All photos courtesy of Christopher Gilbert
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Christopher Gilbert and I’m a local Colorado Springs landscape photographer, who also works in the camera industry in camera sales and education. I absolutely love my job because it not only allows me to play with the latest and greatest, but also I find it extremely rewarding when I can help someone achieve what they vision, be it just family photos or getting better at photography in general.
How did you get your start?
I actually got started when my parents bought me a little point and shoot camera for my birthday one year. I remember meandering downtown Tempe, taking photos of anything and everything. Those were good times and it started me in a field of work that was actually more rewarding than anything I did in college. I bought my first SLR when I moved back to Colorado and got even more involved when I started working as a state park ranger. I had this beautiful palette in front of me that I saw every day and it pushed me to share it with anyone willing to take the time to look.
What inspires you?
Light is always what I’m chasing, but I get my inspiration from just being outside. I want to create an image that is not typically seen and I find that I’m looking for something that either isn’t typically photographed or I’m trying to put a spin on something that is. Single trees and flowing water are my absolute favorites.
What do you like about AZ?
Specifically in Tempe, my favorite thing is to photograph odd architecture and try to show their relationship to people that generally overlooked it. The many alleys and drainage ditches were where you typically found me.
Where can we see you(r) work?
My work is displayed at my website olivemoonstudio.com, but I typically update my Flickr page more than upload it to my website.
What would you like to accomplish before you die?
More than anything, I just want to share my work and have it appreciated, which is something that happens already. I differently want to travel, but everyone says that.
What is your mantra?
I think I get the most satisfaction when I’m able to be out with my wife in a completely quiet environment. Sometimes I don’t even break my camera out because I want to enjoy the view and not concentrate on any of the technicalities of using a camera. When I am shooting, I usually get to where I want early and just wait for the right light. Once I set up, I can just close my eyes, listen to the nothingness, and click the shutter a few times.
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