Chad B.

More about Chad B....

What do you love about your job?

What I love most about this work is that it doesn’t feel like a job. Photography is my second major career—my first was in architectural design, where I was a partner in a significant firm. That background shaped how I see structure, light, and space, but photography is where my passion and profession fully align.

While I absolutely intend for my work to be profitable, what drives me is far deeper than income. I genuinely love what I do. I value the people I meet, the spaces I’m invited into, and the stories I get to help tell. Photography is part of my journey—it takes me into new environments, introduces me to different industries, and allows me to experience the world in meaningful ways.

I love to travel, explore new cultures, taste new foods, and connect with people from all walks of life. Photography gives me a reason to engage with the world fully and intentionally. For me, it’s not just about capturing images—it’s about experiencing life and sharing those moments with others.

What types of shoots have you done and how did you make them special?

I’ve photographed just about every type of shoot at least once—real estate, architectural, industrial, food, editorial, events, portraits, and travel. The only real extremes I haven’t explored yet are astrophotography and underwater photography. I’ve always been curious about both—they represent opposite ends of the visual spectrum.

One of the most meaningful sessions I’ve ever done, though, wasn’t for a major client or publication. It was a portrait session with a server I met through a casual conversation. She had never modeled before and was far outside her comfort zone. We worked together, slowly building confidence, creating images that felt authentic and strong.

When I later shared a large print with her, she was stunned. She said, “Wow, that’s me? I look amazing. I didn’t think that was possible. I have to show this to my mom.” That moment stayed with me.

It made me realize that many people see polished images in magazines and advertising and assume they could never look that way—that they aren’t worthy of being seen like that. Photography has the power to change that narrative. I have the ability to help people see themselves differently—to recognize their strength, presence, and beauty. When someone sees themselves in that light, it opens the door for confidence and authenticity. And that, to me, is incredibly special.

Awards, honors, and recognitions received

While I have not regularly submitted my work to competitions, I have received multiple recognitions including First Place, Second Place, Third Place, and Honorable Mentions in juried photography contests.

My work has also been published in marketing campaigns and magazines and is displayed in a variety of permanent and semi-permanent installations, including hotels, hospitals, doctors’ offices, private collections, and Orlando International Airport.

Although I’ve focused more on serving clients than pursuing awards, I plan to submit more work for formal recognition in the future as part of my continued professional growth.

A fun fact about this photographer

A fun fact about me is that music is another lifelong passion. I’ve played four different instruments in structured settings, including formal study, practice, and live performance. Beyond that, I have a growing collection of stringed and electronic instruments that I occasionally experiment with just for the joy of it.

Music and photography actually feel very similar to me—both rely on timing, rhythm, composition, and emotion. Whether I’m behind a camera or holding an instrument, I’m drawn to creating something that resonates.