Volunteer Spotlight: Chris Voss

1. Whats your favorite camera & why?

I used to use point and shoot cameras but became frustrated with them dying out of nowhere. I now use a Pentax K1000 because I can't really break it. However I did once.

2. What type of photographer would you describe yourself as/how would you describe your photographic style?

I'd say i'm a technically deficient photographer and the dream is that I have a style at the end of the road.

3. Whats your dream photo shoot?

I know how this sounds, but I tell myself often I'd love to get full access to a college frat party.To be that weird 32 year old at a college party with a camera fly on that wall. Man that'd be sweet.

4. Whats the longest you've spent on a project/most in depth you've gone?

I went to the inauguration for three days to see if I could capture something. I had to stand in lines just a few feet long for hours to get access to penned areas and walk like 15 miles a day. I often think about what it means to "go for it", what obsession means, and work ethic etc. I feel like I did my best, but it's hard to not compare yourself to other people. I strive to be as driven as possible even after a 40 hour work week. I also have an ongoing series of rain and night photography. It's often raining and dark when I have time to shoot-- After work.

5. How long have you lived in Bushwick/Brooklyn/New York?
 

I've been in Brooklyn for 4 1/2 years, after living in Oakland, California. I think Oakland was too chill, and too expensive now.

What artists inspire you?

I love Garry Winogrand and Helen Levitt. Winogrand not only for the best to date example of work ethic, but also for how he thought about photography. Helen Levitt cause she's obviously the best.

What would be the soundtrack to your portfolio?

This is Not a Photograph - Mission of Burma

How did you get into photography?

I played in a lot of crummy punk bands in California that required a collaborative effort. Those spaces opened me up to a lot of different creative avenues and that idea I can do it all myself. I like photography cause it's a purely solitary art form that allows me to be a weirdo anytime I'd like. Also my dad I guess, whatever.

IG @chrisvossnyc