Kris Anderson has been a professional photographer for 12 years. Kris states that “he started out photographing anything and everything”! From weddings to family portraits, maternity and newborn. With a background as a musician and in theatre, Kris eventually zeroed in on his specialty area. Photography for performing arts!
Performing Arts photography work:
Insta: @imagesbyanderson
Web: http://imagesbyanderson.com
Arts work:
Insta: @krisanderson.art
Web: http://krisanderson.art
What would you tell a photographer just starting out?
The best advice Kris has for people starting out is to grow a support network of peers and people to learn from. He recommends joining a professional photography association if there is one in your area. He says, “make the effort to reach out and connect with people” and he stresses that the right network will be a massive help. They can help answer questions. You can learn by assisting. And they are a source of support when you need someone like-minded to talk to!
How would you describe your photography style?
For commercial/branding, headshots, and dance work, Kris describes his style as direct, engaging, clean and colourful. He makes choices to maximise his chance of connecting quickly. Kris states that “the way you relate to clients impacts the outcome as well” and in that regard, describes himself as enthusiastic, collaborative, and inventive. His final product particularly for branding work, is a result of strong collaboration with the client.
Kris also does a lot of illustrative composite work. He uses photography to explore issues around mental health and the impact of technology on people and families. He describes his style in this area as ‘theatrical’. Where he says, “the look and feel of the work definitely springs from the physicality and presence of theatre”. Kris explains that often when he’s done with a piece he realises that it feels like it’s been set dressed, blocked, propped, and lit like a theatre production!
Who Inspires You?
For branding work, Kris is influenced by contemporary work from Aussies like Mark Gambino and Michael Kennedy who work in a similar space. For dance work he draws a lot of inspiration from NYC Dance Project (Ken Browar and Deborah Ory), with a healthy dose of colour from artists like Jake Hicks and Steamkittens (Leigh Hyland).
In his theatrical work Kris is inspired by the work and the approach of Gregory Crewdsen and David+Luke Edmonson.
As with many artists today, Instagram has proven to be a source of inspiration and influence for Kris. If you’re open to discovery, you can find new work and exciting artists every day to learn from.
What makes the ideal space for a photoshoot?
As a well sought after creative photographer, Kris will often shoot multiple jobs in a single day. He looks for a space that has the flexibility to meet the needs of different sessions. Kris might go from headshots, to a moody gelled branding hero shot, to a set of group shots on the seamless white cyclorama, to an abstract dance session on a full black background. Kris states that “knowing I can use one space to achieve all of those is a huge plus.
As Kris will often have multiple subjects working on wardrobe, makeup and preparing to be on-camera, he feels it is very important to have enough space and specific areas for people to use as a preparation/staging area.
Kris says that “a clean, professional space is key”. He expresses that the final images should be a premium product, and the experience for clients during a shoot should also feel like a premium product. “They book me because they’ve seen and trust the work, and the experience on the day should reflect the same level of quality and attention to detail”.
What do you like about working in studio 4?
Kris says that there is a “wow-factor” bringing clients into Studio 4 at Spine Street Studios. Furthermore, he states that it is “bright, clean and inviting, and it feels like a great place to get creative”. He likes that it is large enough that there aren’t any constraints around the space. No bumping into walls or problems getting distance between the camera and the subjects. That flexibility allows him to pivot quickly and solve problems during shoots. Kris further adds that he appreciates how easy it is to find and the ample on-site parking is a real bonus. He loves that it is so easy to bump in and out, which keeps things simple and hassle-free for clients.
Why not book your next photoshoot in studio 4 at Spine Street Studios! Get creative and make the most of this amazing space!