Interview with Carisa Chee

This month we are featuring an interview Vera did with Carisa Chee. Her website can be seen here. Hear Carisa talk about her likes and dislikes, her favorite subjects to shoot, favorite movie, favorite meal and plenty more…

Photo by Jonathan McCardellEnjoy!

1. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a veterinarian, a psychologist, and a photographer. Of course, then I found out that I’d have to put animals to sleep as a vet, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle that. So I started to pursue psychology, and earned a B.A. in that field. But once I graduated, I couldn’t imagine being truly happy doing anything but photography.

2. Where did you grow up?

My family moved around quite a bit while I was growing up. I was born in Indianapolis, and have lived everywhere from Kansas to Australia. My husband and I now live in North Carolina, which we like very much.

3. Your favorite subject to photograph?

I love to photograph quirky moments and things. My favorite subject was a Boston terrier named Misty that I found in Maine. She was wearing a little pink sweater and sitting in front of a red and white ice cream shop. I couldn’t resist, so I had to ask her owners to allow me to photograph her. They were very happy to oblige, and really appreciated the photograph that I sent to them as a thank you.

4. What camera/s do you shoot with?

I use a canon 5D at weddings, with a 20D as a back-up camera. When I buy another camera this year, my 20D will be converted to an infrared camera to be used for landscapes. I also have a Canon Elan and a Holga, which are film cameras and only used for my private projects.

5. Your most awkward photography moment?

The first wedding that I ever photographed, I was an assistant, and it was my responsibility to get a shot of the bride walking up the aisle. I was at the front of the church, to the side of the pews, waiting for the wedding to start, and all of the guests were staring at me. I felt incredibly uncomfortable. Now that I’ve photographed several weddings, there’s not much that makes me feel awkward. I feel very comfortable with a camera in my hands, and I realize now that the guests stare out of curiosity, not judgment.

6. The hardest part of your job?

I’ve only had to do this once, but I hate telling people that I really don’t think I’m the right photographer for them. The one person I said this to became very angry, but I just knew that I would not be able to make her happy.

7. The easiest part of your job?

I don’t know about easiest, but the best part is sitting down with the couple and their families and watching the slideshow of their wedding images. That is incredibly rewarding to me.

8. Your favorite movie of all time?

Right now I am in love with the movie “Stardust.” I think the photography and composition of shots are breath-taking. But really I just love the love story. That, and the dead brothers. (You’d have to see it to understand.)

9. Your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is from Jimmy’s Diner, which is a little 50’s diner in Wichita, Kansas. I always get the same thing — two little hamburgers, fries, and a chocolate malt. All for less than five bucks.

10. Who do you most admire? Why?

I really admire Jesh de Rox, a photographer in Canada who specializes in fine art, as well as weddings and portraits. His work is gorgeous, and his image processing is amazing. But more than that, he has a reputation for being a generous person and a really good human being.

11. What will you be doing 5 years from now?

In five years, I’ll be doing what I’m doing now — photographing weddings, portraits, landscapes, going to photography workshops, striving to improve. Only, hopefully, I’ll be doing it all better. My goal is to always learn, always improve. And I’d like to be teaching other photographers what I’ve learned along the way by then.