Tim De Frisco has drunk from the Stanley Cup, been sat on by Kobe Bryant, hit by a flying octopus and featured on the cover of the National Enquirer eating brunch with Oprah.
The longtime photographer has a client list that includes the Harlem Globetrotters, Sports Illustrated, most of the major sports acronyms (NBA, MLB, NHL, NFL), Billings, Montana and the list goes on. Did we mention that he once had a camera sucked under a Zamboni?
The cover photographer for the SLO Chamber’s 2015 Visitor Guide and upcoming Relocation and Referral Guide recently stepped out from behind the camera and talked about candor, mentioned Gandhi and Donald Trump in the same sentence and humbly bragged about driving a lap on a NASCAR track in his minivan.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I can’t decide between Gandhi and Donald Trump, the similarities are uncanny. Maybe, the fictional Howard Roark. If only the world were so simple and clear-cut opportunities abounded for us to stand up for what we believe in.
What is your favorite word?
Peace.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Candor perhaps, which can be a bit problematic so I’ve learned to be more diplomatic over the years and also when to keep my mouth shut. I try to keep my natural skepticism and candor properly diluted with equal parts of kindness and generosity. Okay, not equal parts but I’m working on it.
Where would you rather be right now?
That’s tough to say because I’m rarely anywhere that I don’t want to be. I’ve been very fortunate to be able to choose where I want to live, but I do get restless now and then. I guess I would say on a road trip, being surprised by something unexpected around the bend.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Oh boy, does anyone ever like that question? I’ll go with Daniel Day Lewis since he does tall, dark and brooding pretty well. Plus, he’ll be great to hang out with while I’m on set to make sure they get it all right.
You’ve shot for Sports Illustrated; please tell me it was the swimsuit issue?
Well, not so much, I get my share of photographing beautiful bodies but they’re usually competing in a sport. Most of my work for SI was covering all of the major professional and college sports. I spent quite a few years on the sidelines working for them as well as the NBA and NHL. Covering big-time sporting events can be a lot of fun, and carry with it a lot of pressure, so it’s really satisfying when you come away with a great shot that tells the story. Dealing with the limitations of live events is definitely something I outgrew so I’ve pursued work that gives me more control over the whole production. These days I’m more involved in producing projects from the ground up. Moving into video has been really exciting and allows me to have far more control over the final product. With video, you can communicate on many more levels creatively and emotionally, so there’s a deeper satisfaction with the final product that is more complete than it is with still images. Of course, you never forget your first love and my heart will always be in still-photography. The challenges are much different and in some ways more complex trying to convey a client’s message with a single frame.
What’s the most memorable moment that you’ve had in the field?
This is sort of tough to answer since I have a natural aversion to nostalgia, I certainly have some fun stories but every time I tell one I get really sick of the sound of my own voice. How about a few quick highlights? Drinking from the Stanley Cup, working with Oprah Winfrey and ending up on the cover of the National Enquirer, being hit by a speedway motorcycle, being hit by an octopus thrown by some Detroit hockey fans, catching a pass from John Elway, driving a lap on a NASCAR track in a minivan, working with George W. Bush while he was president, being sat on by Kobe Bryant and generally abused by countless other NBA players. Okay that’s enough, it’s much more fun to look forward and find new ways to see the world.
Have you picked up any moves from the Globetrotters?
Clearly you haven’t seen me play basketball, or dance. They’re a great group of guys and it’s always fun working with them, but their talents are not contagious. I try to do one thing really well and limit the opportunities to make a fool of myself.
For a gallery of Tim’s images go here.