Chris Cameron

Chris Cameron's specialty lies in sailing photography and he is Team Emirates NZ official photographer. His work takes him around the world, and he enjoys the challenge of always evolving and learning new techniques to keep his work interesting.

Where are you based?

I am based in Auckland.
 
 
How long have you been a photographer?

27 years (on and off).
 
 
Tell us a little about your style of photography.

I specialise in sailing photography, shooting regattas and sailing events.
 I am currently covering the Volvo Ocean Race and America's Cup World Series for Emirates Team New Zealand.
 

 What gear do you use?

I use Nikon, I have a few pro bodies and lenses ranging from 10.5 to 600mm. I am a gear head I'm afraid.
 
 
What is/has been your greatest challenge as a photographer?

Getting clients. I am lucky now because I have had a contract with Emirates Team New Zealand since 2005 which accounts for the bulk of my work but before that it was a challenge to find enough work in my specialty in New Zealand.
 

What do you feel has been your greatest photographic achievement to date?

I have been shooting sailing for 14 years and am still enjoying doing it. So I would say my greatest achievement has been the ability to evolve and learn new techniques that keep the work interesting.
 

If not a photographer, where would you see yourself?

Designer / Inventor.
 
 
If the chance arose, who or what would you most like to photograph?
I was always inspired by National Geographic magazine, I still think it is one of the magazines most respectful to photography, so it would be amazing to do an assignment for them. I was just reminded of this last week in Abu Dhabi watching some camel racing. An unfamiliar culture, an exotic location a different light. I could just see that yellow frame around some of the shots.

What tips or advice do you have for budding photographers?

Study the business and marketing side of things as much, if not more than photography.
Look at trying to earn from multiple income streams ie assignment, stock, self publishing etc.
 

Has the advent of digital been beneficial or detrimental to professional photographers?

Incredibly beneficial. I can't think of anything film can do that digital can't do better. It does have challenges though...
Nowadays some clients think they can do their own photography instead of hiring a professional. While the low end of the market may be shrinking with clients using an office junior with a point and shoot. I think that the high end of the market is expanding. There is more scope for photography and so many more ways for pros to be creative than was ever possible before digital.
Also the speed with which digital can be delivered has increased the expectations for delivering work. No longer is it acceptable to deliver slides next week. At some events I am now having to send photos from the boat or Helicopter before I have finished shooting.
 
Can you see clients moving from stills to video, with the advent of HD video capabilities in digital SLRs?

Some will I guess, but to me the still image has much more weight than video. I have up-skilled to be able to produce video when required which is happening on occasion. I don't believe Video will kill stills.

Are you a fan of using flash in your work?

I am a big fan. I use Nikon speedlights with Pocket wizards.

 
If you can change one thing about the world, what would it be?

Days could be longer, I need more time.

What do you do to get away from the grind/to de-stress when things get too hectic?

I have spent so much time away recently that I look forward to just hanging out at home with my wife, my Playstation and my Makerbot.
 
 
Who has been your greatest influence / role model?

Carlo Borlenghi was a big influence when I started photographing sailing.

Visit Chris's website here