CHRISTOPHER WARREN

Interview; Russell Ord

Tell us a little about yourself, where are you based and how did you get into photography?

I am Christopher Warren, I have been hanging the flip flops in South Florida for the last few decades. Living in a coastal community that has year round warm temperatures and great ocean visibility provides me the opportunity year round to harness its beauty. I’ve always had a passion for photography and the ocean. These important aspects of my life are also an intricate part of my mental well-being. It was about seven years ago that I fully focused on trying to harness the energy of the ocean.

What is the most challenging part about being a photographer for you?

The most challenging aspect of photography for me is balancing the administration side vs the creative side. Most people, who are not involved in the arts, do not fully understand what goes into being a photographer. To make a living as an ocean photographer it's not just going to a beautiful location to show the world our vision. We still have to build and maintain relationships, make sure deliveries and deadlines are on time and everything else that is involved with running a business. Getting in the water or on the sand is definitely what keeps my batteries charged.

What was the process of going from Wall Street to Ocean photography?

It was a mental process to move from the financial industry to full time Ocean photography. The dream of transitioning out of the corporate world was in my head for years. The pandemic helped me realign my priorities and one day I just went into the office and resigned. I still remember I wore a T-shirt that said I called in “Sea Sick”. Leaving the financial arena definitely made my mornings less hectic. I would and still do wake up before the sun rises to catch the morning’s first light. Now I definitely get some extra ocean time, not having to worry about getting to the office on time and getting all the sand out of my ears. I worked as a trader, this position as with many others in the financial industry can definitely put a strain on your life. After seeing my father pass and my mom in bad health I realized that I was not invincible and one day I would not be able to enter the ocean. As Denzel Washington said at a commencement speech “Les Brown, a motivational speaker, made an analogy about this. Imagine you’re on your deathbed—and standing around your bed are the ghosts representing your unfilled potential. The ghosts of the ideas you never acted on. The ghosts of the talents you didn’t use, and they’re standing around your bed. Angry. Disappointed. Upset. “We came to you because you could have brought us to life,” they say. “And now we go to the grave together.” So I ask you today: ``How many ghosts are going to be around your bed when your time comes?”

Which organizations do you volunteer for, I imagine it must feel very special when your images can make an environmental difference/impact?

I volunteer with Sea Turtle Adventures, an organization that reports to the Florida Wildlife Conservation. We aid in monitoring the sea turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs and any other injured creatures on the beach as well as beach cleanups. The ocean gives me so much joy that to give back in this way is only right. It is so special to share the images that I am able to capture of these majestic creatures. One of my favorite things to do when my work is on display is to talk to the people about what goes into the nesting process and what humans can do to not cause their extinction.

What would you say is your most significant achievement to date?

My most significant achievement to date was following my dream and quitting my desk job.

What have you been working on recently?

This year I have been working on shooting vertical images. It is definitely taking me out of my comfort zone and is not an easy thing for me to compose.

What equipment do you shoot with currently?

Currently I am shooting the Nikon D850 in the Aquatech water housing. The lenses I use are 16-35mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm, 50mm, 85mm and the 105mm.

What is your all-time favourite image and why?

My favorite all-time image is “Clock Wise”. This one as with many others in my collection I drag the shutter speed. To me the slow shutter seems to bring out more emotion. The slow shutter is definitely more of a technical shot in turbulent water, but when that one shot hits it makes all that time and effort worth it.

If you could only take one camera and lens on your next job, what would be your go to set up to get the job done?

The one camera that I would take would be the Nikon D850, this camera is definitely a workhorse and the camera is well sealed.. It has taken many hits from waves even when not in the Aquatech housing. The lens I would choose is the Nikon 2.8 24-70mm. This lens is versatile in shooting in low light, has the capability to go wide and has a little zoom.

Your dream project?

My dream project would be to take an expedition through Antarctica. I am not sure how much water time I would be able to handle as our ocean temperature in South Florida really does not drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit on the surface.

Your biggest inspirations?

The ever changing environment in Mother Nature. It is a powerful force that you have to respect and work in harmony with. It presents itself in a different form everyday.

What programs do you use for editing?

Photoshop CC

Best photography advice/tip that you have been given?

I am not sure if the advice was given for photography, but I definitely use it when I am shooting. It is not a mistake if you learn from it, then it was a lesson.