We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chris Ossenfort. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Chris, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Who are you learning from right now?
My son, who just turned 17 and has recently become a photographer himself. Getting to see him learn and be so excited, raw, and uninfluenced has helped me open up in my approach and shoots. He is bringing an energy to his shoots that I did when I was his age, and I hadn’t noticed how much I let that excitement slip.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For over 20 years I’ve supported myself and my family as an advertising and fashion photographer. The last time I had a non photography job was in 2003. I fell in love with the art of photography when I was still a kid and have been extremely fortunate to follow it where ever it has taken me for most of my life. My style is diverse due to having worked with so many brands over the years, but I always want the imagery to be clean and focused on representing the subject.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
When I was 9 years old, My dads best friend (who was a successful artist himself) encouraged my parents to have me put my drawings and paintings in a local art show. The paintings and drawings were terrible, but I think he could see my love to create, even early on. The show sold out. I didn’t know for years that it was that artist that bought all of my work. It was a confidence boost that drove me to continue creating as much as possible. There are countless influences and people along the way that have inspire me. Even people that aren’t in the arts can drive my motivation by just being good people and putting love into the things they do. To me that, that is art.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Success is a self imposed illusion. Some people will always move the bar the more they achieve, others will allow external forces to tell them if they have succeeded. Maybe seeing my son grow up healthy, kind, and happy has given me perspective of success. Statistically less than 1% make it in my field and well under that many are as lucky to have achieved financial security, doing the job they love for over 20 years. As for struggles, I have had many, but the pain is often a reflection of the much brighter good. A loss of a loved one hurts, because the loved one brought so much light into your life, There are several struggles that I have faced that don’t fall into this category, and I’m not particularly fond of Nietzsche’s idea that “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”, but I find its best to try and see clearly how to heal and move on if possible. Life is good at the moment and I’d rather not dwell on the struggles.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Unfortunately it is. While I have several different temperaments, I am always true to myself. My wife, coworkers, and friends, often wish this weren’t true, but I typically wear my opinions and feelings on my sleeve. I’ll do my best to be respectful, but I will also not be shy about my stance.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I know that my family is healthy and happy. And anytime I can get out on the water. I paddle board, and there is an energy on still water, just after dusk that is calming yet invigorating. Just for a moment, it feels hopeful and as though the night can take you anywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chrisossenfort.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisossenfortphoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-ossenfort-photography/
Image Credits
All images photographed by Chris Ossenfort
