THE HOURGLASS

This week I was lucky enough to talk a little shop with 19 year old photographer Chris DeLorenzo. His work in the water was a serious influence during this summer's Salt + Sea program here at Whisper, and I often referred to his imagery for inspiration and enjoyed celebrating it on our Instagram feed.  I believe that there are a lot of eyes on Chris and his work in anticipation of how it will evolve both in and out of the water. Personally, I can only imagine where he will go in this world with his sharp eye, passion, focus, and determination. Hopefully there will be a Whisper Edition in his future, as well. Check out what Chris has to say about Kelly Slater, being from New Jersey, Steve Jobs, his favorite photograph, and his life and times…..

Judith Puckett-Rinella

There is this striking fluidity in your work that has this almost hypnotic effect on the eye. I was working with JD San Jose on our limited edition surfboard when I first saw a few of your photographs of him crafting and shaping boards.  Then when I saw your work in the waves my mind almost exploded. Is this fluidity and smoothness of the water that you have so poetically captured intentional? I mean did you go out there and say- I want the water to look like this how can I technically achieve this?

Chris DeLorenzo

I actually think this was a real natural process. I wanted my images to reflect the same feeling I experienced while in the water. I knew the technique of using a slow shutter speed from photographing landscapes, and applied the same idea towards surf. I bought the necessary gear, a tripod for video work, and started shooting as much as possible.

In addition, my water photos usually possess specific color pallets and tones that I feel best evoke the right emotions. I only shoot at certain times of the day to capture the right light. It takes a lot of pre-visualization to achieve a great image, but more often than not, you never know what you might get.   

JPR

For me- this fluidity that I keep seeing in your water work transcends into your  non-water work as well- which is essential in my opinion to the DNA of a great photographer. That common thread of mood or tone must be strung through out an entire body of work. Beyond that point- the images themselves must be like nothing like anything else I have ever seen. They must stand alone or as a body or work to be strong- a visual voice that is both distinct and unique. Your work certainly qualifies for the above ten fold. How long have you been shooting pictures? When was the first time you snapped the shutter? Were you hooked from that very first click?

CDL

I am 19 and have had the camera in my hand for about 8 or 9 years. I remember being really young and wanting to create, capture and remember everything. I picked up my moms camera one day and it was as if a switch turned on in my head. I have been working at it ever since.

Photographers nowadays really do need to be well versed in this industry to succeed. You can’t pigeon hole yourself. A lot of times I see people shooting only one subject, over and over again, which is really the exact opposite of what I want. Applying your style to multiple subjects is difficult but essential. The more you shoot, the better you become at this process. Most people can take a great photo, but to have a cohesive body of work is a whole different challenge. Steve Jobs had it right; the goal is to be different, not just better.

JPR

If you could do anything right now- if resources were not an issue- what would you do today- or where would you go? Would your camera be a part of it?

CDL

Honestly, I absolutely love where I am and what I’m doing right now in my journey; learning about the world, exploring the unknown, with my camera in hand. It’s so true that it is not about the destination at all, but what you learn along the way. 

JPR

What is your favorite photograph of all time to date- that is not from your own lens?

CDL

An image of two oceans meeting in the Alaskan Gulf by Kent Smith holds the top spot. In the image, glacial water is meeting ocean water with a much higher salinity. It is ethereal, moody, breathtaking and calming. The gradients, the tones, the underlying tension, everything about this image resonates inside me.

JPR

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken? Why?

CDL

Everything came together in my portrait of a local kid, Logan Kamen, who I shoot pretty often. From the technicalities like the extremely soft light and tack sharpness, to the gusty wind whipping hair across his face. The wind shaped each strand in near perfect placement around his face and eyes in particular. Some of my favorite images are ones that can rarely be recreated to perfection.

JPR

If there was one athlete that you would aspire to photograph extensively- who would that be? Meaning- if you could be commissioned to photograph this person on and off the playing field for an extended period of time. 

CDL

Hands down it would be Kelly Slater. I know it sounds obvious, but he really is one of the greats. We are so fortunate to have seen him compete in our lifetime. He has committed himself entirely to what he loves. Kelly lives the teetotal lifestyle, staying away from drugs and alcohol, which is extremely inspiring. Excelling at the highest level seems to be all the high he needs. Documenting his life, both in and out of the water, would be an incredible experience.

JPR

Tell us a little about where you are from and how that has influenced where you are now.

CDL

I grew up in New Jersey, and recently moved to the West Coast. I love where I’m from. You get to truly experience every season. When I was younger, my mom would drive us everywhere to get out of the house and explore. Even if it was just a few miles away, the act of staying curious was ingrained in my life from a very young age. I’m so glad to have grown up when I did because I think kids are surrounded by too much technology these days. In a virtual world it’s so hard to experience genuine moments.

JPR

What kind of camera do you shoot with?

CDL

I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III with Canon and Sigma lenses. Having the right gear makes all the difference, but the goal is to treat it as a tool, an extension of your own vision.

JPR

What is your dream camera?

CDL

I could never have just one camera, but if I had to pick, I would say the Mamiya 645. Its a beast of a film camera, with a modified back to shoot digitally. The quality and resolution from that is pretty much unrivaled. It costs as much as a luxury car, but in the photo world, you usually get what you pay for.

JPR

You seem very passionate about life and your work. This passion seeps through pretty extensively in your photographs. Where does this stem from? What keeps that fire burning inside of you each day?

CDL

It’s something I could never live without. The act of creating is in my very being. There’s nothing I want more than to produce interesting work. Even while writing this I had to stop often to jot down ideas that stream through my mind. It really never stops. I have an intense drive to be the best at my craft. But you can’t just be in love with the result. You have to love the process even more, and I do.

JPR

What is next for you Chris? Do you see a Whisper Edition in your future?

CDL

Im not sure where I will be in 6 month or let alone the next 5 years, but I do know I want to travel, shoot, connect, and experience as much as I can. Im going to keep living life to its fullest, while furthering my skills. I am really in my infancy as a creative professional, so learning and improving every way I can is crucial.

I am all about collaborations so I definitely can see a Whisper Edition in the near future.