They seem to be getting younger and younger. Chris is a 17 year old and by definition is a pro photographer. He’s a young guy with a great personality (from the few emails we have exchanged) and obviously a love for photography which translates into some amazing imagery.
Chris Fulcher
Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m 17 years old from Newtown, Connecticut. I started off shooting professional paintball photography and a few years later I created my own free lance photography business.
What made you get into photography?
Seeing breathtaking images in magazines, on the internet, or posters really made me want to get into photography. Seeing clients extremely happy with the outcome of the photos is a great feeling, and shooting artists all over the U.S. (some I have been listening to before being a photographer) is just an unbelievable experience. I feel blessed to be 17 and doing the things I have been doing.
How did you get started?
When I was focused with paintball, I used to play before taking pictures. When the sport became too expensive to be apart of, I decided to start shooting photos with my dad’s old Olympia camera at local fields. A few months later I was asked to be apart of a huge paintball online magazine and before I knew it, I was traveling to different states taking pictures of major events. After a year of doing that, I decided to start my own business and created a website (with my father who is an IT director) that showed my portfolio.
What sort of photography do you mainly do?
I do a lot of work in the music industry. Most of my client’s are either record labels, managements, music magazines, and music-influenced clothing lines. A lot of my work consists of weddings and portraiture to commercial and music photography. I shoot what I enjoy, and with music always being a huge part of my life, ever since I was little, I knew that’s the road I wanted to head down.
What gear are you using?
Probably about half the work on my website was shot with my old Canon 40D that I used for years. This past March, I purchased a 5D Mark II so I can start doing videography too. I also use a 24-70 f/2.8 L and a 50 f/1.4. Since I do a lot of editorial and promotional shoots, I own 3 alien bee 800 strobes with 1 large octabox, a vagabond plus ii generator. You’ll also find me using my boom stand a lot for shoots with the octabox. I do rent out equipment occasionally on larger shoots, for example; beauty dishes, 24 prime f/1.4, 16-35, another generator, and sometimes more alien bee’s.
Whats your favourite lens and why?
My favorite lens has to be my 24-70 f/2.8 L. It’s already a given when I say that the Canon L glass series lens have some of the best lens made for Canon owners that are looking to take their quality in photography to the next level. I am also a huge fan of prime lenses such as my 50 f/1.4 and the 24 f/1.4 that you will find me to rent out once and a while.
How are you marketing yourself?
I use most of the common social networks to market myself. I use Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, Instagram, and for my blog I use Tumblr. I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today if it weren’t for networking and connections. Just word of mouth or photo credit in magazines, etc all help me get more noticed which brings in more business. Having a website that offers you’re latest portfolio is definitely helping me out too. Future clients can see past and recent work, publications I have been in, my bio, and read through my blog (http://www.chrisfulcherphotos.com). I also hand out a lot of business cards that offer my email and website for anyone interested in setting something up with me.
Whats your favourite photo you have taken?
I did this photo of Oderus from the band GWAR. It was pouring outside, so we ended up shooting in the green room.. probably one of the funniest people I will ever meet.
Did this photo for Larzz and his new single being released soon. I will be on Warped Tour 2011 this summer with him for 2 weeks! ^^
This is a photo I did for the clothing line Peter Says Denim in a skate shop for his ad in Alternative Press Magazine ^^
This is a photo I did for Peter Says Denim clothing again with the same model in the Jacuzzi, we actually ended up banging out 2 shoots in one day at Larzz’s house (where both those pictures where taken from). ^^
Advice for new photographers looking to go pro?
My advice is that if you have a passion for photography, like I do, never give up. I remember just last year thinking to myself at times “what am I doing?” and “is this really what I want to do as a career?”. Being free lance has it’s pro’s and con’s as work isn’t always steady. But constantly learning new techniques, and shooting everyday has helped improve my portfolio, which brought new clients in. So if I were to give any advice, it would be to never give up on something you’re passionate about.
Visit Chris Fulcher – website, tumblr, facebook and twitter
Way to go. I'm very impressed!!! You have something special. Keep up the good wqrk.
From a friend of your Mom.