Photographer Spotlight: Chris Lonardo
Name/Nombre: Chris Lonardo (he/him)
Location/Ubicación: Inwood (Dyckman)
Walks Attended/Caminatas atendidos: 6-7?
Occupation/Ocupación: Director of Engineering at a FinTech company/Director de Ingeniería en una empresa FinTech
Links:
www.instagram.com/chrislonardo
https://www.flickr.com/photos/chrislonardo
How long have you been a photographer?
20 years.
What got you into it?
In high school, I realized that photography is a medium that speaks to me, largely because it's within reach. I can't draw or paint (or even write legibly, if I'm honest), but I have a particular viewpoint and want to create original work- so the technical solution of a camera just made sense. I was fortunate enough to receive a hand-me-down Nikon F system from a relative, and just started diving in from there.
What do you like about the photowalks?
I've seen a bunch of parts of upper Manhattan that I never knew existed before on the Walks, and I've also walked the GWB a bunch of times. No matter how many times I walk a route or photograph a location, the Uptown Photowalk is, for me, as much of a social event as anything else. Most photographers won't do their best work in a herd of people socializing and walking around the city- and that's totally fine. The magic of the Walks is that you don't know who will show up, and it can be a very interesting mix of people from all over. I think a year or two ago, we walked around the Heights to the Morris-Jumel Mansion, and through Sylvan Terrace. That stands out in my memory because the weather was great, I was shocked at how well-preserved and distinctive some of the architecture was, and most of my local photography friends happened to show up.
What are your favorite types of photography and why?
I enjoy fine art, abstract, and architectural photography, but used to be much more into street and editorial fashion. Street got harder during the pandemic: as I've confirmed with a few other photographers that I know, people's "personal space" bubble seems to be expanded. Where I used to get close enough to use a 35mm lens, now people are a little more alert, and I have to stand back and get the same frame with a 50mm, which doesn't feel as personal or connected. I kind of outgrew the whole editorial/fashion thing- it stopped interesting me. I don't always care to make my art concrete & representational- in an era in which we all have smartphones that take photos that are at least pretty good, and in which generative AI has diluted the value of the image to near-zero: I just want to make the things that matter to me, and tell the stories that I want to tell. I find architecture a fun challenge- if you can find a new way to look at the same buildings that you see every day, it's a creative workout. Similarly, part of the fun of an abstract photo is letting viewers puzzle out what it might be. Fine art photography is, for me, a high and worthy bar- I will go months at a time without having that sort of creative spark, and then realize that I need to break out of the slump and push myself to tell stories in less obvious ways. I don't want my photos to be boring or quotidian. I draw inspiration from the Kendall Roy birthday playlist for my work: all bangers, all the time.
What are some of your favorite projects or photographs that you've worked on?
It's been a few years since I've done any worthwhile high-concept art photography, but I'm proud of my B&W architecture work, mainly around NYC. I enjoy playing with the compositions with wildly different lenses and techniques, and using various strategies to pare the reality of a structure back to its essence and form. There are so many "rules" around composition, but I am very trusting of my intuition here- basically, I feel when I get it "right". During 2020-2021 (so, early pandemic), I worked with talented collaborators around the world on a self-published book of a dozen monthly assignments. My goal in the future is to take on more long-term projects like this, but with clearer creative intent and harmony
Do you have a favorite camera?
Any Leica M. They perfected it 70 years ago. Why mess with the winning formula? Leica isn't some fluffy luxury brand- they have over 1,000 patents in glass manufacturing, and are the arguably the last camera company that still meaningfully supports photography as a fine art. Leica has an amazing history and vibrant subculture- it's really the Porsche of cameras, except that Leica actively resisted the Nazis and saved lives during WWII. I enjoy my Leica SL2 as well, but it's a lot less special than an M rangefinder.
What do you do outside of photography?
I finished university in 2008, and have been working in NYC since. I've been in my current role since 2021, and love my job- it's a mental workout.
Do you do anything else creative that you'd like to talk about?
If you're a creative person, that's a trait that pervades everything that you do. I have dabbled in creative writing, but honestly, working with startups and early-stage companies trying to take complex products to market, my creative urges are pretty well-satisfied. I love solving problems with the judicious application of ideas- in work life and creative life.
Do you have a philosophy you live by that you take into your photography or other creative processes?
Make it worthwhile. We are bombarded with images every day- why should anyone do more than glance at yours?
What ethical considerations do you take into account when photographing people or sensitive subjects?
I avoid taking photos of people that appear to be struggling or otherwise down on their luck. Basically, if it feels potentially exploitative, don't do it.
What is your favorite part about being Uptown?
Uptown (and especially, I think, around Dyckman) has a real neighborhood feel. It's a good vibe most of the town. And, from where I live, I can walk 10 minutes North, East, or West and end up at a waterfront in a park. There's a lot of natural beauty up here.
