Meet the Photographer – Christopher Delaney

Ever wonder what it takes to produce magazine-worthy interior photography; capture a designer’s point of view; or a special moment in time? Professional photographer Christopher Delaney — whose work has appeared in Design NJ and a range of media outlets — shares his own frame of reference, whether it’s inside a client’s home, on top of a building or out on the street.

Christopher Delaney
Christopher James Photography in
Red Bank | 732-832-6796 www.christopherjamesstudio.com

DNJ: When did you get your start in photography? Have you always had a creative eye for composition? Is it a skill that can also be honed and developed?

Christopher Delaney: In high school, I took a photography course and quickly realized I found my true passion. Growing up in a creative family, I think I have always had that creative eye. I believe it is something you are born with; however, I feel it can be refined.

DNJ: Has living near the Jersey shore influenced your perspective?

CD: Sometimes when I need to clear my mind, I look to the ocean to observe its strength and power, and also its sense of calm.

Left: Design by Kristen McCory | McCory Interiors (www.mccoryinteriors.com) Center/Right: Design by Alma Russo | AR Interiors, LLC in Holmdel

DNJ: Shooting interiors and architecture is among your specialties. The living area (above left), has a riot of color while the kitchen and breakfast room — located in a Jersey shore home — are more subdued and serene. In your opinion, what makes each composition compelling?

CD: I think the designer captured an energy and a vibrancy that is very pleasing to the eye in the living room. It also tells the story of a homeowner’s favorite lipstick color, which makes the design very personal. The clean lines and more minimalistic approach of the kitchen and breakfast room capture a more modern, clean living style, which is also very appealing.

Design by Elizabeth Chequer Hendee | Chequer Interiors (www.chequerinteriors.com)

DNJ: When a photographer tries to capture a living space in its entirety, sometimes details can get lost or there is no place for the eye to rest. You chose to highlight just a segment of this beautiful blue and white living room. Why?

CD: Oftentimes, when photographing a room, the idea is to portray the mood. This requires capturing certain key elements or vignettes, producing a stronger emotion than seeing everything. Sometimes a simple detail of a room, as opposed to seeing the space in its entirety, can have more of a lasting impact on the viewer.

Design by Sarah Brady |Salt Design Co. in Fair Haven (www.thesaltyhome.com)

DNJ: Is this another case where less means more in this quiet but intriguing hallway?

CD: The simplicity of the hallway with the rug and lone hat draws your eye to the artwork. It’s what makes the drama of the image work. Over styling the area would have disrupted the impact. In design, I’ve found that when in doubt, take it out!

Left: Design by Sarah Brady |Salt Design Co. in Fair Haven (www.thesaltyhome.com) | Right: Design by Kristen McCory | McCory Interiors (www.mccoryinteriors.com)

DNJ: Vignettes have a way of romancing a setting or evoking a mood. Do you employ any tricks of the trade when capturing those close ups?

CD: Composition and light are key elements to creating a mood. Clients are sometimes surprised when I suggest photographing with the lights off. Manipulating the natural light creates a fresh look.

Design by Elizabeth Chequer Hendee | Chequer Interiors (www.chequerinteriors.com)

DNJ: Can rooms with multiple windows pose a challenge? And can sunshine not always be your friend; or does it just depend on the setting?

CD: Sometimes weather and time of day are important and can create different types of moods. I think it’s important to keep in mind consistency and what the end result of the images may be used for.

Left: Christopher Delaney debuts his fine art photography at NY NOW. Photo by Meg Fox
Right: Sea Scape by Christopher Delaney

DNJ: Last spring we caught up with you at the NY NOW trade show where you exhibited your Fine Art Photography Collection. Describe the concept of fine art photography?

CD: There are two parts to my work: the projects I am hired to photograph, including high-end residential and commercial interiors, and the second part being my fine art photography, which I use as a medium for my personal creative expression.

DNJ: You travel frequently for inspiration. Where did you capture this endearing moment?

CD: Traveling and photography are my passions. This particular photo—“The Wait”—was taken in Glastonbury, England not far from my hometown. I love this image because it portrays man’s best friend anticipating his owner’s return. The vintage car and dog left me wondering who the owner was.

DNJ: You’re also passionate about street art. Does this require a different skill set from other methods of photography?

CD: Street art sometimes requires a quick response time traveling with a camera in hand. When photographing in the streets, I like my subjects to not always be so clear or known. It creates what street photographers call a “curiosity gap.”

DNJ: This image has a Beatles Abbey Road-type vibe. Was that your inspiration?

CD: My intensions were to capture someone in the rain; visible, yet not totally giving away the subject’s full face. The Abby Road feel was indeed on my mind!

DNJ: This is a magical shot of the Manhattan skyline and Empire State building. Was it taken during the holiday season? From what vantage point did you photograph it?

CD: This photo was taken right before Thanksgiving. It’s a special image to me because my dad was working in the New York Times building at the time, which allowed me access to the rooftop. It’s unique and rare because it’s a photo that hasn’t really been produced before.

DNJ: This vintage sailboat in the New York harbor is filled with juxtaposition. How did it speak to you?

CD: Taken on Columbus Day, this image is also very special to me! I love the juxtaposition between the buildings on the southern tip of Manhattan, the boat and the sense of discovery. Discovering a “new” America!

Editor’s note: Christopher Delaney’s fine art photography can be found at: Jim Inzero Gallery in Point Pleasant Beach (www.jiminzero.com) and Welcome Home in Red Bank.