WHAT’S YOUR CONNECTION TO NEW ENGLAND?

I grew up in Minnesota and [from there] it was an eventual slide to the east. Like many people who visit New England, my wife and I decided to call it home, specifically Maine. Both of us grew up in rural areas, and after living in New York City for several years, we felt New England was a welcome change. Everyone was so laid-back and friendly, and of course we loved the natural beauty and resources of the area.  

WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND IN PHOTOGRAPHY?

I became interested in it while in high school. After receiving a professional camera as a high school graduation gift from my grandparents, that was the beginning. I headed to Ohio University to study photography and environmental geography. During college breaks, I interned/worked in New York City, where I assisted some amazing photographers, including Irving Penn. For a short time after college, I photographed for advertising agencies but eventually moved back into shooting documentary stories and fine art. Although I still use a large-format film camera, I primarily use Canon equipment and several different tripods. 

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

The weather, whether it is beautiful or extreme. The journey, both physical and mental, during the photographic process…. Photographers like Andre Kertesz, Edward Weston, Irving Penn, and Jerry Uelsmann have inspired me. I also love sculptor/naturalist Andy Goldsworthy’s work and that connection to the environment.  I’m drawn to the isolation of the lobster cars — these tiny floating wooden shacks on the water — but also the feeling of safety and comfort that the isolation provides. My imagination can be quite active, so I love the potential mystery of the lobster cars. What’s inside? Is someone in there? Are they a portal somewhere?  Also, like icehouses, each one has its own unique look, physical quirks, and attributes. As I float farther away in my kayak from the lobster cars, especially when the weather is foggy, the entire environment can take on an abstract feel, which I love. There is just something magical about it all. To see more of Chris Becker’s work, go to chrisbeckerphoto.com.

Lobster Cars | Featured Photographer Chris Becker

SEE MORE: Life at Sea | Photographs by Joel Woods Scenes from a Provincetown Dune Shack | Photographer Alison Shaw Scenes from Maine | Featured Photographer Greta Rybus

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