Chris Tait

When the two of us had our initial brainstorm session, before welikeniceboys.com was born, we compiled a list of boys we HAD to have featured on the blog. Chris Tait’s name was one of the first scribbled in the back of the moleskine. So we thought that it must be a sign from the universe that when we sat on the balcony of my apartment to view photos from our “take it to the streets” adventure, that the sound of skateboard wheels on cement (an international aural indicator of approaching babes) meant Chris Tait rolling down my street on his way to meet with friends and organize an art and photography show.

We yelled down to him from the top floor and after exchanging jokes about Romeo and Juliet, telling him I felt like he should climb my hair and him telling me that he would if there were more of it, we were on our way to having our most spontaneous interview that then turned into almost 4 full hours of quality hang out time. Our experience with him on this warm Friday is proof of how easy it is to get along with Chris Tait. 

Chris is an extremely talented and prolific photographer. He shoots for every important music festival in Calgary including Sled Island and the Calgary Folk Music Festival. You will rarely find him without a camera strapped to his chest or some part of his body.

An even more infrequent sighting would be to see this boy without a smile on his face. From ear to ear, that curve that sets everything straight, smile clichés are made cliché because of  boys with smiles like Chris Tait’s.

Chris is attentive, positive, enthusiastic and energetic. He is passionate about what he does and whole-heartedly helps his friends. Even if that means clipping his toenails on camera for friends who make weird experimental films, Chris will be there.

 

 

Q&A

What is the nicest thing you’ve ever done for a stranger?

That’s a hard question!

OK the nicest thing you’ve ever done for a person you know. You clipped your toenails on camera for me, remember?

Oh yeah! I clipped my toenails for your film once.

Also, I get a weird pleasure out of moving people stuff into their new house. Something to do with vicarious newness and the newness of peoples lives. It’s that change. That exciting change part. For the most part it’s a good thing.

Stupidest thing ever done in the name of love?

Painful groan. So many to choose from. The paintul groan sums it up. I trimmed this girl’s mom’s massive hedge which I just now realize sounds so wrong. She lives in this giant house with a massive hedge and so I hung out at her hedge and trimmed it all day just to be near her. It was weird. It was very crazy.

How old were you?

I don’t know like, 22. Clearly out of my mind.

Another one?

I feel like everything I do for love when it does actually happen is crazy.

Would you consider yourself a romantic?

Maybe. Occassional romantic.

How do you feel about slow jamz?

How do I answer that question? What do you mean about slow jamz?

Do you ever listen to slow jamz?

No.

Nevermind.

What do you like for breakfast?

I’m a waffle guy. Definitely. Fricken waffles.

How do you take your coffee?

Black. Definitely black. Black black black. I’ve always wanted to order coffee with “I like my coffee like I like my women, dark and bitter”…but I’ve never had the opportunity.

What are you like to deal with in the morning?

Pre or post coffee? Pre, probably pretty horrendous but I would never remember that. Post-coffee probably pretty manageable. 

When are you at your best?

That’s a good question. Hmmmmm I don’t know. Most productive probably when I am caffeinated and at three am when I can get away with that.

What is the coolest thing on you right now?

I have ear plugs for shooting concerts. I keep on getting asked if I carry drugs in this little container but that is not the case.

 A song you know all the words to and are proud of?

HA! Umm I know a lot of Tenacious D

Do you know F*** Her Gently?

DO I know F*** Her Gently!

this is where the two of us sing in full, F*** Her Gently by Tenacious D

 A song you know all the words to and are not proud of?

Something by ABBA probably. I just watched Mama Mia with my mom and it was great!

Tupac or biggie?

Ehh? Yeah. Not really polarized in the way that a lot of people are about that. Mostly because old school isn’t really my thing

So then does that make new school your thing?

No.

Do you know any rap songs?

Ehhhhh?

Do you at least know the theme song to Fresh Prince of Bel Air?

Of course I do!

One object you couldn’t live without?

My camera. Hands down definitely. Maybe some film

What kind of camera are you working with right now?

Hassleblad. I’m that guy right now and it’s pretty good. 

See some of Chris’ amazing photos at http://www.christait.ca

you can also follow Chris on twitter! His handle is @christaitdotca