Kris Rodammer

THE INTERVIEW

Which place do you call home?

I have lived in Boston for many years,
though I’m originally from Detroit.
So I’m a Midwestern guy at heart.

Are you self taught or schooled?

I went to college for photography
and graphic design.

How did you get into photography?

When I was in high school, my dad sparked
my interest in photography when he gave me
the Ricohflex 6×6 camera he used while in
the Army. Initially, I used it to make time
exposures of nighttime traffic on the
Detroit freeways.

How long have you been a photographer?

I’ve been making photographs since high school,
but I have never worked as a professional
photographer. I’ve been photographing people
for about five years now.

As you look through the viewfinder,
what is the most critical moment
in capturing your image?

On occasion, everything comes together
in a seemingly magical way. You can definitely
feel it. The mood is right. The light is right.
You’re in the zone, The model is in the zone.
And you both rise to the occasion.
It’s a wonderful feeling.
That is the critical time to be fully
in the moment, get out of the way,
and let it happen.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe it as sensual portraiture.
I have a classic eye and I respond to
beautiful light, composition, gesture,
and expression.

What do you think makes a truly memorable photo?

A photograph is memorable when it allows
you to see a moment in time that’s different
from your usual realm of experience.
It can be a glimpse of a situation,
an object, or an expression.
It’s an image that affects you in a deep
emotional way, intellectually, or simply
in its formal arrangement of elements.
Of course, iconic photographs connect
with you on many levels.

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

My inspiration, as it relates to photography,
comes from viewing the work of other photographers.
Work that compels me to expand my own vision
and the potential of image-making.

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion, of course, is the style of the time,
whatever form it takes. What is considered
fashionable used to be measured in decades,
now it seems like days, so it’s ever changing.
Personally, I’m not at all fashionable,
but I’m a keen observer, and greatly
enjoy the parade.

What’s the craziest/funniest thing
that ever happened in one of your shoots?

I’m hard pressed to recall anything crazy
or extraordinarily funny. I will say that
many shoots are lighthearted and quite fun.
I think they are intimate social events.

What photographers from the past or present
have influenced you the most?

I’ve been influenced most by Irving Penn,
Albert Watson, and Peter Lindbergh to name
a few. I also love the work of Paolo Roversi
and Deborah Turbeville.

What has been your favorite photo location or session?

I love working in a daylight studio when I can.

What type of cameras do you shoot with?

I use a Nikon d810 with 50mm, 85mm,
and 105mm lenses.

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

I have a fondness for my 85mm lens
because the image looks and feels
right to my eye.

Do you prefer flash or daylight?

I prefer window light over any other kind
of light. However, I often use a single
strobe out of necessity and try to emulate
window light with it.

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

I’m a minimalist, so I have very few
accessories. My Gitzo tripod is a favorite.

How important is Photoshop in your final images?

I know very little about Photoshop
and try to use it sparingly.
“Get it in camera,” was a good lesson
learned from my film days.

How important is a website
and social media for your business?

You can barely exist in this world
without a connection through social
medial channels. Today, a website
is secondary.

Do you listen to music while doing your shooting?
If so, what are you playing right now?

Yes, music definitely sets a mood for a shoot
and encourages movement. Thank god for Spotify.
I’m not listening to anything right now,
but I love blues.

What advice do you have for somebody
who wants to pursue photography?

Everyone takes their own path,
so I don’t have specific advice.
I’ve made photography a lifelong pursuit,
but very little comes easily for me;
so I really have to work at it.
Eventually though, the hard work
starts to pay off.
It’s particularly rewarding when I’ve
practiced something long enough that
it becomes second nature and intuitive.

What lies ahead for you?

I do a lot of self reflection and still
don’t have an answer.
I don’t have a clearly defined plan.
It’s very old school, and I don’t feel
ready yet, but I would like to produce
a book at some point.

Thank you, Kris Rodammer.