As we contunue the #CreatorConversations – an AMA (Ask Me Anything) series hosted by @sonyalpha on Instagram – we check in with Sony Artisan Of Imagery Chris Orwig (@chrisorwig). See some of the highlights below and visit the Instagram post for the full AMA. Make sure you’re following @sonyalpha and #CreatorConversations to keep connected. Chris Orwig will also be doing a live #CreatorConversations along with fellow Artisans Brooke Shaden and Miguel Quiles on Thursday, March 26. See all the details here. 

"Even though times are tough, it isn't the time to give up. Rather, as creatives we are called to search within, dig deep, create, express and evolve." – Chris Orwig #CreatorConversations

“How did you learn portrait photography? Did you just start at it one day or did you work your way into a studio environment so you could learn from someone?” – @simbagarvin

Chris: “I started by photographing my family and friends and then by photographing people that I admire. I found that with portraiture what is most important is how you approach the subject. So rather than photographing a model, see the model as a person. Or rather than photographing a surfer, see them as complex human with many dreams, fears, hopes, etc. In other words, go past the surface.”

“How do you get your subject to relax and get more of a candid shot?” – @wanderinglensphotos

Chris: “For me it’s about cultivating my own inner calm, taking a breath, asking meaningful questions and listening intently.”

"What gear do u use?" – @simona_anonymix_young

Chris: “90% of the time the Sony α7R IV and Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master.”

“What do you think is the most challenging part of capturing portraits?” – @autpops

Chris: “Wow, great question. I think it’s cultivating your own inner soulfulness so that you bring that to the shoot.”

“What time of day is your favorite to capture portraits?” – @seanciminera

Chris: “Like all photographs I love golden hour but really the way I approach light it allows me to shoot anywhere anytime of day... it’s all about studying natural light before you pick up a flash. That can give you a strong foundation. At least that’s my 10 cents!”

“Can you say more about how you approach light and how that allows you to shoot anywhere and at any time of day?” – @janeannep

Chris: “I look for the shadows, place the subject in the shadows and have them face the light. Then I explore how to work with windows or doors... great sources of light. All the time watching how it affects the eyes.”

"Did you know each of the subjects before you shot them? Or did you have conversations to get them to open their souls to your camera? Do you compose the shots with what your eyes/ instincts were drawn to, or use your brain/ technical side?" – @norlareally

Chris: "Some of the people I did know, while others I didn’t. Usually, I try to connect really quickly by asking interesting questions and listening intently. I find it also helps to make sure that I am in a good state so I bring that energy to the interaction. Then part of it is instinctual, but I’m always looking for certain qualities where the subject is authentic and alive."

"Any tips on capturing children portraits? It seems like there’s only two speeds—an unnatural still pose or crazy chaos speeds that’s tough to capture good shots of more than one kid at a time." – @fireflyflashes

Chris: "I do a lot of work with kids...my approach is to have fun and then eventually work toward stillness. But I always start with movement/fun first."

See the full AMA here.