CK → Craig is one of those creative pioneers who by looking at the way he conceptualize his images, helps you take a closer look at how you create your own art. As creatives I think we're always curious to see how other artists are coming up with new ways to see the life around them. I know I am. So when I first saw Craig's photos I knew this was a photographer I wanted to keep a close eye on. His photos seem to capture the magic of life that is happening around us all the time. He doesn't just capture it, he sees it then molds it into something that is uniquely his. I find his images to be full of light and have a feeling of mystery and mysticism.

Before getting started, I want to thank Craig and everyone else who has been waiting for this interview to go live. I appreciate your patience and continued support. And for those of you who are wondering if I plan to continue the CK Interview series with photographers. Yes, I plan on continuing as long as I possibly can and as frequent as time permits. My hope is that people enjoy reading the interviews and that the words and images inspire them to create their own art.

CK

Craig

How did you get into photography? Did you have anyone who influenced you early on to pick up a camera and make photographs?

I studied graphic design after high school and two of my three years in training entailed my introduction to photography.  I found it intriguing but not enough to really carry it on much after college.  It ended up being more of a tool if and when so required.  It was after I got myself my first digital camera many years later that something started to buzz. It took my destroying that one to necessitate the purchase of something better - but I wasn't in any rush to do so.  I'd have to give credit to a buddy of mine (www.gosu.co.za) who had gotten himself a Canon 300D one day. His stunning images certainly got me inspired, along with the realization that digital cameras were now finally 'on the level'.  I had to give it a go once more.  I must say that it's a great motivator knowing someone else who's into it.  It was nice to bounce ideas and see what each of us were coming up with.  You end up planning shoots and trips and more importantly, turning, what's essentially an interest, into a hobby.

CK

Craig

Images can inspire us to look deeper into our imaginations to think and dream about people and things in far away places. I see a conceptual artistic-process that you must practice when you create your images. Please tell me more about that process.

One of the few things I've learned while having the privilege to create is this: if an idea you've jotted down on paper still sticks in the morning, you probably have something.  It's my morning-after test.  I always believe a good idea can exist on its own already without any commitment on your behalf.  Commitment to line, to lens or to brush.  And I'm a fan of good ideas.  Blame it on working in advertising or whatever, but your audience is smarter than you give them credit for.  Art is all about what goes unsaid.  

Part of my process involves what I want to get as a feeling from an image.  It's hard to put it in words really, but I normally know it when it occurs.  A little spark goes on and I find I can actually rest again.  It's not cool when you're in the headspace of trying to come up with something fresh.  I often find lack of sleep a resulting factor...which probably explains why I end up falling asleep in front of a tv screen if it's very late. ;)

CK

Craig

I think it's true when people say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Many of your photos tell a conceptual story that makes our imaginations ponder.

I've always felt that I've been someone more adept at expressing himself visually than verbally. I never spent enough time nurturing the verbal aspect and perhaps that's owed to how I spent my years growing up. I remember often spending my childhood at this budget cinema my folks used to drop my sister and I off at on weekends. Gosh, I must have seen such a mix of films there it's quite crazy. Double matinee features.  And one thing that I remember was that when everyone was rushing off during intermission to go get popcorn and drinks, the best part was happening, the trailers. They used to play at least 10 or so..with no ads. It hooked me every time. Here was an opportunity to convey more than a plot with sound-bites and clever editing, it was me getting a feeling for each story. I loved it. I suppose, for me, condensing an idea, a story and feeling into something of a 'single frame' is an achievement on its own.  It's my poetry. We're all capable of doing it because we are all capable of experiencing it.

CK

Craig

Since you have experience in photography and cinematography, how do you feel one skill set can benefit the other?

It always can. And both ways really. With my photography I feel my ideas are stronger and at the same time more simplified. I've learnt the art of being subtle because with nuances and fine distinctions you allow so much more interpretation. With cinematography I feel I can craft a picture in motion with composition and tones that have become iconic for moods and feelings.  There is a shared language that's spoken...but expressed in such diverse ways.

CK

Craig

It's obvious that you manipulate your photos on the computer after the image was captured. What are your opinions about computer alteration or enhancements? At what point do you feel an image changes from a photograph to a computer generated image?

I suppose that relies on what one defines as art really.  If we're to accept that all we create is artistic then it's left only down to our perceptions thereof. If your intent is not to deceive, there should, in my opinion, be no problem where and when you choose to alter or enhance a photograph. I will never say: 'here, I photographed this floating island' when I never physically did that.  Instead I will present ' a floating island' to you and once you've allowed your eyes to settle upon its reality, I will hope that you see a little more

CK

Craig

Do You have any goals for your photography?

I believe it's something we have in all of ourselves. We create ourselves daily with every thought and action. Allowing it to flow so that it becomes natural simply requires practice. Or nurturing.

CK

Craig

When do you know when you've created a unique image?

This happens the moment the idea pops into my head. Before I've created the picture.

CK

Craig

With so many photographers and photographs in the world, how do you distinguish yourself from the others?

It's probably best not worry too much about this.  Especially in the beginning.  No 'style' or 'subject matter' is going to be what defines you.  How you see the world is what connects us to you.  If and when your vision becomes clear enough that others may see it instantly, I believe it's then that you begin to distinguish yourself.

CK

Craig

What are a few reasons why you create?

It distracts me from my distractions.

CK

Craig

In your opinion, what do you think is the future of photography?

While I believe the age of media that we're in is destined to make us a part of something so enveloping and interactive to a point where it will become almost subliminal, I feel photography will always be something that will remain a process that requires our own interpretation and choice to interact with. It is like most art...always in the eye of the beholder.

CK

Craig

What do you feel are
some of your major achievements in
your career?

I sometimes feel coming full circle at times most rewarding. There's a deeper understanding about subject matter and mood that feels like a 2nd or 3rd Dan belt if photography were kungfu.  ;)  Overall, sharing my work with others who are like-minded is quite an achievement.  If you can't embrace your passions with friends, who can you share it with?  Winning awards and getting recognition is a nice bonus as well. ;)

CK

Craig

If a beginner photographer were to ask you for some advice what would you tell this person?

Don't take it too seriously right off the bat. Avoid feeling weighed down by the 'technology' of it and just have fun. The beauty of getting a digital camera was that I no longer had the restriction of cost when it came to developing an image.  With that gone, I was free to snap more than a lounge singer.  And badly too!  With extra tools such as photoshop and the like, the darkroom was no longer a laborious process that, for the most part, was unattainable and even more expensive. I had dreams of having my own, but it never happened because it was way too expensive. I now find I have more freedom to realize what I see than ever before.

Secondly, find a friend or 2 who's into it already. Shoot with them. Chat about ideas with them. It's just more intuitive this way and you have an additional motivating factor as well to keep pressing on. Like joining Flickr for instance. Everyone shows an exceptional pattern of growth if they have the courage to keep their earliest shots posted still.

CK

Craig

Besides making a profit, what are your main reasons for making photographs?

Ironically, I find making photographs the one thing I don't do for profit. At least not with the intent to make a profit from it. I guess I'm lucky to be doing something that's creative as a career that this isn't as much an issue as it is an outlet for me. Plus it's fast.

Thank you Craig for sharing you inspiring images and being so patient while I got myself together to bring this interview to light.

Hearing from people always motivates me to keep the process moving forward. So feel free to send me an email to let me know if you found this or any other interview helpful to you.

photos (C) 2009 Craig Parker and reproduced by permission