The 63rd installment of the SmugMug Corner interview series has us meeting 26-year-old Christopher Côté from the Mid-West USA. Introduced to photography at a young age, Christopher now works as an assistant wedding photographer for Edward Fox Photography. Scroll all the way down for a great interview with some fantastic photographs.

Name: Christopher Côté
Website: christophercote.smugmug.com

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Christopher Côté and I am a 26 year old photographer based out of Madison, WI. I've spent much of my life in the Mid-West and I think that has a lot to do with my laid-back demeanor and a desire to be friendly and easy-going with everyone I meet.

Emily as Bride

What is your background/training in photography?

In college, I took a couple of introductory courses in photography and loved being in the dark room. I eventually had to drop out of the courses when I became a father and spent long hours working in a bar. My life changed, however, when I got my first job in a portrait studio. Suddenly, I was earning money doing what I loved and I was hooked. I transitioned from part-time associate to full-timer to manager in a matter of months. It was the last promotion that brought me to Wisconsin. Working in a studio taught me much about portrait lighting. After a year in Milwaukee, I decided that I wanted to expand my horizons ever further. I resigned my position as manager and took a job as an assistant wedding photographer for Edward Fox Photography. I had the good fortune of being mentored by some of the most talented photographers I know. It was here that I was shown how to apply my knowledge of lighting in new ways... mixing strobe lighting with ambient light to create dramatic images that couples will treasure for a lifetime.Recently, I've been promoted as a Lead Photographer for Edward Fox Photography!

Michelle as Bride

American Bald Eagle

How long has photography been a passion for you? When, where and how did it start?

My parents first put an SLR in my hands when I was 13 years old. They taught me the basics of photography and were very supportive of my interest. The paid for development of every roll of film I shot using a banged-up Yashica TL Electro X and, later, a Nikon FE. After I had worked for a short time in a high-volume portrait studio, I saw how valuable digital photography was. I purchased (with my parents' help) a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT and brought it with me wherever I went. You can imagine my excitement when my son got his first digital camera this past Christmas. He may only be 5, but he’s already learning the ropes! I can only hope that the passion that my parents passed down to me will continue on in the family.

My Nana

What equipment is in your camera bag? What piece of equipment will be added to the collection next?

My collection of gear is always growing as I find more junk that I tell myself I simply cannot live without! My pride and joy is a Canon EOS 5D Mark II that I acquired shortly after they were announced. I also have a 30D to back it up. My most used lenses are a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 IS "L" USM, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 (the nifty thrifty fifty!), and a Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8. When in a studio environment, I light using a pink AlienBees B800 (yes, the color is important) and a few cheap eBay strobes. For illumination on the go, I have a Canon 430EX II and a few other speedlights. My PocketWizards (Plus II, Flex TT-5 and Mini TT-1) give me the flexibility to pop my flash indoors or out. I use a Bogen tripod & Induro head, Stroboframe flash bracket, and a variety of light stands.

The next piece of equipment to be added to the collection may actually be one that's already there. For the time being, my old Rebel XT has been relegated to semi-retirement, but I would eventually like to convert it into an infrared body. I love the look of landscapes captured in IR and I think it would be an invaluable asset in wedding photography. Also on my want list is a LensBaby. The creative possibilities of selective focus are endless and I've always had fun with borrowed LensBabies in the past.

Kiss at the Art Museum (courtesy of Edward Fox Photography)

Sneaking a Kiss... (courtesy of Edward Fox Photography)

What are your favorite places/subjects to photograph? Why?

I absolutely love photographing at the Milwaukee Art Museum. I've been there many times and shot it in all types of weather at many times of day. It is such a unique piece of architecture that I always see it differently no matter how many times I go back to it. My favorite subject, of course, is my son. He is a character who always keeps me on my toes. He can convey his exact emotions with his facial expressions and I am addicted to trying to catch his endless "looks." Oddly enough, however, I'm not a fan of trying to photograph my son at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Last time I took him there, I was constantly terrified that he would ruin a priceless piece of art. Word to the wise: rambunctious three-year-old boys and towering sculptures of blown glass don't mix.

Puff of Light

Who are your biggest photographic influences? Why? What about their work influences your work?

As much as I'd like to throw out a name like Ansel Adams or Robert Mapplethorpe, I actually take more inspiration from my peers than the masters. I truly enjoy being able to interact with fellow photographers and pick their brain for information. At Edward Fox Photography, my supervisors are some of the top photographers in Chicago (and arguably, the mid-west as a whole.) I see the caliber of work that they produce and I challenge myself to create images that captivate the viewer and make them say "Wow!"

Martin as Groom

Darek Vance

How long have you been Smug with your photographs? What features do you most enjoy with your SmugMug account?

I signed up in November of 2008 and I've been thoroughly satisfied with my SmugMug account. While I enjoy the ability to customize my pages, the best thing about SmugMug has to be the fact that the staff listens to the photographers and are constantly updating and expanding their services. I can't wait to see what they release next!

Tessa

If you had do sum up in 50 words or less the impact SmugMug has made on your photography/photography business, those 50 words would be...

SmugMug has made running my online business fast and easy. Extremely convenient!

Grumpy Boy

If you had to give one piece of advice to those wanting to pursue photography, what would you tell them?

Enjoy it. If you're not loving what you're doing, you shouldn't be doing it. To those who want to become professional, I want to stress that you ought to really understand your craft before you ask people to fork over their hard earned money. It frustrates me to see Joe Blow pick up this week's "soccer-mom special" dSLR at Best Buy and decide the very next week that they're pro. It is hard to make your way into photography and it's never fun to have business taken away by someone who has no idea what they're doing (besides charging less than you!).

Caution: Amanda at Work