3 words to describe Chris Ramsey - thirsty, focused and determined. At just 20 years of age this young talent is a maturing future asset to his chosen aspired profession. Chris has a tremendous passion for photography that cannot be overlooked or go unnoticed, not just for his growing talent, but also for the impressive and well deserved resumé that he has managed to accumulate. In the mere 4 years that Chris has been traveling to and from shows up and down the UK, with all but a camera strapped to his side, he has successfully captured the likes of teen pop sensations McFly, Robyn, Maximo Park and what i like to call his “specialty”, US group Paramore both on and off stages around the country at an alarming rate.
Chris Ramsey is getting his foot into a door that many of his predecessors took much longer to pry open with incredible pace.
Chris took some time out to share some of stories with The 405 . Check it out!
‘Get this guy a photo pass, he takes great photos’ & ‘I always feel more relaxed on stage when you take photos of us’ - Hayley Williams (Paramore)
When did you first take a serious interest in Photography?
Well i started taking a serious interest in photography in 2004, which was when i started my A-Level in Photography at SEEVIC College in Benfleet - Essex. I just had this huge drive and determination to do my photography and wanted to take it to the next level! I use to take photos all the time when i was really young too but i would have to say that 2004 was definitely a turning point.
What inspires you to take photographs?
Lots of things inspire me to take photos. It might come to me randomly while im out walking or it might be something I have seen before and wanted to try out myself.
When taking photo’s, do you look for certain shots or do you take photo’s of whatever catches your eye at the time?
When taking my photos I try to capture something different, something new. Its all well and good that doing it this way or that way will make it look good and people will like it, but frankly what is the point of becoming a photographer who follows trends? I didn’t become one to do that, i became one to show people something new and exciting and I’m currently working on making that a reality!
Sometimes I would have to say some shots are down to luck, but I do my homework before a gig. I look at videos of the band playing live and get an idea on what they do whilst performing. This way I believe might find something that would be worth looking out for during the gig. So if say there was to be a flip done by the guitarist and bassist, (like Josh Farro and Jeremy Davis of Paramore during the song Pressure) i would know where to position myself so that i can get the best shot possible!
What cameras do you use?
I am currently using:
• Canon EOS 400D (Black)
• EFS 18-55mm Lens
• Canon EF 50mm f2.5 Macro Lens
• Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens
• Jessops UV Filter 77mm
What is your favorite thing to photograph eg people, landscapes, etc?
I love taking my band photos, i get such a thirst for it that i just want more and more! I would have to say that was my favorite type of photography.
But i also love to learn new skills and techniques. Photography is just a huge part of my life!
Do you see Photography as a full time career or just a hobby?
At the moment, it is just a part time career / hobby. I am currently working full time at Sainsburys and once ive finished there then i will be full time at Uni. But once that is all over and done with i will be looking to make Photography my full time career!
In my opinion, some of your best photography is taken of Live Musicians. Have you ever had any funny experiences whilst photographing them?
Haha! I have had quite a few actually! One of the first that i can remember is having Hayley Williams jump in front of my camera whilst i was taking photos of Paramore in Cardiff 2007. She came out of no where and scared me to death! Ever since then she has repeated this a few times, but I’m slowly getting ready for it and not jumping as much.
Some others include Chad from New Found Glory rubbing the top of my head while i was taking photos of them in February 2008. I was looking at my photos quickly and all of a sudden this hand comes from no where and ruffles my hair, i look up to see Chad with a huge grin on his face.
I have also had Jimmy of Mindless Self Indulgence rubbing his crouch against my face! But we wont go into that one…haha!
What country have you always wanted to visit to take photo’s or have already?
I would LOVE! to go to America and take photos over there. I have already been to New York and taken some photos of the sites, but I am more interested in doing some gigs and Festivals over there. I see soo many photos from Warped Tour and they look amazing and the crowds get so into it, it would be amazing! I would love to be able to take photos of that.
Are there any photographers of whom you are a fan of?
Well you interviewed her awhile back, she is also a really good friend of mine, Melanie Caitlin! She has come so far in such little time, and her work is amazing. Im a huge fan of hers! I really like her live photos, but its her other photography that caught my eye from the start! Just take a look at this, i really love it! She can really capture the moment! Other than Melanie Caitlin, there isn’t really a favorite, i like many photographers for many different reasons, all have good sides to their photography and they all have bad!
Finally, where do you see yourself 4 years from now, in regards to you work?
As much as i would love to say, ill be in my dream job and taking the world by storm, that wont be the case!
I would have not long finished my Degree in BA(Hons) Photography at Falmouth Uni. I will be doing the following: I will be looking into doing a Masters Degree in Photography, which will all depend on funds and if it would be worth me doing. I will also be looking into how i would go about starting my own business, as this is what i want to do at some point in my future! I will definitely be doing all i can to make my future a bright one!
Check out Ramhorn Photography by visiting the official website here and MySpace page here
- A
3 responses so far ↓
1 Melanie Caitlin // Jul 17, 2008 at 9:41 am
Yay, this is amazing.
Chris Ramsey is someone to watch out for!
2 Chris Ramsey // Jul 17, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Thanks Mel =]
3 chrisramseyphotography // Jul 17, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Great intro Aaron! (Y) Thanks again for interviewing me
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