Chris A.

More about Chris A....

What do you love about your job?

What I love most about photography is the opportunity to connect with people while creating something meaningful and beautiful. Every session is a chance to tell someone's story, capture their emotions, and preserve memories they’ll treasure for a lifetime. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about turning everyday moments into lasting works of art. I also find great joy in inspiring others—whether it’s helping clients see their own beauty or encouraging new photographers to pursue their passion. For me, photography isn’t just a job; it’s a way to make a positive impact through creativity and connection.

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

With over 40 years behind the camera, I’ve had the privilege of photographing just about every type of subject imaginable—from weddings and portraits to events, landscapes, commercial work, and beyond. The only things I haven’t tackled are skydiving and underwater ocean photography—one of which I’m happy to leave to someone else!

What truly makes a shoot special isn’t the category or setting—it’s the feeling it leaves behind. It’s those moments when I step back, sometimes years later, and think, “Wow, I took that picture?” That feeling comes from being fully present, connecting with the subject, and capturing something real. Every shoot is an opportunity to tell a story in a way that resonates long after the shutter clicks.

Awards, honors, and recognitions received

While photography competitions aren’t the main focus of my work, I’ve always enjoyed entering them as a fun way to connect with other creatives, challenge myself, and continue growing in the art. Over the years, I’ve been honored to receive several awards that have meant a great deal to me. It all started when I was a kid, winning First Place at the TVA State Fair for one of my very first photo shoots. Later, I was proud to win First Place in the PC Magazine Photo Competition, and more recently, First Place in the Professional Division of the Knoxville Photography Project—a city-wide competition showcasing the best professional and amateur photographers in the region. These experiences have been both rewarding and inspiring, reinforcing my belief in the power of lifelong learning and artistic community.

A fun fact about this photographer

In addition to my lifelong passion for photography, I hold both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in the arts—specifically in the musical arts. That training gave me a deep appreciation for rhythm, harmony, and emotional expression, all of which influence my approach to visual storytelling. Just as music tells a story through sound, I strive to tell stories through light, composition, and emotion. My background in the arts has shaped the way I see the world and fuels my creative process in every shoot I do.