In Focus: Chris Grundy Talks Planning and Patience

Sydney based photographer Chris Grundy discusses the virtues of planning and patience and shares 27 pieces of advice from his years working with the world’s most recognisable brands.

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With the ocean as his regular muse, Chris Grundy seesaws between shooting fine art seascapes and commercial work for clients like Apple, Bonds and Billabong. Urth talks to Chris, who shares his unique process that combines the polarities of control and surrender. He reveals how he plans for a shoot and cultivates the patience to wait for elements outside his control to align. Read until the end to learn his 27 pieces of advice from his years of experience as a full time working creative.

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Shot with Urth ND2- 400 Variable Filter

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Shot with Urth ND2- 400 Variable Filter

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Shot with Urth ND2- 400 Variable Filter

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Shot with Urth ND2- 400 Variable Filter

Urth

How do you approach your work?

Chris

It really depends on who and what I’m shooting for. I definitely feel I have a more ‘fly on the wall’ approach when it comes to creating work. When I’m shooting personal work, there’s no time restraints. I generally wait until I feel something is unfolding in front of me, positioning myself in the right spot before pressing the shutter. Scanning the scene both with my eyes and through the viewfinder, waiting patiently for something to grab my attention.

It's funny how many times the first frame is generally one of my favourites. It's like fishing in a way, it pays to have patience. Some personal trips or shoots I may not even take a photo or get the camera out.

Creating a special image doesn’t happen everyday. But when the elements align, it’s a pretty amazing feeling. I really believe in storytelling through imagery and creating a connection between the audience and the subject. Looking for those authentic and emotive moments that tell a story and evoke a sense of awe and admiration for the craft and the natural environment.

Finding interesting compositions and being in the right place at the right time is something that makes an image. I feel that’s why I’ve always been drawn to the work of photojournalists and their portfolios.

I shoot mostly outdoors, so there’s a lot of variables that go into image-making, whether that’s creating an image for a client or personal work. You’re always working with ever changing matter: the wind, the swell, topography, temperature, season, light, location, talent. I feel being able to adapt to these elements is where you do your best work. You're constantly learning and having to think on your feet. Problem solving by planning, reviewing, composing and adjusting until you are happy with the result.

If I’m shooting talent for a client, before I even get the camera out it's nice to have a conversation and get to know the person you’re taking a photo of. It makes the shoot relaxed and flow more naturally which is so much more rewarding. I try not to force image making. It's nice to let moments naturally unfold.

I also love designing and putting together moodboards for clients, working on creative direction, researching locations and when possible doing a recce before you shoot, it all helps with flow and how you approach a shoot.

“Shooting personal work helps me remember why I started photography in the first place.”

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Shot with Urth ND2- 400 Variable Filter

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Urth ND2- 400 Variable Filter

Urth

What keeps you inspired?

Chris

Inspiration for me comes through many different avenues; swimming with friends, connecting with other creatives, travelling, seeing live music, collecting photo books, listening to podcasts, going to exhibitions, watching films, going away with friends, solo trips, hanging with family, flicking through old mags, youtube, docos the list goes on. I feel music in general plays a big part as well.

Urth

What subjects do you gravitate toward the most?

Chris

I mean the ocean is probably one subject I’ve consistently documented over the years, but from that came surfing, then people, fashion and portraits. I will always have a love for exploring new corners of the Earth. It unlocks new ideas, different worlds and different cultures, experiencing natural open landscapes to bustling cities to small rural communities. It's also interesting revisiting places you’ve been to with a fresh eye. Documenting different subcultures.

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Shot with Urth ND2- 400 Variable Filter

Urth

How do you balance personal and professional projects?

Chris

I guess it all comes down to time between jobs and what you’re feeling. I never try to force personal work, just for the sake of it. I find shooting personal work a super meditative process. Sometimes it’s hard to find balance between shooting personal projects and work. There’s no set times when you work for yourself, and sometimes when you catch a break from work, you may not even feel like shooting.

Shooting personal work helps me remember why I started photography in the first place. Testing new techniques, building on existing foundations and creating whatever you want. A space where you can just let go and take in what’s around you. It can instantly change the way you feel and the way you look at things in life. Taking time to shoot personal projects is like a reset for me. Escaping to a place to immerse yourself in, becoming familiar with your surroundings, and a place where I feel comfort and a sense of peace.

When there’s a swell on the horizon, I definitely try to clear the schedule and document it. For me there’s no better feeling than getting up in the early hours of the morning, driving to a location and not knowing what’s going to appear in front of your eyes. Always welcomed with something new, different and unique.

One of the best things about professional photography is that no two days are the same. Being able to visit new places, connect with new people, and to have clientele ask you back is such a rewarding part of the job. Very grateful and lucky to have photography as a career.

"Look outside Instagram, success is not a numbers game."

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Shot with Urth ND2-400

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Shot with Urth ND2-400

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Shot with Urth ND2-400

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Shot with Urth ND2-400

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Shot with Urth ND2-400

Urth

If you could share one piece of advice on creative freelancing with your younger self, what would it be?

Chris

It's so hard to narrow it to one piece of advice. Photography is such a big learning process at the end of the day and there’s a lot more to photography than just shooting. I feel like I’m constantly learning everytime I’m picking up the camera or reflecting back on a shoot. There are a lot of life skills you learn along the way.

Start off by shooting things that you enjoy and shoot those around you. I think practice, patience and persistence are key.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way.

Be confident in your choices

Having a positive attitude goes a long way.

Be interested in what others do.

Develop your own unique style.

Experiment with your camera, find out what works for you.

Travel and try new things.

Try to take a photo a day, even if it’s on your phone.

Visit galleries, attend exhibitions, look at photo books.

Meet up with photographers that inspire you or drop them a line.

Shoot, shoot and shoot again.