Hi Brett,

Tell us a little bit about Brett Harkness?

Well, I left Nottingham Trent University in 1995 and got a job working in a kitchen! 5 days later I was aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean working as a photographer. It lasted 6 years!! I am 38 yrs old. Have a great,busy life and work very hard with my wife/partner/friend/ everything – Kristie…

Where is home?

Home is Heywood outside Manchester, UK.

If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home?

Mmmm, tough one. Probably have an “in town” apartment in a city somewhere in Canada and a house by the lake.

What is your current state of mind before we continue with the interview?

ideas,calm,busy,alive,…coffee,sunshine…,next shoot,new website,football,cameras, course, Pocket Wizards, new things…..,airport,weddings,

Did you go to school to study photography?

Yes, I studied photography at GCSE level & A level. I then went to Nottingham Trent Uni for 3 years to study it. I learnt little about photography, learning more about drinking, life , bowling & relationships. I learnt my photography  whilst working aboard the cruise ships for 6 years. Thrown into the fire with an old Nikon FM2!

How long have you been a photographer?

I have been taking pictures since I was 14 yrs old when my mother bought me my first camera, a Practika. I have been a pro for 14 years.

How long have you been a wedding photographer?

I used to shoot weddings aboard the ships but using 1 roll of film. I started shooting weddings back in the UK in 2001, with our first full year of weddings in 2002. I class myself as social photographer, covering all aspects of human nature.

What or who got you started in wedding photography?

I would probably say my mother when she first bought me my camera. My photography teacher back during my GCSE’s said that I should give it up because I didn’t have the eye! I thought I would show him! As far as shooting weddings goes it was probably a progression from working on the ships. A friend and model once described my work as “ a class mixture of bridal, high fashion, romanticism and fresh energy- with great use of landscapes and colour.” Think that about sums it up for me.

How would you describe your style?

Free, fun, creative, funky, expressive, real, experimental.

How many weddings do you average per year?

15-20 tops

Do you have some wedding images you can share with us?

What type of cameras do you shoot with?

I used to use Leica R8 cameras which I still have and do get out now and then and put a roll or two through them. Moved onto canon 1V cameras and now I use Canon EOS 1DS Mark III cameras.

What is your favourite photography accessory, other than your camera?

Apart from Kristie, who is reflector holder, kids entertainer, bag holder, flash holder, card changer, CF card Backer upper!, battery charger, time keeper, coffee maker it would have to be my Think Tank belt system. I couldn’t imagine doing a wedding without it.

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?

For weddings it would have to be my 70-200 IS 2.8 L lens. For my own work it would have to be my 50 mm 1.2 II L. I have recently started to integrate the two and using the 50 mm at weddings also.
A beautiful piece of glass, when you nail it on 1.2 its like being born again!

What lighting equipment do you take on a shoot?

3-4 Canon 580 EX II flash guns with Lastolite Ezy boxes, Pocket Wizards, gels,

Can you describe how and when you use flash, video light, reflectors and natural light during a wedding?

It is important to know that our wedding clients hire us because we can do what we do in a fraction of the time that it may take other photographers, therefore a lot of the time we have to work with what natural light is available. If we do get the chance to “play” with lights then great but it is not a priority. We use a Lastolite reflector for the 10-15 mins that we get with the client on a 1-1 basis. If we get another ten mins then I may get the off camera flashes out. Usually more so in Winter Weddings. I will bring out the flashes always for the first dance, cake cutting, speeches, the parts of a wedding that need spicing up a bit. I have to remember that a lot of our clients are high profile and they want to get on with their day, not spend an hour or so with me. If I can grab 10-15 mins then I need to work quickly, make it fun and get killer shots. When the pressure is on I work at my best. I would love to use the lights more and the faster I get with them the more I might be able squeeze them in.

What is your favourite computer/editing accessory, other than your computer?

My Wacom tablet and my Apple Cinema HD 30” flat panel display.

How important is Photoshop in your final images?

Photoshop is a necessary tool just as much as developer and fix were to film. It is an enhancing and finishing tool to get the best from your files. I don’t see it as a surgical tool to completely change the way my images look. I see it as a finisher.

What is your most used Photoshop tool, plug-in, action set etc.?

Probably Colour Efex Pro

Are you a MAC or PC lover?

Once you’ve had Mac you’ll never go back!!!

Do you plan on buying any new equipment and if so what do you have your eyes on?

Will be getting a 5D mark II for Kristie soon. Have ordered the new PW’s from USA also for my own work.

I finally feel I have mastered my Crash-Art workflow, can you briefly describe for the readers your photographic workflow after a wedding?

Fairly simple really. There are probably better and more efficient ways of doing things I am sure but this is the way we have always done things and if it aint broke….

We get back from a wedding or any job and of course download everything.
*Rename and number.
*Everything then gets burnt onto two drives that are kept in two different places.
*    Then two copies are burnt onto DVD, again kept in different places.
*    The whole job then gets imported and downsized to a more manageable size. A slight action added, slight sharpen and colour tweak.
*    Then we have three go throughs, getting the wedding down to a number that the client can view- Approx. 500-600 images.
*    The show is then put together, BW files made and a story put together for viewing. We use i-view media pro for this at the moment.
*    The final images purchased are then worked on individually by Ria , our photoshop girl. I have a final look over and the album designed by Kristie is FTP’d off to Queensberry.

I use Queensberry albums, what wedding albums do you supply your clients with and do you design them yourself or outsource the design?

We also use Queensberry albums. Although not cheap our clients demand the best in quality. Kristie always designs the albums. I believe that the person designing should have been at the wedding or at least have done the viewing also. To know the wedding demographic, who should go next to each other etc..

How do you feel about cropping an image?

I am a great believer in getting it right in camera and will only crop if someone buys a frame with square images in them. Some of our acrylic range only come in squares. If an album needs a slice of an image then no problem. I am a great believer that if you don’t want it in when you are shooting then crop it then not after.

I choose photographers for these interviews because their work really inspires me and gets my creative juices flowing, hence the interview. What gives you ideas and inspires you to create such amazing imagery?

Well , firstly thanks for the compliment Crash. I constantly look at imagery, usually not wedding photography to be honest. Usually high fashion imagery, big corporate campaigns, looking at how they light or pose or use backgrounds.
6 years ago we did the Annabel William’s course and she gave me the insight to be a little more free with backgrounds and light etc.. so thanks to her. I do take inspiration from a lot of older photographers, namely Cartier Bresson, Josef Koudelka, Sabastio Selgado, Don McCullin, the way in which they approach there subjects namely and how they work around their subjects. I am a believer that you get what you give as a photographer. That can be sometimes how you are without even opening your mouth. Just the ambience that you bring with you into a shoot, it feeds off to your subject, thus you get what you give.

What has been your most memorable assignment and why?

I would think probably last year when I spent 10 days in India with fellow photographer Henry Aarvold. We spent 10 days walking around the streets of Varanassi in India. The 20 mins that we managed to have in a train yard where the men were shovelling the coal into the trucks was probably the most rewarding 20 mins of my photographic life. I am looking forward to spending the day with an undertaker soon, can’t wait.

If you could shoot a wedding with another photographer who would it be and why?

Probably Josef Koudelka. I believe he saw things in such a beautiful, honest way that the moment was captured forever and remains timeless in its simplicity.

Do you have an assistant/2nd shooter that accompanies you on wedding assignments?

When you have Kristie you don’t need anyone else! Kris has started shooting now also and gets some great moments.
Photographer Henry Aarvold sometimes second shoots with us and Paul Atherton also does jobs for us.

How many images do you average per wedding and how many do you usually present to your clients?

I usually take around 1400-1700 images a wedding. I just like taking pictures! The client usually views around 500-600.

Where would be your dream destination wedding?

I would have to say I would love to shoot a wedding in New York. Have the couple to myself on the streets of New York for an hour would be great.

How do you make the bride and groom, bridal party etc… feel relaxed in front of your Canon 1DS Mark III?

Well the pre-wedding shoot is a big part of that and goes to serve the purpose of getting the B&G on your side. I treat the ten mins of posing with the B&G as a time to get away from the guests and spend a little time alone. I get what I need but it has to be fun, relaxed and all about the relationship and showing the love that the couple have for each other. I work quickly and think two or three shots ahead which makes the shoot flow smoothly. The rest of the wedding day is documentary and its all about being in the right place at the right time.

Have you ever had anything go wrong at a wedding and if so, how did you handle it?

There have been a few occasions where things have gone a little wrong. One particular occasions was the drowning of my 16-35 mm 2.8 lens. All I can say it was my fault! There was another photographer with us at the time so we took over with his for the big groups etc.. Hey it’s only a lens, a tool of the trade. We also got lost once and ended up in a cow field instead of at the church! A few more hairs were lost that day I can tell you.

What are your favourite three images you have shot recently? Can you describe their creation in regards to location, lighting, composition, camera settings etc, also your thoughts when creating the images and what they mean to you?

Mmmmm, tough one . As you have not stated from weddings I am going to throw a few into the mix.I am going to choose two images from my sisters wedding that we had in France last week so hot off the press. Also a travel shot from India & one from our BHP training sessions, ooo that makes it 4, go on Crash give me that?

The first is a shot taken the day after the wedding. Just a beautiful moment for me. Laying down on the grass at the back of the vineyard with the couple, a dog just came out of no-where and started licking them. You can feel the summer in this shot. Shot on a Canon EOS 1ds mark III, 50 mm 1.2/ 50 ISO/ 1/1600th sec @ 1.2. Shooting wide open is scary as it only takes a slight movement of photographer or subject to lose the focus. But when you nail it there is no better feeling.

The second shot was taken at night as the sun was going down. We had to wait until after the meal at around 9pm until the sun was less harsh. I really wanted to capture a haunting yet timeless moment between them and I think I did.
Canon EOS 1ds mark III ,100ISO/ 1/1000th sec @ f8. 70-200 2.8 IS L.

The third shot is from a training session that we had at the studio a couple of weeks ago.
Canon EOS 1ds Mark III, 16-35 mm, 200ISO/ 1/200th sec @ f8. I try and do my best every time I have a camera in my hands and try and push my own boundaries also. On this Funky Flash training day at the studio we shot in a nearly pitch black underground car park, to get a funky shot like this was great for me and great for the photographers on the course to emulate.

The fourth shot is from a trip to India. I don’t often re-visit my images but there is something about this shot that draws me back every time. Taken during a 10 minute shoot in a coal yard ( before we were asked to leave!) His gaze says it all to me. Canon EOS 1ds Mark III, 50 mm 1.2L/ 400 ISO/ 800th sec @ 2.8

What do you feel is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings?

Making it look easy whilst your brain is running like a steam engine, where’s the best light?, which lens?, composition?,make them laugh, capture the moment, watch out for the vicar, get my timings right, which pose next?Have  I shot enough? make new contacts. A lot to worry about. Great wedding photography is an under appreciated art for sure because you have to be a master of all trades.

What do you think of the wedding photography industry at the moment and where do you see it in 5 years from now?

For me the wedding photography industry is at a strange place. There are a lot of photographers out there which is great for the industry but I feel that there are not a lot of styles and passion out there which is sad. I feel as if it has taken me 5-6 years to create my own style . I have nothing wrong with people copying me or whoever else, indeed we run our own training courses now but I feel that you should take from any photographer that excites you and turn it into something different, mold it into your style. 10 or 15 years ago it was easy to have your own style but with the advent of digital everyone has a camera and this is why it is important to work on your own style and become someone different. I also feel that a lot of photographers just do it by the numbers, charge minimum, no products just to make a fast buck! on the flip side the ones that do care and that are passionate about their art make it worth it and thus bring the standards up and thus the prices that photographers can charge.  As far as the style of the wedding photography market, well I don’t think there has been a more exciting time with so many approaches on the market. Documentary, fashion based, quick shoots , long shoots, cheesy, not cheesy, turn up at the church, all day coverage, pre-wed shoot, trash the dress,  etc…. There is a photographer out there for every bride.

A wedding photographer who inspires you?

To be honest,which I am all too often! I don’t take my wedding inspiration from any wedding photographers at all . Yes I admire the work of some. I look at the work of a lot of social photographers within the industry. News photographers, fashion photographers, travel shooters. SO many different influences that make up my world. A lot of the well known wedding photographers seem only to concentrate on the couple. You see their albums and there is a little documentary and then 13 pages of the B&G and that’s it. No ambience of the day, no details, no other people! Ok, I do treat my own ten mins as a bit of a relaxed fashion shoot but not to the extent where I have 2 hours with them on 10 different backgrounds, That’s not what a wedding is about for me. I like the clean , true nature of Jeff Ascoughs work, shooting with prime lenses only is an art in itself. I try and mix up all my styles at a wedding depending upon the character, age & needs of the client.

It’s almost that time of year for a Harkness family portrait. Is there any photographer out there that you would be stoked to say – he took my portrait?

Mmm, don’t know really, maybe Greg Gorman based in LA. Very striking stuff for sure.

A website and/or blog you visit often?

www.whattheduck.com
www.derekpyephotography.com

( possibly the funniest website out there for wedding shooters!) Take a look if you get chance.

The first photographer that comes to your mind and why?

Joey Lawrence, as I think he shoots way beyond his years and produces amazing imagery.

The last workshop or seminar you attended and why?

Haven’t done one since I went to a Bambi Cantrell talk a couple of years ago. You are never beyond learning new things but I just haven’t had the time really.

Can you tell the readers about Brett Harkness Photographic Training?

We started our own training course a couple of years ago when we extended our studio space. Keeping the courses small, usually no bigger than 9 photographers we cover subjects such as:

Off camera flash
Weddings
Lifestyle, Kids
Business
Fashion, urban Portraiture

We run 1-1 and small bespoke group sessions also. The training is a great part of the business and I enjoy it very much. We are still very much a full working photography studio and marching at the forefront of the social photography market so the training reflects that . We probably run 12-15 courses per year and run a 1-1 or group session once a week for photographers that want to spend more 1-1 time with me. Usually done on a 1-1 basis or small group that gets together and we cover bespoke topics that are particular to the group. I love the training, it is an arm of the business that is growing. I love to share and help people become better, it inspires me to try harder also and embrace new technologies. We get all kinds of photographers at our studio. Ones that have been in business for years and others who are just starting out and want to learn the basics. If you haven’t given our courses a go yet then take a look at the website or blog for new courses coming out this year.

What photographic organisations do you belong to?

RSPCA!

I think I used to be in the MPA and may go back to join a few organisations soon. They can be helpful.

One way you market Brett Harkness Photography?

Very much believe in word of mouth marketing. If we do a good enough job for our clients then there is no reason they won’t talk about us. This in turn gets us more clients. I wouldn’t waste too much money on magazine adverts, not for weddings anyway. For the training again it is word of mouth.

Do you advertise? If so where?

No, not really any more. We advertise for BHP Training in numerous photography magazines. For weddings & portraiture we let our clients do the talking. We also do the Designer Wedding Show in London every year which means we spread our wedding net a little further.

How important is an awesome website for your business?

Yes, this is pretty important for us. It is usually our prospective clients first port of call. So it has to engage them enough for them to want to know more. We are currently changing our website again from scratch and are due to launch in a month or so. Very exciting. I think also that Blogs are a great thing. Our blog can de updated instantaneously and often without any fuss.

If not a photographer, I would have liked to be a marine biologist studying the great white shark. What would you have been?

Yeah, funnily enough it was always an initial dream of mine to do the same! To be a David Attenborough type person( Naturalist not Naturist!) . I think I even wrote to him on “ Jim’ll Fix it” Crash you won’t know what that is!

I realise that each great photographer has a particular penchant or love for photographing a particular subject whether it be nature, portraits, sea or landscapes, shadow and light, etc. as a result I would love to have you talk about and share whatever images you feel appropriate of your own private obsession in the magical world of photography.

My personal work is probably as varied as what I shoot for “work” if you can call it that?. To me they are all one and the same. If I am lucky enough to have a camera in my hand then I am very lucky whether I am shooting a fashion campaign, a wedding or walking the streets of India. As I said before I don’t consider myself to be a designated photographer of anything, just everything.

When I have my 50 mm 1.2 Lens on my camera I do go into a different mind set. I don’t angle the camera as I may do for “work”. I tend to think a little more about the surrounding scene as part of the image. In my “ work” shooting I use backgrounds a little differently,usually for texture or effect,probably due to my lens choice, 70-200. When you have a 50 mm on you have to look more at the scene. Whatever I am shooting I love to engage with the subject. Just to wait and look. I am a great believer of getting the shot in your head first and then picking up the camera. If you can see the shot with your eyes then the rest is simple. I will very rarely look through the camera and think “ok, what now!”
Photography for me is a release. I feel at ease when behind the lens ( although the brain- at weddings is working overtime!) It is this connection to the world that I love and am very thankful for. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Is there anybody or anything you would love to photograph?

Where do I start? I would love to go back to India again and again. I would love to shoot the ballet in Cuba. Diamond mines in Africa. New York street life. Various “day in the lives” in the UK, go back to the shipyards of India…. Back stage at a Paris fashion show, fishing trawlers, undertakers, Where do I stop?

When I was 2nd shooting I was picking everybody’s brain, I still am actually. That’s why I love these interviews so much. Every interview I learn something that makes me a better photographer. What advice do you have for somebody who wants to pursue wedding photography?

Go for it, but try and find your own style . Start off charging what you think you are worth, work hard and put your prices up as you progress, not down. Produce albums like an artist would produce a painting . Believe in yourself, be brave, shoot what you want and find the client to fit your style. Whatever you do don’t put your prices down, you will never be able to come back . Practice all the time .If you are bored with what you are shooting learn a new technique so that you can inject some life into it. Every time I pick up the camera I try something different. It doesn’t always work but if I don’t try I will never know. Variety is the spice of life. If you are picking up a camera because you can’t think of anything else to do then don’t. Photography has to be a passion, you have to believe in what you are doing. This will show in your images. I have always said that photography is not what I do, it is what I am.

We know that each of us has someone or something, which inspires our life and work. Can you tell us the true basis of your inspiration?

It’s hard to say really. In the beginning it was the will to prove my photography teacher wrong, that I could take a picture. My true inspiration is born from a deep and ever present need to improve, to do the best that I can. Sometimes all consuming … To show to myself and others how I see the world. To leave a document of the tiny space in time that I inhabited this earth and the lives of the people that I was fortunate enough to photograph.

Is there anything you would have done differently during your photographic career?

I am pretty sure I can say nothing. Probably not to be as much of a perfectionist in all that I do.

Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?

Bill Brandt

If you could be invisible for one day with your camera…

Document a day in the life of an American President

I’ve learned the most from… myself. Practice, practice and practice again and when you think you have mastered it do it again.

What talent would you most like to have?

To be able to dance like my wife, to play the piano, to speak a language, I know boring and all things I could do if I had the time…well apart from dance!

Something you’re still learning?

Photography, it will never stop…
How to live life to the full!
How to relax!!

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My wife & my camera, a sure second though!

What is your greatest fear?

Not being half the man my Grandad was to me and to never beat my twin brother at golf ever again!

Something that is overrated?

New Years Eve, Caviar, Champagne , Birthdays,

Something you’re saving up for?

My next trip.

What item do you wish you had designed?

Think Tank belt system , Pocket Wizards & ……….. coffee shops!!

If you could have lunch with anyone who is famous who would it be?

Michael Mann or my Grandad again. He died a few years ago and I would have loved to have got all his war stories & life adventures on tape, so if you have the chance, do it now…

Where you’ll find me on a Friday night at 9 p.m.?

Either cooking tea on the BBQ, in a hotel somewhere in the world with my wife getting ready for a wedding the day after or sat at work talking to Crash Taylor!!

Your favourite film (movie) of all time?

Heat with Robert De Niro & Al Pacino

Who would play you in a film (movie) of your life?

Daniel Craig! But I better get back to the gym, the 6 pack is merging into 1!!

First thing you would do if you won the lottery?

Do a little bit of wee…. then party!

Which five words would your friends use to describe you?

Hang on, I’ll ask one, let me text him……

funny, frustrating, dedicated, misunderstood, generous and genius……

I have some nice friends for sure! I think?

What ambition have you not yet achieved?

I’ll tell you in 20 years, doing pretty good me thinks.

What would you like to be doing in 5 years from now?

The same, but less. Driving to the beach in my camper van with my wife and kid or kids (whatever comes)

And the last question, if you had one wish…

To do it all again.

Oh, one more, if someone said ‘how can I be the next Brett Harkness?’ What would you say?

I would say be the next “you”. Learn from all that I and other photographers like me teach and shoot and show, then make it your own.
This is how photography will survive for another 200 years.

Your readers can find out more about me: In Digital Camera & Digital SLR photography magazines at the moment.

Website: www.BrettHarknessPhotography.com the new website coming soon with the same name.

Blog: http://web.me.com/brettharkness1Brett_Harkness_Photography_Blog

© Copyright 2009 Crash Taylor Nottingham Wedding Photographers. All Rights Reserved.

Over the last few weeks I have been getting a lot of e-mails asking if I could do an interview with a sports photographer.  Well here you go, the ultimate sports photographer and an interview that will inspire you to the fullest.

This week I welcome Christian Pondella. Christian has been a good friend for a very long time as I’m best friends with his brother. He is the head photographer of Red Bull USA and senior photographer for Powder magazine. Words cannot explain how much I admire Christian and his photography. Every time I view Christian’s work I get a visual explosive adrenaline rush. He has written a description for every image showcased giving you insight into how the image was created. Absolutely brilliant! Enjoy the stunning portfolio of cutting edge images that take photography to the thrilling edge.  As always your comments are appreciated.

Hi Christian,

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I am an easygoing guy who loves the outdoors. I have been passionate about sports my whole life, and now I am an adventure sports photographer. I am very fortunate to make a living photographing and participating in things I love to do.

Where is home? Mammoth Lakes, CA

Did you go to school to study photography? I went to Regis College in Denver, Colorado and majored in fine arts with an emphasis in photography.

How long have you been a photographer? I started shooting photos in the late 80’s, first got published in 96’ and photography has been my only source of income since 2000.

How would you describe your style? I like wide angles and I like to get close to the action. As an athlete myself I like to bring a more intimate and personal perspective to action sports.

What’s it like shooting for Red Bull? Shooting for Red Bull is amazing! They have sent me all over the world and have given me the opportunity to shoot a wide variety of adventure sports and the world’s greatest athletes. Most importantly everyone I work with is very personable and super cool.

Do you have some recent images you can share with us?

— This was an assignment with professional skier Chris Benchetler in the Whistler Backcountry. We were filming for his new si movie “Hunting Yeti”. A lot of the skiing was stormy tree skiing with lots of powder. Later in the day as it got darker we used the Acute B to give the image a real vibrant and punchy look. Canon Mark III, Canon 24-105, Profoto Acute B —

— I took this image while on assignment for Red Bull, Powder Magazine, Helly Hansen and Kastle Skis. It was taken in Chamoix, France moments before we skied the couloir. This was a warm up run before we eventually climbed and skied The Matterhorn, The Eiger and Mont Blanc. Helly Hansen is now using this image for one of their ad campaigns. Canon 5d, Canon16-35 II —

— This photo was taken 600 feet underground in an old mineshaft near Nora, Sweden. This was a project with Will Gadd (climber) who came up with the idea to ice climb underground. We were also filming a documentary short film that was a part of the Banff Film festival last year. This was probably one of the most dangerous and scariest places I have ever photographed. A few days later at our next location, my fears were confirmed! Canon 5d, Canon 16-35, two Quantum T5D’s —

— This was location #2 for the underground ice climbing in Sweden with Will Gadd. We were about 500 feet down in a cavern the size of a coliseum. One of the most surreal, beautiful places I have ever been. Moments before this photo was taken I heard and watched a massive piece of ice fall from above and land about a 100 feet above me. I had about a split second to run 10 feet to my right and watch a huge wave of ice go rumbling five feet next to me. Canon 5D, Canon 24-70, two Quantum T5D’s —

— This image was taken in the Whistler Backcountry of professional skier Eric Pollard. It was taken late in the day so I used a Profoto Acute B portable strobe. The off camera strobe illuminates the skier and the snowflakes to give you a look and mood that you could not capture with just ambient light. Canon Mark III, Canon 16-35, Profoto AcuteB —

— This was an athlete project for Red Bull that took place in Newfoundland, Canada. This image is of professional wakeboarder Parks Bonifay sliding across an iceberg. I obviously used an underwater housing to show the beauty of the iceberg above and below the water. Canon Mark III, Canon 15 fish, SPL water housing. —

— This image was an athlete project for Red Bull of FMX rider Mat Rebeaud taken in Payerne, Switzerland his hometown. This is his training facility in the countryside. With the slight overcast skies and the big hay bail in the foreground, I converted the image to a B&W infrared. This made the image much moodier and dramatic. Canon Mark II, Canon 70-200

— I took this photo of Chris Davenport in Portillo, Chile. We were trying to capture a creative angle while skiing a classic run called the “Super C Couloir”. I mounted my Nikon F5 to my chest with a 16mm fisheye and chased Chris down the run while I triggered the camera with a wire cable in my mouth. Nikon F5, Nikon 16mm fisheye, Velvia film —

— This was a world record of Kevin Robinson jumping 27 feet on a BMX bike out of a mega ramp in Central Park, NY. It was called the Red Bull Experiment. For this image I knew I was going to be located on the top corner of the ramp and would need as full frame fisheye so you can see the whole ramp, and still keep Kevin in the frame. Fortunately I was in NYC and I rented the Canon 1DS Mark III. Canon’s Mark III’s can flash sync to 320 of a second, and my 5D will only sync to 200 of a second, which is a huge difference when it comes to stopping fast action. When you are shooting a world record, you probably are not going to get a second chance! Canon 1DS Mark III, Canon 15mm fisheye, 2 Profoto AcuteB’s, Pocket wizards —

— This was taken at the Red Bull Air Race in San Francisco. I used a special wing tip mount, and I mounted my Canon 5d and 15mm fish eye and had the pilot trigger the camera with a Pocket Wizard, which was attached to the throttle of the airplane. —

— This was an athlete project with Tao Berman a professional kayaker. We took this image near his house in White Salmon, Oregon. I wanted to get an up close and unique perspective. Together we figured a way to mount my Canon Mark II, Canon 15mm fisheye and water housing on the front of his kayak, and trigger it wireless with a Pocket Wizard. —

— I took this image while we were 2/3 the way up the West Face of the Eiger. Often times I will get really close with a wide angle and stick my camera right next to the subject. This image was taken while on assignment for Powder Magazine, and the story was called “Chasing Dragons”. This was the opening spread of the story and obviously worked real well with the dragon theme. Canon 5D, Canon 16-35 II —

Would you say you’re an adrenaline junkie? I am an espresso junkie!

Risking your life to capture the ultimate image is something a lot of us wouldn’t do, has there been any close calls? I have had more close calls than I can remember. It is best to have short-term memory and not dwell on a near death experience. Forget about it and keep doing what you love to do!

Have you ever been published and if so who with?
ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Maxim, FHM, Outside, Men’s Journal, National Geographic Adventure, GQ, Outdoor Photographer, Powder, Skiing, Ski, and just about every ski publication throughout the world. I have also been published in a lot of major newspapers worldwide.

Can you tell us about your first paid photo assignment? My first assignment was a backcountry skiing photo shoot in the Sierras for Powder Magazine.

What type of cameras do you shoot with? Canon – Mark III, 5D

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why? I could not choose just one, that is why I own 7 “L” series lenses. I used to own 8, but I destroyed one when it tumbled over a cliff (attached to me).

I feel that with the higher and better resolution cameras it is even more important to have really nice glass. When Canon comes out with a version II lens I feel it is a very wise investment to upgrade. Lenses built in the 90’s, or even early 2000’s worked great with film, but digital brings out more of its faults, especially if you like to shoot backlit and into the sun, which I do a lot.

What lighting equipment do you shoot with? I have a variety of lights depending on the location, but they all need to be battery powered. I have the basic canon speedlight, two Quantum t5D’s, and two Profoto AcuteB’s.

You are well known in the ski industry for your excellent use of strobes, can you explain how you use flash when photographing your ski images? When shooting strobes and skiers, it is a lot of commitment between the skier and myself. It takes a lot of time to set the strobe up, especially when you are working in deep powder. Ultimately it is best to have an assistant who carries the strobe and can adjust the flash output and direction of the light. Unfortunately it is usually just me and the light. I usually do not like to have the light very close to me, so there is a lot of hiking up and down while snapping a few test shots to make sure everything is positioned right and the flash exposure is correct. This is when having a very patient skier is a necessity! For the most part I am shooting the 600 watt Profoto head at full power and my Canon Mark III at 320 around F11. I also use an extended reflector that keeps the light from spraying and also concentrates the power. Obviously you only get one shot! One of the difficulties of shooting skiing is most often you only get one shot, whether you are shooting 8 frames per second or using a strobe. You have a beautiful canvas of powder in front of you, once the skier hits it, it’s done. If you blow the shot you do not get another chance until it snows again.

What is your favourite photography accessory, other than your camera? My powder skis!

What is your favourite computer/editing accessory, other than your computer? My 30” LCD.

What is your most used Photoshop tool, plug-in, action set etc…? I mostly run a lot of actions from Bridge, just convert raw, dng, tiff files to jpgs for clients and web galleries.

How important is Photoshop (post processing) in your final images? I am not a big fan of post processing. I shot film for many years, so for the most part I just colour correct my raw files to look like my favourite film, and turn down the exposure a little since I shoot my digital files a little bright.

Are you a Mac or PC lover? I got one of each, soon to be all Mac. Working on my Mac is like driving on a highway with a sports car and no traffic. Working on my PC is like driving in rush hour traffic in LA.

What piece of equipment would you most like to get but don’t have yet? Probably get the new 5D, unfortunately it is not a whole lot better for shooting sports then the old one.

What’s the best part of being a photographer? Getting paid to do something you love to do!

How do you keep yourself motivated and your photography fresh? I shoot a lot of different subjects and sports, so that helps to keep it fresh. I also try to experiment with pov camera mounts or unique angles to capture something with a new and different perspective.

What has been your most memorable assignment and why? Just this past spring I spent three weeks in the Alps, climbing and skiing some of Europe’s most iconic mountains. We skied the Matterhorn, Eiger, and Mont Blanc. This assignment was for a feature in Powder Magazine and I was shooting for Red Bull, Helly Hansen, Kastle Skis, and Matchstick Film Productions.

If you could shoot an assignment with someone who would it be and why? Sports Illustrated bikini model in the Caribbean. I usually shoot dudes in cold snowy places.

What would be your dream destination assignment? Sports Illustrated swim suit edition.

Who or what inspires you in your personal life and work? Galen Rowell was and still is an inspiration for me.

A website and/or blog you visit often? www.dpreview.com – always checking to see what new camera equipment is coming out.

The hardest part of your job? Being away from my wife.

Things you say or do to put your clients at ease in front of the camera? Often times I am shooting people doing things that are very dangerous. So it is best to be easy going with them and try not to put any pressure on them to get a shot.

The first photographer that comes to your mind and why? Galen Rowell – When I was younger my parents would buy me books and posters of his. I have always been into the outdoors especially the Sierras and that is where he took a lot of photos.

A sport photographer who inspires you? Scott Markewitz, he is still the best in the ski industry and he is 10 years older than me. As long as he is still at it, I know I got another 10 years in me!

The last workshop or seminar you attended and why? Scott Kelby’s Lightroom. I was in LA and so was the workshop, and Lightroom was new at the time. It was a great workshop.

One way you market your business? I am very active in a lot of the sports I photograph and I keep a good relationship with the athletes and the companies that support our industry. Basically stay involved.

If not a photographer you would have been? A ski bum.

Do you make time for personal photographic work? If so, what do you enjoy photographing and do you have an image you can share with us? Most of my ski photography is personal work that I sell to clients.

— This image was a personal project with professional skier Chris Benchetler. I mounted my 5D with a 15mm fish eye on his hand. These types of images have been done before in skiing, but I wanted to step it up a notch and incorporate some strobes and have him fly 50 feet through the air spinning a 360 and grabbing the tail of his ski. I had the vision and the technical ability, but it was Chris who had the talent to make this image happen! It ended up on the cover of Powder Magazines photo annual in 2008, and was also photo of the year for Powder Magazine. Canon 5D, 15mm fisheye, 2 Profoto AcuteB’s, Pocket Wizards —

— This was a photo shoot with professional skier Andy Mahre. Besides shooting action photos of athletes, it is important to get some lifestyle and portrait images. Magazines and sponsors usually like to accompany action images with lifestyle images. I took this in the underground parking structure of our condo complex. I have an action in Photoshop that converted the image to look like it was “cross processed” something I frequently did when I shot film. Canon Mark III, Canon 70-200, 2 Profoto Acute B’s —

— This was a personal project with Will Gadd in Banff National Park, Canada. I basically just wanted to go climbing and shoot some cool photos of Will along the way. Obviously I did not climb this route since it is the worlds hardest mixed ice route. Canon 5D, Canon 15mm fisheye, Canon 580 speedlight —

— This was another personal project with Lonnie Kauk taken at the Buttermilks in Bishop, California. We both enjoy climbing together and when the moment is right, making some beautiful photographs. I just sold this image to Patagonia to be hung in their retail stores. It is amazing how a fun afternoon with your friend can turn into a very profitable day! Canon 5D, Canon 14mm, Profoto AcuteB, Pocket Wizards —

If you could be invisible for one day with your camera… in the dressing room of the Victoria Secret models

Photographing penguins in the Antarctic, a fashion shoot for Vogue in Paris or Formula 1 in Monte Carlo? Since I was heading to Antarctica this week to shoot penguins and skiers, but had to cancel the trip due to an untimely knee injury, I would have to pick Antarctica. This was a ski mountaineering assignment for Helly Hansen, Kastle Skis, Warren Miller, and Skiing Magazine.

London, Japan or the Bahamas with a Hasselblad H3DII-50 and Kate Moss? Bahamas of course!

Is there anybody, living or dead you would love to capture on film and why? Kobe Bryant because he is one of the best basketball players ever, and I am a huge Laker fan.

What advice do you have for photographers just starting out? Shoot things you are passionate about.

What talent would you most like to have? Race in the Moto GP circuit

Something you’re still learning? Always learning!

What do you love to indulge in? Powder Skiing

Something that is overrated? A digital camera, in many ways photography was so much simpler with film.

Something you’re saving up for? Mac Pro

If you could have lunch with anyone who is famous who would it be? Dalai Lama

Where you’ll find me on a Friday night at 9 p.m.? If I am not on an assignment, hanging with my wife.

Your favourite film (movie) of all time? Bond… James Bond!

First thing you would do if you won the lottery? Vacation!

Three words that describe you. Easy going, athletic, happy

What would you like to be doing in 5 years from now? Same!

And the last question, if you had one wish… Don’t change a thing!

Oh one more please, if someone said ‘how can I be the next Christian Pondella?’ What would you say? Hopefully you got ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Your readers can find out more about me:

Website: www.christianpondella.com