Christa Funk
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
My name is Christa Funk and I currently reside on the North Shore of Oahu. I started photography in 2003, My teacher asked if I wanted to learn about shooting a film camera and using Photoshop; I jumped at the chance and have been shooting since.
2. Where did you study photography?
I took two years of film photography classes in high school, was a staff member on the high school newspaper my junior year, and then the photo editor for the same publication my senior year. When I went to college, I decided to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy. I kept shooting on the side while attending and majored in Marine and Environmental Science. My senior year I was able to get into an advanced digital / film photography class at Connecticut College next door.
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
My first shot was a photo of our family cat named Simba.
4. What equipment do you use?
Since 2003, I
5. What do you hope to achieve?
My goal has always been to earn a living from photography, so far so good, and I hope to continue it.
6. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
When I was 16 in a Denver bookstore, I picked up a book called Extreme Sports Photography. Sean Davey was one of the featured photographers and I loved his surf photos. I
7. What inspires your unique storytelling?
Nature is incredible, the way light interacts and moves with water is an aspect of shooting in the water that constantly inspires me. I also love being in the water. Being able to move and swim in the environment I
8. What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Colorful, vibrant, alive.
9. Congratulations! As the winner of the London Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
I
10. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2022 London Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
There are so many hours that went into that photograph. Hours spent analyzing forecasts, swimming, shooting surf, and editing. I
11. How has winning an award developed your career?
Winning an award adds credibility to my photography career. Making a living as an artist is all in how you present your work to the world. This award is a point of distinction in my photography career.
12. Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Sean Davey, Margaret Bourke-White, and Lynsey Addario
13. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
My high school journalism teacher told me to,
14. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Be flexible with what you are willing to shoot. Before I built up my reputation as a water photographer, I was earning a living from photos taken on land: lifestyle for small brands, real estate, products, landscapes, family, weddings, kids, animals, etc. In fact, I still shoot all of those. All of the shooting and editing I
15. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
The key to my success was deciding to start my photography career while I was still employed as an Officer in the US Coast Guard. I had the freedom to learn and fail without the burden of having to pay my rent. When I finished my commitment in 2017, I was able to hit the ground running into photography. Don
16. How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
Don
17. Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
My husband and family are the best. Jake, my husband, is a fantastic writer, has a great eye, and is organized when I
