Meet this week's contributor, Christopher Lanaway. With a fresh aesthetic and modern approach to sports photography, take a look at his latest work and the sports people in front of the lens. New to IMAGO, he tells us how he is motivated by photography’s ability to both document culture and elicit change.
Meet the Contributor: Christopher Lanaway
Pursuing a narrative and aiming to evoke viewers, British sports photographer based in Sweden, Christopher Lanaway is changing the way we view athletes. With personal and emotional images, Chris tells IMAGO why he believes photography a powerful tool in capturing cultural movements and spark new ones.
Meet this week’s Contributor.
Let’s kick off; how did you get started in photography and why?
Photography started for me when I was about 12/13 and I first got my hands on skateboard magazines, I saw the photography and the use of light combined with action and was so inspired.
What was your first experience with a camera?
I used to get given disposable cameras when we went on camping holidays with my grandfather during the summer holidays as a kid, these were my first experience with a camera however it wasn’t until much later and I was about 16/17 when I got my first 35mm SLR.
What five words describe your photographic style or captured message?
The pursuit of a narrative.
What is the best element about being a photographer, and most challenging?
The best element has to be the variety and diversity of people you get to meet, life as a creative is generally challenging.
“The pursuit of a narrative.”
To you, what is the role photography has in the world?
Photography is a fundamental part of culture that evolves with society, it should document cultural movements the world over and inspire new ones.
What one important lesson has your work taught you?
The camera doesn’t make a great photograph, a photographer does. Don’t get hung up on the need to buy the latest, most expensive kit, use what you have and make do.
What is currently really getting you frustrated or annoyed?
Instagram, I feel so many don’t understand or appreciate the 1000’s of hours of hard work involved to refine your craft and become a successful creative. We only see the end result, not the years of work to get to the end result.
If you could photograph any historical event, what would it be and why?
Euro ‘96 would have been really cool to shoot, I remember watching it as a kid with such excitement. It was a bit of a golden era in English football, to be a part of that and document it would be pretty special.
What does success look like to you?
Tough one! I guess success for me is producing work that resonates with the people viewing it, whether it’s a commercial image or part of a personal project. If the viewer feels something, I’d consider that a success.
What’s your go to album to listen to when you’re working right now?
I usually listen to mixes rather than whole albums, currently Oneman’s AIAIAI mix is playing through the headphones frequently. As for albums, Mount Kimbie – Cold Spring Fault Less Youth is a personal favourite.
Photo: IMAGO / Christopher LanawayPhoto: IMAGO / Chrisopher LanawayPhoto: IMAGO / Christopher LanawayPhoto: IMAGO / Christopher LanawayPhoto: IMAGO / Christopher LanawayPhoto: IMAGO / Christopher Lanaway
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