Today we’d like to introduce you to John Christenson.
Hi John, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a commercial and fine art photographer whose work primarily focuses on still life, portraiture, and documentary/street photography. I have shot commercial projects for clients such as Sony, Target, Levi’s, Medtronic, United Health Groupe, Esquire Magazine, Fast Company, Mpls St Paul, and Minnesota Monthly Magazines to name a few.
I use the camera as a tool to capture the world around me which has produced exhibitions on Bboys photographed over 2 years documenting the energy, fluidity, and brotherhood of break dancing on the Lower East Side of NYC to the series “Urban Beaches’ photographed at Coney Island capturing the lifestyle of beachgoers to the project titled “Window Shopping” photographing mannequins in storefronts and the world that lives outside these windows.
This series has been a work in progress over the last 5 years photographing windows in NYC, Paris, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. My current project focuses on Ballet Dancers capturing their elegance, strength, and grace in a studio setting.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Working as a freelance photographer for 20+ years has been full of ups and downs, however, I wouldn’t have traded it for any other career.
I started as a photographer because I love taking pictures. One of the great things about photography is it can be both a hobby and a job.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I mentioned this in my answer to question 1 so I’ll elaborate a little more on this. I’ve always tried to strike a balance between my commercial advertising work which I say pays the bills and shooting personal projects.
I feel lucky to have been able to work in an industry that I love for this many years. I’d say what I’m most proud of is the exhibitions of my work I’ve had in both solo and group shows throughout the United States and in Europe.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
In life do what you love doing and don’t give up when things don’t seem to be going your way.
Contact Info:
- Website: studiojohnchristenson.com
