Who has influenced your work? What inspires you to take photos? I have a number of favorite photographers - Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, but many lesser known photographers have influenced my work. My wife Linda is someone who inspires me. She is a wonderful photographer and is very involved in equine photography.
Why photography and not any other visual art form? Or do you do other kinds of art, too? Photography is the only visual art I have been engaged in, and only for a few years. My wife Linda and I both went through cancer, operations and treatments in the last four years. I found that photography was a way for me to be creative during a rough patch. I have been primarily a writer for most of my life. Photography has been another approach to creativity, and sometimes I combine the two forms in given piece.
What is the most important part of a photograph? Ansel Adams wrote that a good photograph often depends on where the photographer stands. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Obviously there is much more to a good photograph. I wish I knew the secret. All I know is that, photograph by photograph, I try to capture the spirit of a thing or place. Someone else can decide on the importance of that.
Have you encountered resources or books on the craft of photography that have been especially valuable to you? I have looked at a number of photography books. I have never taken a photography course. One book I am reading now is TAO OF PHOTOGRAPHY. I find it fascinating, but also reassuring.
Besides photography, what other interests do you pursue? I have been a writer since I was in high school. I have published a novel, THE DREAM PATCH, a book of prose, UNDER A RIVERBED SKY, and a collection of stage monologues for actors, HEART SPEAK. I have written a number of plays. I have no favorite form, honestly, and simply do what seems right given the moment.
Christopher shares this website with his wife, Linda: Moonbird Hill Arts - www.moonbirdhill.exposuremanager.com/