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Christy Lee Rogers

Christy Lee Rogers is a fine art photographer, being an iconic personality for her underwater photography who recently collaborated for James Cameron Avatar Commission.
Christy Lee Rogers
Residence
Honolulu, Hawai
Occupation
underwater photographer
Known for
James Cameron Avatar Commission (collaborator)
Accolades
Sony Open Photographer of the Year (Issued by: Sony / The World Photography Organisation, April 2019)
Education
Bachelors of Art (Film, Cinema, Video Art, San Diego State University), Art/Art Studies (General, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
Social Media
Summary

Christy Lee Rogers is a fine art photographer, being an iconic personality for her underwater photography. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Rogers' artistic career has carried her all over the world, with her works of art exhibiting in exhibitions in Shanghai and Paris.

Christy recently collaborated with Disney and director James Cameron on the "Keep Our Oceans Amazing" campaign to support "Avatar: The Way of Water". Stars Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet are captured in pictures. The artworks, released on March 8, 2024, are part of a limited edition series aimed at supporting The Nature Conservancy’s goal to conserve 10% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

Christy was featured in global magazines including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar Art China, Elle Decoration, Global Times, The Independent, Casa Vogue, Photo Technique, Photo Korea and many more. 
She has also collaborated with well-known companies like Apple and Deutsche Grammophon. 

Christy has received multiple awards, including the Open Photographer of the Year title from the Sony World Photography Awards in 2018, Cube Award, ADC 99th Annual Awards, Fine Art/ Conceptual Series “Muses”, 2020, Best of Show, Trierenberg Super Circuit, and Experimental Photography “Mercy, Wisdom and Insight”, 2022. 

Christry’s art has been featured on several album covers, including "Orchesography" for the 80's band Wang Chung. Her images were selected for the 2013–2014 performance season of the Angers-Nantes Opera in France.
 

Biography

Christy Lee Rogers is a visual artist from Kailua, Hawaii. Growing up in the island paradise's beautiful surroundings and sparkling waves, Rogers developed a profound love for the sea that would eventually serve as the inspiration for her artistic works.

Rogers stood out from the crowd from an early age due to her natural creativity and curiosity. She sought inspiration and comfort under the surface, where the colourful aquatic life and constantly changing currents sparked her imagination, while her contemporaries played on sandy beaches.

Rogers' passion for art started to take shape as she made her way through the turbulent waters of adolescence. With little more than a camera and a never-ending pool of ideas, she entered the field of photography and used her lens to capture the magic and beauty of the undersea world that had won her heart.

Rogers continued in her exploration of artistic expression despite the doubt and disapproval she encountered from everyone around her. She refined her talents and established a unique style that would set her apart in the competitive field of fine art photography with uncompromising dedication and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of her creativity. 

Rogers' breakthrough came from her creative approach to underwater photography, which gave her the chance to combine her passion for visual storytelling with her love of the ocean. She created ethereal compositions by submerging her subjects in water at night, beyond the limitations of standard photography and capturing the interplay of light, colour, and form in ways that enthralled viewers all over the world.

Rogers's artwork started to receive international attention as her fame developed. Her displays drew audiences from Shanghai to Paris, ready to escape into the surreal settings she created with her camera. She broke stereotypes and encouraged people to view the world differently with each new creation, stimulating debates about the fragility and beauty of the natural world.

Rogers' influence was not limited to the art world; it also permeated the fields of music, movies, and philanthropy. Her work with conservation organisations raised awareness about the significance of preserving our seas and marine life for future generations, and her partnerships with companies like Apple and Deutsche Grammophon allowed her art to reach new audiences.

Rogers stays true to her roots and draws inspiration from the ocean, which has defined her identity and inspired her creativity, despite her many awards and accomplishments. She urges audiences to go deeper into the human experience and discover the beauty that lies under the surface with every new work, pushing the boundaries of her creativity.

In Christy Lee Rogers, we find not just a photographer, but a storyteller, a visionary, and a champion of the natural world. Her journey serves as a reminder that true artistic talent has no boundaries and that the most profound beauty may often be found in the most unlikely places—in the depths of our oceans and souls.

Career

Underwater Fine Art Photographer
2009 - Present · 15 yrs
 


Vision

My purpose behind the work is to question and find understanding in the craziness, tragedy, vulnerability, beauty and power of mankind.”

Christy Lee Rogers' artistic vision portrays the human condition in a very insightful way through the ethereal medium of underwater photography. Rogers aims to capture the core of human emotion and experience in its purest state. Key to Rogers' artistic philosophy is an in-depth examination of humanity's relationship to the elemental powers of water. She creates an array of ethereal beauty and deep introspection with her adept skill of capturing hidden subjects at night. Her pieces are more than just pretty pictures; they are meaningful meditations on life's intricacies.

She has a sharp eye for the interaction of light, colour, and movement beneath the surface. She encourages viewers to explore the depths of existence through her dynamic compositions, where beauty and fragility blend to demonstrate the interdependence of all living thingsRogers aims to inspire thoughtfulness and empathy in viewers by questioning conventional views and embracing the flexibility of water as a medium. Through her creativity, she allows people to think about themes of resilience, human connection, and the enduring power of the spirit.
 


Recognition and Awards
Christy Lee Rogers has received multiple awards and recognition for her innovative contributions to the field of underwater fine art photography throughout her successful career. She has gained recognition from both critics and fans for her creative compositions and approaches, which have cemented her reputation as a leader in the industry. Her journey to recognition began with her crowning achievement as the Open Photographer of the Year at the Sony World Photography Awards in 2018, marking a pivotal moment in her career trajectory. Since then, Rogers has continued to captivate audiences and critics alike with her innovative approach to photography, garnering prestigious honours such as the Silver Award at the Tokyo International Foto Awards in 2018 for her mesmerising "Muses" series. Her creative genius and artistic vision have been further celebrated with awards like the Cube Award at the ADC 99th Annual Awards in 2020, recognising her conceptual prowess in the "Muses" series. Rogers' commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression has earned her recognition from esteemed institutions such as the Moscow International Foto Awards and the Prix de la Photographie de Paris, solidifying her legacy as a pioneer in the field. Most recently, Rogers' exceptional talent was honoured with the Bronze award at the One Eyeland Photography Awards in 2021 for her captivating work "Into the Unknown," underscoring her enduring impact and influence in the world of photography.

References
Christy Lee Rogers
Residence
Honolulu, Hawai
Occupation
underwater photographer
Known for
James Cameron Avatar Commission (collaborator)
Accolades
Sony Open Photographer of the Year (Issued by: Sony / The World Photography Organisation, April 2019)
Education
Bachelors of Art (Film, Cinema, Video Art, San Diego State University), Art/Art Studies (General, University of Hawaii at Manoa)
Social Media