world of challenges.  I love my business, its the best job in the world, so i can’t think of anything that I don’t like right now… but maybe if you ask me when I’m trying to shoot a campaign in terrible weather I will have something different to say!

Who was a big influence for your work?

I have never actually had a lot of outside influence… There are some photographers or filmmakers that I really admire, but that doesn’t really translate into an influence in my style. I have generally just done what i enjoyed and worked in the parameters of whatever project I was working on at the moment.

Where do you look for new ideas and inspirations? 

I can be inspired by different locations or fashions or models, but usually I just go out and do it… if it’s on location I will find something interesting in the space, or the light, and use that.  If it’s studio it’s usually about the model or clothes that we are photographing.  I will sometimes come with a very specific game plan in mind, but sometimes I just allow thing to be discovered on the day.

Do you remember an almost impossible shoot to produce? 

A car campaign in a volcano that was at such high altitude we all were on the verge of passing out at one point or another… that was a challenge!  Another time we were shooting in the freezing rain and the client wanted it to look like a sunny day!  But these challenges really are what makes my job exciting.

What do you like to shoot on your down time? 

I love to shoot fashion on location, so if I am doing something just for myself that’s what I will most likely be doing. 

Favorite equipment? 

Equipment are just tools to me, so I use what I need to get the job done… even though I am highly technical, I am not much of a geek when it comes to equipment. 

Do you prefer to shoot on location or in a studio?

Generally location because I love to be outside in the sun, but I am totally comfortable in the studio too…. just depends on my mood I suppose.

What was the best location that you shot at? 

Tulum, Mexico and Boracay, Philippines.  No coincidence those are beaches :)

What did you wish you would have known before you started? 

I never assisted so in the very beginning I had to learn everything the hard way… I made some mistakes, but I think in the long run that helped my career because those lessons really stuck with me.

What advice would you give to those just starting out? 

Shoot, shoot and shoot… just constantly shoot.

Where do you see your career headed? 

I am moving into directing tv commercials now… I love that and hope to do a lot more.

What attracted you to Luxury Snapshot? 

It’s a gathering place for talented people from all around the world.