Chris Silk | Respect the Shooter Interview
Where are you from?: United Kingdom
How did you get into photography/videography? : I first got into photography on a serious level when I went backpacking about 16 years ago. I travelled from Bangkok to England by land (and sea) and was shooting with my 35mm SLR as I went. I remember having an absolute burning determination to take the very best travel shots I could, and was further inspired by a friend I stayed with in Moscow, whose photography I really admired.
What was your first camera?: My first 'proper' camera was an Olympus OM10 with a 50mm prime lens. An absolutely wonderful camera, and I loved it.
What camera do you currently use?: I have a FujiFilm X-T1 and X-T2. The lenses I most often use for my street photography are the 16-55mm F2.8 and 56mm F1.2 - but I also have a 23mm and 55-200mm which are more useful for event photography.
How did you learn your craft and advance your skills? : I’m self-taught, so initially it was trial, error, and sheer determination! Over time I have taken inspiration from other photographers whose work I admire. Street photography is my playground for experimentation, so if I’ve been inspired by a photographer’s work, I can then use that inspiration to advance (and hopefully improve) my own work when I go out shooting. Pre-Covid I was also an event photographer, so I often took what I learned on the street and applied it to my commissioned work.
Do you have any nicknames? How did you get that name?: I don’t really have any nicknames related to photography! ‘Silky’ is the main one, for obvious reasons. And when I first started posting on Instagram I called my account ‘A Glimpse Of Reality’, so I suppose that’s a nickname of sorts.
If you could take photos of any 3 people that are alive today, who would they be?: It’s all about the moment and the story for me, so the real answer to that would be anyone who happens to be in the right place for a good street photograph! I honestly can’t think of any celebrities or specific people I would choose to photograph.
If you could take photos of any 3 people that are no longer living, who would they be?: I would love to have photographed all my grandparents, three of whom I never got to know.
If you could take photos in any 3 cities what would they be?: There are so many. But I would say the bright lights of Tokyo, the steamy atmosphere of New York and the mayhem of Mumbai (or many other Indian cities) would be up there. But the list goes on!
What is your goal when you capture photos of someone?: In most cases I want to capture their natural expression - the true story of the moment as it would have been if I wasn’t there. The exception could be the impact of getting eye contact within street photography. There's an inherent interest in peoples’ reaction to an unexpected camera.
What is your dream as an artist?: To have enough of an open mind to take risks and truly express myself, without being held back by the pressure to produce a certain style or product. It's all about keeping the artistic journey going.
What music do you listen to when you edit photos?: I listen to pretty much anything, from classical to alternative rock to electronica. But recently I've enjoyed listening to film scores. I'm a bit of a movie buff so there's a kind of nerdy interest in listening to a James Bond film score whilst I get to work...
What is your dream as a photographer?: I had a number of exhibitions cancelled this year, so in the short term I would love to see my work exhibited. In the longer term, I would love my images to be good enough to continue to be viewed, and hopefully inspire others, long after I’ve gone.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to be a photographer/videographer?: You’ve got to really, really want it - so don’t be afraid to do what you love. Have a plan, so you’ve got a target to work towards. And don’t wait to get going - do whatever you can with what you’ve got, to produce the best work possible right now. The opportunities we have today for self-publishing are unparalleled, so take advantage of it. And keep experimenting and learning.
What's your favorite app on your phone?: Instagram!
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/chris_silk_street
Facebook.com: http://www.facebook.com/Chris-Silk-Street-Photography-107518364321907
Website: http://www.chrissilk.co.uk
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