The dramatic perspective of photographer Christopher Villano

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We are happy to welcome back, Chris Villano. Chris was our very first interview over a year ago. Chris stays on the road, so we are grateful to have a little more time with him.

ephotos: You have traveled extensively in your career thus far; do you have a favorite place?

CV: I have traveled a fair amount; I think my number of countries visited just passed 20. It’s not nearly enough. I can’t wait to go back to Morocco.

ephotos: We consider photographers “the window” to the world for others. Do you feel like it is your responsibility, given your talent, to document your experiences?

CV: In a way yes, I go back and forth with this. Often this job takes me to some beautiful f-ing places or persons or whatever. But the same thing always happens I look around and I see the exact opposite; some version of awful. I have been afforded many different experiences and I think sharing that perspective becomes the responsibility.

ephotos: Where have you been recently and what are you currently working on?

CV: Just finished up a few assignments in Aruba, Curacao and Mexico. I’m headed to Rio for the Marriott and Explore Magazine.

ephotos: Do you have any long-term projects in the works?

CV: The Living Positive project, documenting people living with HIV. It’s a personal project about people who are facing this extraordinary challenge. It takes a perspective, which suggests hope in the face of despair. It’s our greatest reply to adversity.

ephotos: Your agent is Bruce Levin. Do you get most of your work through your him?

CV: Bruce is amazing at bringing jobs in but I take very active approach to finding the work. This is very much a team effort & I feel being engaged in approaching new clients is key to having them give me an opportunity.

ephotos: How difficult was the process in finding your agent?

CV: It’s centrally not an easy process, I turned down two people before Bruce and I linked up. When I was looking for representation it was important to me that I felt that my agent understood where I was at and where I’m going. I also wanted someone accessible and experienced, it’s this big experiment with a new person in a crucial part of your life, it takes time to build.

ephotos: What are some of the elements that make a great photo?

CV: Subject matter, light, composition, good technical execution and believing in what you’re shooting.

ephotos: Do you ever shoot any film?

CV: Yes, film is beautiful and not enough

ephotos: What equipment are you using?

CV: All sorts of stuff, it will usually change based on budget and concept. I have a bag filled with Canon cameras and lenses and I live on Apple computers.

ephotos: Is there a person or place that you would love to shoot?

CV: I would love to do a travel story about Mendoza Argentina and it’s wine region. Also just continue the Living Positive photos.

ephotos: You have a funny personal statement at your site and it ends with, “It’s about the journey not the destination”, which is also interesting because travel photography is a big part of what you do. What does that statement mean to you?

CV: It’s just a good way to live. A little humor with good food and being focused on enjoying the present, tends to leave me having really nice days. I feel very lucky to have ‘em.

ephotos: We have a lot of readers that are just starting out in the photo business. What
advice would you give?

CV: Shoot your ass off, develop your point of view, and show your work to everyone everywhere. Then follow your photos before your ambition.

ephotos: If you weren’t a photographer, what do you think you would be doing?

CV: I would be on a beach somewhere selling “coco frio” & writing bad poetry.

ephotos: What do you think about ephotos?

CV: I’m happy to be a part of such a website. Chi’s personal statement and vision for this site amazes me. You Guys Rock!

ephotos: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about you and your work?

CV: Nope! Well Yes, See you all next time.... Thanks ephotos!!!

ephotos: Thanks so much, Chris, for being part of our ephotos family. We’ll catch up with you soon. Keep the focus!