Meet Gary S. Chapman: Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gary S. Chapman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gary S., how do you think about risk?
Every single move forward in my career has involved some kind of risk taking. To me, it’s a vital component to professional growth. Risk taking helps develop flexibility and creativity to adapt to changing situations. When I first started working as a photojournalist, I took risks moving from one newspaper to another even when I wasn’t sure where that job next job would lead. Then I made a big leap into freelance for magazines and commercial gigs, then into conceptual stock photography for another portion of my career. Again, as I made these changes, I wasn’t sure where I’d land. The humanitarian field where I concentrate now, has its risk taking components as well. Documenting community development stories in other cultures requires acclimating to a new environment quickly, and being open to the unexpected. Risk taking has provided for me a push forward, a way to continue growing and expanding my capacity to learn new skills and to apply those skills to whatever comes next.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a photographer who focuses mostly on documenting stories in the humanitarian sector, including disaster response. I capture stories for organizations and businesses who do community development work in majority world countries. As I mentioned, I started my photography career as a photojournalist, working for newspapers. It was an amazing way to hone my skills in capturing engaging, truth telling moments. That practice has served me well in every transition I’ve made, particularly in documenting the humanitarian work I do now. I’ve already focused on the importance of taking risks to grow in one’s craft, but the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to keep moving forward even when it seems impossible. I have a desire to document how different communities around the world are dealing with issues like safe water, education for girls, health issues, etc. These stories of transformation need to be told and seen. Connecting with the organizations that need this work can be a challenge, particularly with Covid restrictions for travel. That will eventually change. What won’t change is the need for compelling, truth telling visuals that connect supporters of an organization to that organization’s mission and vision. I want to be known as the photographer who has experience navigating different cultures and can capture the heart and passion of an impacting story.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My wife and I live in the Old Fourth Ward, where we can walk to a lot of great places in the city. A couple of our favorite restaurants are Botiwalla, and Super Pan, both located at Ponce City Market. Lotta Frutta and Julianna’s Crepes are neighborhood places we also walk to. We also love hiking in North Georgia, particularly the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail. In 2020, we finished section hiking the Georgia portion of the AT and camped up near the North Carolina border. If we have friends who stay a week, hiking would be at the top of the list! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m a Jesus follower, so one phrase from Paul, a disciple of Jesus, said that has always inspired me is this: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That thought has carried me through many decisions that were high risk. As far as a shout out, there are too many people to name here, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my wife and business partner, Vivian Padilla-Chapman, who has worked alongside me, taking these risks with me.

Website: https://garyschapman.com

Instagram: @garyschapman

Linkedin: @garyschapman

Twitter: @garyschapman

Image Credits
All photos ©Copyright Gary S. Chapman