'Awaiting Melacholia' By Christopher Hench for Platinum Love Magazine

“To me, simple images can be the most compelling.” -Christopher Hench

Photographer Christopher Hench

The photographer Christopher Hench represents an artist that understands the duality that is the fashion photographer. His unique vision and an exceptional talent allow him to tell a story with clothes as well as with captured moments. Still a student at Savannah College of Art and Design, he has already created an extensive body of work that cohesively reflects himself as an artist, with unconventional and marvelous tastes. Using a distinguishing darkness, he generates dramatic and compelling photos that definitely make him one to watch for the future.

Mysterious and unexpected, his beautiful editorial statements reflect not only the exquisiteness of the fashion depicted, but also the majesty of the light and contrast of photography. A stark yet veiled beauty pervades his editorial for the third issue of online magazine, Platinum Love. Encapsulated within the editorial is a scene that is both luscious and raw. In the collection, entitled “awaiting melancholia,” a fresh beauty is set amidst tangled dilapidation. Through the dark melancholic aesthetic of his work, is a future that is clearly bright. Here, Mr. Hench discusses his personal journey, finding inspiration everywhere, and doing what you love…

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I’m Christopher. I’m young, and ready. I am wrapping up my BFA at the Savannah College of Art and Design (20 weeks left, to be exact!). I currently work in NYC and London.

How did you get interested in photography or have you always been interested?

I have always had a great interest in art so I enrolled at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Once at school, I found my voice through photography. That was my initial push, from there, I began photographing fashion students senior collections and found my love for photographing fashion as well as portraiture. I enjoy the cohesiveness of both. I’ve always had a love for personal style and fashions so it was clearly meant to be. Why not photograph subject matter that I love?!

I feel my personal style reflects my work. For me, it is very difficult to remove myself from my work and imagery so why not let my images reflect who I am and my personal aesthetic! I love the mystery that can be buried in the most simple of images and subtle reflections of a consistent aesthetic. To me, simple images can be the most compelling. Casting and subject matter are everything, technical is completely secondary in my opinion.

What/who/where are your influences?

Influences and inspiration for me come from a little bit of everything. Mostly, from my peers. I love the idea of the ever flowing inspiration that is the internet. You really never have an idea what may inspire a concept next, a single word, image, song, anything! Inspiration is everywhere.

What has your experience in the industry been like so far?

So far, I have been living my dream. I absolutely love every meeting over coffee, every shoot, large or small. I love working my way up and earning respect. Starting at the top is no fun! The adventure is in the build up and the experiences along the way! Everyone has to be told no more than a few times, without that, goals would just be too easy and what’s the fun in that?!

What is the most difficult thing about working on a shoot?
I live for shoots! But honestly, the most difficult thing is pre-production. The most critical aspect for me is to have every single person involved in a shot on the same page as far as aesthetic and concept. Only then can the entire team truly work together to make a concept or idea materialize.

Who is your favorite photographer(s) (if you have one) and why?
First and foremost, David Armstrong. I absolutely adore everything he creates. Not to mention his lovely personality!

What are you most excited for in 2012 and beyond?

I am looking forward to concluding my BFA degree in art and moving onward at a full pace towards my future. My goals list is building up and its time to conquer a bit of it!

By Sarah Humphries