One on One: Sitting Down with Christian Anderson

The last time that I sat down and did a spotlight, it was with local skater Brandon Smith. This time around, I wanted to get up close with a local company to see what they were all about and what they did around Bonney Lake and Sumner. For my first local company spotlight, I sat down with Christian Anderson from Christian Anderson Photography. Since he recently came on board with the Bonney Lake/Sumner Patch, I thought it would be fun to get a little more information about Christian to let the community know a little more about Christian and his services. Here is what we talked about during our meet up.

B: Hello Christian! Thank you for taking the time to sit down with us today.

C: Hello Britton. Thanks for having me!

B: So, the first question I must ask you is how did you start getting into photography?

C: Ever since I was little I always admired photography, but I never owned a nice camera. It wasn’t until Spring Quarter at Green River Community College, when I took a black a white film class. Since then I knew that this was something that I wanted to make into a career.

B: So you went to Green River for your photography classes. Why did you choose Green River over any other institution?

C: I actually went to the University of Washington Tacoma for two quarters. I first wanted to be an architect when I applied. As I started looking into classes for my second quarter I realized that there were not any art classes. Art is a big thing in my life such as music, drawing, and much more, and not having any art during my college experience was not going to happen. I transferred to GRCC because I saw that they have a great art program. Also my girlfriend at the time, now wife, was attending the college as well. 

B: There is a stereotype in the creative industry that everyone starts as a “starving artist.” If any, what kind of side jobs have you held while starting out your business?

C: I am a full time employee at Pacific Rail Services in the Port of Tacoma.

B: What kind of camera equipment did you start out with in the beginning of your career? Which equipment would you recommend for an enthusiast or beginning photographer?

C: My first camera was a Canon T1i Rebel, which came with two kit lenses; the Canon 18-55mm and the 55-250mm. I am biased as to being a Canon user, so I would recommend any Canon Rebel series.

B: What equipment do you work with now?

C: I am a proud owner of a Canon 5D classic. The lenses I use is a Canon 35mm 1.4, Canon 50mm 1.4, and a Canon 50mm 1.8. 

B: Since we are always interested in the weirdness that can be experienced on the job, has there ever been a weird experience that has happened during a photo shoot?

C: Each shoot is fun and wacky in its own way. I love interacting with my client and just having fun with it. Not only does it make them feel more comfortable and relaxed, but it also helps me to understand them as well. 
I will admit though that I have experienced a wacky moment when I was editing a senior session. The client had a big booger in his nose that I had to take out, so it was very interesting wondering if I caught it in a shot.

B: Out of all the shoots you have done, which shoot has been your favorite overall?

C: Every shoot is special in its own way and I have a fond memory of all of them. So I really cannot choose just one of them. 

B: Is there a certain “style” of photography you go for? As in, how would you express your style of taking photos?

C: I aim to capture more of a natural look to my photos. I am currently trying to add a creative twist to my photos, making them stand out from what I have done, and from what has been done. No matter what a photographer’s style is always changing and developing, it is when they are comfortable with their style that their creativity starts to wither.

B: If you had all the money in the world, what would be your dream camera and with what accessories?

C: I have my dream camera, it may be old but the image quality is outstanding. I talk to many photographers who own the Mark II of the camera I use, and many say they prefer using the classic when it came to photos; some have even turned back to the classic. Lens wise I also just recently purchased my 35 1.4 which has been the lens I have had my eye on for a while now. I am very satisfied with the gear I have. It is not about the equipment but how the photographer uses it.

B: You were just recently admitted as one of the official photographers for Emerald Pacific. Since Emerald Pacific is heavily affiliated with the sports around the area, which sports have you shot for them?

C: Since being with Emerald Pacific I have shot skateboarding, and go-karting.

B: Out of all those shoots, which one has been your favorite and why?

C: I really enjoy shooting skateboarding. When I was younger I used to love going to the skate park with my dad trying to do the simplest this such as an ollie. I feel like I can have more interaction with the skater and do have them do the tricks they want to do. I guess it is the closest thing to a portrait session where the subject is comfortable, and I can interact with them; being able to capture what they want.

B: Well, it is about time to wrap up the interview. Is there any other things you would like to add before concluding the interview?

C: There is no need for a fancy camera to capture a moment. Don’t let something that is inspiring to you pass you by. Use whatever camera you have on hand, even a phone. I am writing a for “The Patch” where I am going to write about tips & tricks, photo of the week, and much more. If anyone wants to know more about me or know more about photography feel free to contact me at christian@christianjanderson.com. To view my portfolio you can go to christianjanderson.com or my photoblog at photoblog.christianjanderson.com. They can even Like me on Facebook.

B: Thank you for taking the time to sit down with us Christian! We look forward to your future shoots to come!

C: Thank you Britton I look forward to work with you, and thank you to the readers for reading my interview. Cheers!