Christopher Owens

“Producing this work with NICA has been a wonderful experience which I shall remember as a moment forever tied to this time. The opportunity to spend the morning making portraits in Milan and then Boston in the afternoon was equally as exciting as it was strange and my experience and knowledge of photographing people was tested in every session from directing a subject, language barriers to poor internet connections. The frustrations of wanting to be physically present and relinquishing much of the control I normally have has been dwarfed by the positivity of the experience. I’ve been moved by the spirit, knowledge and generosity of time offered to me by all the contributors, they have each left a lasting impression on me and provided some beautiful memories within a dark period of time. I am privileged to have collaborated with them and the process has confirmed my belief that a portrait is not simply made in a camera but on either side of it.”

Bio:

Specialising in portraiture Christopher produces engaging and insightful images for both editorial and commercial briefs.

“I always set out to capture the character and personality I meet in the session. Trying to dismiss any preconceptions I may have about the sitter allows for a level playing field and gives chance to a more honest and truthful portrait to flourish. I aim to make images that not only show a likeness but cut through to the essence of the subject. I want pictures that the sitter’s close friends and family will recognise them in”

After studying an art & design foundation course and photography HND at Newcastle College, Christopher lived in London where he assisted and was mentored by acclaimed portrait photographer Harry Borden. In 2007 Christopher was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery to photograph musicians Maximo Park making him one of the youngest photographers to be collected by the gallery at the time.

Clients have included The Guardian, Little White Lies Magazine, Stool Pigeon Magazine, BT Broadband, EMI, Virgin Records, Brewin Dolphin, NUFC Foundation, Sunderland AFC, Siemens, Square One Law, Sintons Law, Mincoff’s Solicitors, Hotel Du Vin, Hilton, Mill Volvo, Benfield Motors, Gateshead Thunder Rugby League, Royal Holloway University, National Portrait Gallery London, Entrepreneurs Forum, Lookers PLC, Newcastle College, MS Life as well as many independent PR firms and magazines.