Hi Chip, I was thinking to title this interview something like Chip Willis, The Grizzly Bear of erotica photography. What do you think about that?
TEDDY BEAR. hahah.
In these days photography is greatly questioned from technology. I mean, who ISN’T a photographer in 2015? And the “like” system that social medias built is so great, meaning that everybody is a photographer and all his “friends” appreciate this! But what does really mean to be a photographer (without mentioning that you become one when all this tech world wasnt even thought of — like me, anyway).
I started years ago in film, and spent a ton of money and time learning how to use light, direct and settle into my own style. As a fan of photography you can see those people who are dedicated to the craft and learn the skill sets of what I would call good photography. It’s also pretty cool to see newer people surface, and grow and develop. Sure the accessibility of digital tools and social media have changed everything forever, but my belief is that the good photographers will carve out their own audience and be around for a while.
Mainly pro photographer make their living doing shitty fashion shooting, or weddings, some portraits or less commonly celeb stuff. Erotica doesn’t seem to pay the bills. How does this works in your case?
It does not pay the bills. I think the people who do it, do it for the love of the Genre. I have a day job. I shoot a few weddings here and there for friends, and have done some cool stuff in Hollywood a few years ago, but the truth in the matter is I really don’t want to shoot full time and for other people. I don’t think I work well in that manner, and I would loose the passion. Maybe if I was younger, but I have a house, bills, etc. and I have to make a set amount of money to live. Photography would never come close to this (Or at least the types of photography I enjoy the most ). I am happy going to work. Been doing that most of my life.
It’s also pretty cool to see newer people surface, and grow and develop. Sure the accessibility of digital tools and social media have changed everything forever, but my belief is that the good photographers will carve out their own audience and be around for a while.
Your photos are totally classic. I know you cite Helmut Newton and Peter Lindberg as inspirational, and of course b&w always has those good vibes. But where do you think the Chip Willis touch appears? Or when, for instance?
Relationship with the subject. I want them happy, confident and themselves. Nothing fake although often it is.
Following your work from several years I always think you don’t have the deserved attention. Are you maybe too shy? (I mean, I’m joking, but the question is for real).
I might be too shy. As far as attention goes, I believe things come when they are supposed to, and I have been super happy with the attention and growing fan base. Back in the 2000s I got attention from a Former Movie Studio Head in Hollywood. Did some work for him in LA and Australia. Very interesting times. Failed miserably on one shoot at this amazing Penthouse in Beverly Hills. I hated everything I shot there, but it was perhaps one of the best lessons I learned, and over the course of a year or so, it changed how I approached shooting and I have been much happier with my work since then. I’ve been patient and will remain so, but I totally understand where you are coming from and happy you asked. Over the course of the next couple years theres a loose foundation of planning to “get more out there” but much has to do with schedule and my growing interest in motion and motion graphics and taking the time to learn how to best incorporate my aesthetic to the medium. Many many hours learning things like After Effects and the like.
A lot of your collegues watch to Europe when thinking about erotica. And for Europe I mean France, and for France, Paris. Where do you watch?
Between work and always being behind on editing, I don’t spent too much time actively looking. For a while, I had put myself on a ban from looking too much, for fear of being overly influenced by what was trendy, etc. I follow a few tumblr’s and the like. Most of the magazines I used to follow are european and I simply cannot afford them anymore. One of my favorite photographers is Fabrice Mabillot. All the girls that we have mutually photographed love him, and it shows so much in his work. Always beautiful. Not so much erotic but beautiful.
One of my favorite photographers is Fabrice Mabillot. All the girls that we have mutually photographed love him, and it shows so much in his work. Always beautiful. Not so much erotic but beautiful.
We all know that the best shot is the next shot, but could you be so kind to send me your personal fav pic?
Fav Pic is impossible to choose. One is included in the set I sent to the magazine. Guess which one?
Who do you respect most in the contemporary scene? I mean, if you had the opportunity to be the magazine editor, who would you interview?
Not really sure. I know some really cool people already and that just might be enough. Then again for fantasy’s sake I still come up blank. It’s like a billion options. I am fascinated by many.
And — last — whats your more inspirational photo ever? By inspirational I take it as, what influenced me the most?
There is some latent image of Sophia Loren sitting in my brain somewhere, from when I saw it as a young boy. Probably something along those lines.
Chip Willis | website
