Ironically, two seemingly "at odds" elements - abstraction and romanticism - are the driving forces behind my photography. While the objective beauty of the subject and the technical quality of the photograph are clearly a consideration when creating my more abstract images, it is the emphasis on mood which ultimately exposes the romanticism in my work as a whole.

A scientist by education, with degrees in zoology and psychology, I began to explore photography as a creative outlet during my career with an international environmental organization. In 1995 I bought my first used camera and began the long and ongoing process of teaching myself photography.

Reading books, and studying the works of great photographers (Herb Ritts, George Hurrell, Horst, Bruce Weber, and Nan Goldin) brought new appreciation for the composition, lighting, shadows, form and expression of mood of photographs. After gaining greater technical skill, I began to explore and develop my own style, much of it born from the dramatic "Hollywood" style of the 1930's and 40's.

With a move to Washington, D.C. in 1996, I began to exhibit my works in local cafes and eventually earned exhibitions in small galleries in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington. Most recently, my work has been featured in several national and international magazines and two photo anthologies. Such critical attention, however, is still unfamiliar to me. I avoid the limelight, and go about creating photos for my own satisfaction, and for the personal joy of creating something beautiful.

I recently moved to Boulder, CO, working from a homemade studio and darkroom. When I'm not photographing someone, I can be found lingering over a cup of coffee at local coffeehouses, backpacking and camping in the Pacific Northwest, or hiking through the Rocky Mountains.

www.chriscophoto.com