Photographer Spotlight : Chandler Williams

Posted August 7, 2024

In News, Phase One, Phase One XF, Photographer Spotlight

How do you prepare to photograph in extreme and unpredictable locations like Iceland?

My preparation skills come from my experience spending time outside in nature, and underwater. I have a good understanding as far as weather patterns and changes. This helps me plan the camera gear I need to bring especially to protect my equipment from the elements.

The weather is unpredictable and ever-changing, especially in a place like Iceland. In these conditions, I’ve learned it’s best to operate on minimal gear, only taking what’s appropriate for the shoot I’m going on that day. Extra equipment that might get ruined or I may not need specifically for that shoot or location stays in my Sprinter van. This way, I never worry about anticipating the changes; I can just wait for things to kind of happen.

Shot with Phase One XF IQ4 150MP

What are / were your camera bag essentials for shooting a successful on location landscape photo?

First, I have two tripods. One is solid and sturdy, extending to about 72in, and the other is a mini tripod. I prefer something akin to a crow’s foot because I’m typically lower to the ground, at eye or head level, when shooting larger landscapes or astronomy.

The second is a good sling pack. You don’t want a massive backpack that’s going to kill your back. It should be waterproof to some degree and fitted to allow you to be mobile and agile in case you’re climbing or hiking in tricky conditions.

Last but not least, I always have extra SD cards or, in the case of Phase One, CFexpress cards. In my experience, they tend to go bad for no apparent reason. The worst thing that could happen is being out on an hour-long hike or on a landscape photo shoot and not having an extra card at your side.

Some obvious but honorable mentions would be your wide-angle lenses for landscapes. I typically don’t shoot landscapes with anything above 100mm. Some good shoes to avoid blisters, for which I’d recommend Altras; they have a great, waterproof Gore-Tex hybrid shoe that I love and have worn all over Iceland and Africa for the past two years. Lastly, a good raincoat!

What is a piece of advice you’d give to photographers looking to emulate beautiful landscapes like yours?

Be willing to invest the time.

Photoshoots for lifestyle, product development, and images for commercial or marketing campaigns are heavily controlled and successful. But with landscape, Its about time. Its amazing the amount of time you need to put in to understand the lighting, the variables, the nature. Be patient with it. That’s the pain and beauty of it.

You can shoot any time you want. You don’t need a creative director, models, talent, or anything other than yourself—maybe a tripod, a camera, and a lens.

So my advice to younger photographers or any other photographers who want to take beautiful landscape photos would be to put it in your time, enjoy it while you’re doing it, and make sure you’re learning.

When I started shooting film, I wrote the frame numbers on a notepad. Every frame I’d advance, I’d write down the aperture, shutter, speed, and the film speed I was shooting with. Then, when they were printed, I’d compare the frame number on the back of the print to the information on the notepad, and that was how I learned.

What are the advantages that keep you shooting with Phase One systems?

I can shoot a landscape photo knowing that I am getting the maximum possible output with my camera gear. The technology, the pixels, the bitrate, the coloring, I’m not going to be limited on a print.

This is the biggest advantage to shooting with a Phase One for me. I just don’t have any limitations when it comes to quality for my end game, printing. Features such as frame averaging are also a game changer. They allow me to think differently. If you’ve ever stacked glass, ND filters, and polarizers, you know it can be a nightmare. But the frame averaging on Phase One is a feature unmatched by any of the other medium format competitors out there.

Your images are offered in print sizes exceeding 6 feet on a single side. How does it shape your process?

This is a great question. The response can get quite “techie,” especially when speaking about 16-bit printing.

As far as shaping my process, there are far more limitations and issues you need to worry about using a basic 35 mm sensor. When you move up from that, it gives you freedom and confidence in your end product and more room to be creative.

The Phase One system allows me to work without compromise. Having print partners that can print 16-bit and camera gear that can handle the data that’s formulated into these larger prints really separates you from different competitors in the print world. You gain an understanding and appreciation for the art of creating beautiful prints.

What is one of your favorite stories from your trip to Iceland?

We were going to one of the notorious waterfalls, trying to arrive at sunset for a cliche lighting shot (beautiful nonetheless). However, on our way over, it became overcast, and storms started rolling in. This is a prime example of weather being unpredictable, as always.

When we arrived, it was dark, with no sunset. There was barely any ambient light left, and about 50 tourists were roaming around. As we entered, one of the guys I was with brought out his one-wheel and set off following a path. Minutes later, I received a FaceTime of him with a massive grin in front of this unbelievable waterfall in what looked to be a cave.

We hurried to where he was going to take some shots and capture this photo of me that I frequently use for portfolios. It’s this amazing waterfall he discovered that day. Not a location on a touristy map or nearly as convenient as the one we first arrived to. You had to hike and go through water to get to it. Unexpected, unplanned, and a great experience. We hung out there for a few minutes proceeding to get the Phase One soaking wet from the mist. The shots came out great like any other shoot but the story and memories behind the photo were what made it so great.

Why did you choose Capture Integration as your equipment partner?

I hit a point in my career where I wanted more out of my portfolio and felt limited by my equipment. I found Captured Integration, and deciding to work with them has been a solid choice.

Their field knowledge is what attracted me to working with them, and they have been a great partner throughout the process. I am also hopeful that our relationship will harvest future workshops with the phase one equipment!