As any Creative knows, getting started can be a challenge. Christian Oth is no stranger to the effort that goes into success. He moved to New York City when he was 19 years old in order to go to photography school, and he went from having to pawn his only camera, to owning his own wedding photography business. Today, Christian sits down with Andy to tell his story and to offer advice to aspiring photographers and Creatives.
Christian’s Bio:
Christian Oth, Founder and Creative Director of Christian Oth Studio, is a world-renowned editorial photographer who has pioneered a distinctly evocative and authentically emotional editorial style through his approach to photography. His experience over the past two decades in fashion, photojournalism, portraiture, advertising, still life and celebrity portraits combines into a singular method that has come to define the aesthetic of contemporary wedding photography. Named one of the world’s ten best wedding photographers by American Photo, Christian leads a team of twelve photographers, each supported by a dedicated staff of photo editors, designers, retouchers and project managers, at his acclaimed studio in Manhattan. His editorial and advertising work has appeared in top publications including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, The Knot, Grace Ormonde, Town & Country, PDN, and many others, and his discerning clientele hails from around the world, including award-winning actors and actresses, entrepreneurs, artists, philanthropists and visionary leaders. For more than a decade, Christian’s authentic, evocative approach to shooting a couple’s wedding has refined the discipline into an art-form—a process that continues to evolve with every client. “My photographers and I approach each wedding with fresh eyes. I like to be open to new visual stimulation and come up with unique shots based on the personality and energy of each couple and the day they created. It’s out there if you know where – and how – to look.”
Show Highlights:
- How Christian knew he wanted to be a photographer since he was 17
- How having his own website in 2001 put him ahead of the competition
- The value of constantly being aware of your surroundings
- Christian shares how his approach varies with each wedding and couple
- The most important ingredient between a couple and photographer
- Why it’s vital to let go and trust your wedding photographer
- The role environment plays when it comes to photography
- What Christian enjoys about his clients who are more visually aware
- The approach Christian takes when it comes to his business and being the “boss”
- How social media is changing the business of photography
- Suggestions and the importance of networking
- His major announcement about his innovative new program: Jetsetters
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