Chris Alexander is a nature photographer based in San Francisco, CA.  He shifted from architecture photography to nature photography after realizing that natural forms are far more enticing than anything a person could construct. The feeling of being in an environment formed over millions of years by wind, water, snow, ice, rock and dirt is amazing according to him

Looking at your body of work, one comprehends complete involvement from your side. What is the mantra that keeps you motivated and lets you innovate with lighting, mood and the creative flow in your imagery?
Awareness. When I am in the wilderness, I want to be so aware of my surroundings that I feel part of the landscape. Photographs then flow from this awareness. I don’t want to get stuck on my preconceived ideas about composition and light, because that leads to boring, stale photographs. My favourite photos are inspired by a deep awareness of the moment.

When did you realise your inclination towards photography and what was the first object you shot?
I first felt a real excitement about photography about ten years ago during a walk along a path in the small town where I grew up. I spotted a maple leaf backlit by the sun, the beauty of which moved me to capture it with my three-megapixel digital camera. When I got home and viewed the photo, I realized it conveyed some of the beauty I had seen originally. From that point on, I was addicted to repeating that experience and sharing beautiful places with others through photographs.

You were previously an architectural and landscape photographer, who later shifted to nature photography. How did this shift happen?
I have long been fascinated by the feeling of being in a particular place, whether that place was constructed by humans or not. I love geometric forms and examining how these forms can be used in architecture. In the past three years, though, I have been spending much more time in nature and I have realized that natural forms are far more enticing to me than anything a person could construct. The feeling of being in an environment formed over millions of years by wind, water, snow, ice, rock and dirt is amazing. The rawness and beauty of such a place is the most inspirational thing I can imagine. I felt I couldn’t continue with architecture photography when I had found something more powerful.

“My favourite photos are inspired by a deep awareness of the moment.”

What is it about nature photography that inspires you to create such outstanding works of art?
I feel nature is already the most outstanding art that could exist. My own art is just my attempt to portray what I experience in the forest or the mountains. The intricacy and grandeur of the outdoors is a continual challenge and inspiration to me: How do I capture something so large and so deep in a small, two-dimensional photograph? My photographs are my continuing attempts to answer that burning question.

Your work has led you to travel to many remote places. What were the unexpected challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
In the wilderness, one never quite knows what to expect, which is part of the adventure! Beyond dealing with rain, snow, and the occasional bear, one of the greatest challenges for me is working with the ever-changing light as it falls on the landscape. Often I will spot a perfect potential photograph, if only the light were softer, or warmer, or the sun on the opposite side of the sky. But I don’t always have time to wait for the light to fall just how I want it to, so instead I look for another composition that works with the light at the moment. Often, if I work hard and exercise my creativity, I’ll end up with an entirely different photograph than the one I had first envisioned – and it might be better!

In 2012 I’ll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, 2600 miles in the Western US, from Mexico to Canada. I expect this to be quite challenging but I’m aiming to produce the best photography I can. You can follow my partner and me on our blog: http://mexicotocanada.com/

People like to talk about their 'lucky breaks' but I think it's more hard work and passion that leads to a breakthrough to becoming a professional photographer. When was your breakthrough?
I don’t feel I’ve had a single breakthrough moment, but rather a series of realizations. My study of other photographers’ works, my interest in Japanese art and my reflection on my own work has led me towards a minimalist style, with strong, direct compositions. Developing a personal style has involved a lot of work and learning, but it is at the heart of my photography.

Do you consider yourself to be a technical person or an artistic person and why?
My artistic skill is more important than my technical skill. Technique is necessary to take good photographs, but it is not enough. These days, anyone can take a technically solid photograph, but true creativity is still rare. My goal when photographing is always to push myself past my artistic limits, creating art I could not have created before. For me, that’s what photography is about.

“…natural forms are far more enticing to me than anything a person could construct. The feeling of being in an environment formed over millions of years by wind, water, snow, ice, rock, and dirt is amazing.”

Looking back at your work, which of your pictures make the strongest impression on you?
My “Night Sky in Winter, Tahoe National Forest, California” photograph captures the feeling of being out in deep snow at night, surrounded by silence, beneath a sky packed with stars. I’m proud I was able to convey this feeling in a subtle, graceful way.

As a photographer, do you find yourself seeing photographically all the time or do you turn it off and on when you are shooting with a camera?
I find my time without a camera is some of the most useful for me in terms of visual learning. I am always observing the light at different times of day, or looking to see what might work as a composition, and why, or noticing the juxtaposition of colours in a scene. Seeing clearly is critical to taking a good photograph, so I find this kind of observation quite valuable.

Even so, sometimes it’s great to relax and enjoy a beautiful waterfall or sunset without worrying about capturing it. That experience is powerful!

“I feel nature is already the most outstanding art that could exist. My own art is just my attempt to portray what I experience in the forest or the mountains.”

There are a number of budding photographers who are still paving their way to success. Would you like to convey any message to them?
Work hard on the basics: composition, light, and color. Develop an understanding of how the three-dimensional world maps onto a two-dimensional photograph. Study the masters, in painting and photography. Practice photography every day. Finally, always stay true to your creative vision.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/myelectricsheep/

More Photos by Chris Alexander / Fotosocial

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