Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Chastain.
Chris, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started in photography in 2016. I purchased a camera to take on a trip to DisneyWorld so I could have some nicer pictures than just my phone. I started casually taking pictures to get more comfortable and found I enjoyed the practice of photography. Before I knew it I was binging YouTube videos, attending workshops, meeting with other photographers, and was hooked. My taste and style continued evolving as I searched for the things I was passionate about shooting. Today I try to tell stories when I take a picture. I want people to view my work and feel a unique experience in each image.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The struggle I have had with my photography is finding the right balance. Photography is not full-time work for me, so I have to make real efforts to find the time to practice. I have an actual full-time job that pays the bills, is currently a full-time graduate student, and has other responsibilities that try to get in the way. The way I have made due is learning that you don’t need all the bells and whistles to take a good picture. Instead of thinking about how I could keep my DSLR with me, I decided to get some simple point-and-shoot cameras that I could keep around easily. Now I look for opportunities within my everyday life. This might be when I’m on a bike ride, walking through the Farmer’s Market, working an event with my full-time job, etc. I have a camera strapped to my waist and am ready to go. I also use my phone for quick shots here and there. Then of course, when I can carve out some time that I can dedicate to shooting pictures, the DSLR comes out. It’s all about finding the balance that works and allows me to keep shooting.
Please tell us about your business.
My business is called Chastainphoto. I offer all kinds of photography services, as well as aerial photo/video. I have done portraits, weddings, baby showers, lifestyle shoots, engagements, fashion, senior pictures, headshots, pets, street, real estate, etc. My passion for photography has led me to a wide range of experience with many different styles of projects. What I am currently exploring is more urban-style portraits and projects. The work I am the proudest of is approaching strangers for portraits. I am a pretty introverted person by nature, so this work pushes me out of my shell. It is interesting to interact with new people though and have a brief conversation with them. It makes you feel more connected to the area you are shooting in. What sets me apart from other photographers is my desire to blend my style with the vision of my clients. My goal is to bring my skill-set to a project and see how I can work with a client to create a new and exciting project. I don’t want to tell anyone if they don’t like my work they can find someone else. I want to continue growing and learning from others.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Meeting up with friends in the neighborhood, riding house to house on our bikes. We never had plans for what to do, it was just whatever came to mind. Simpler times.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chastainphotography.com
- Phone: 214-642-3544
- Email: chris@chastainphotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/chastainphoto
- Facebook: facebook.com/chastainphoto
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