Meet Chandler Bunzol | Concert Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chandler Bunzol and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chandler, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been surrounded by art, even when I was a child. My dad, although not professional, is an amazing sketch artist. He was always drawing me pictures and giving me the space to create something– whether it be with paint or colored pencils. My mom also encouraged me. She showed me how to sew when I was in elementary school, even buying me my own sewing machine. My mom and I would sit in her craft room and make jewelry, paint canvases, and sew patterns we bought from Michaels. So, the idea that I’d pursue something artistic was never in question. It’s always been the best way that I could show what I see in the world. When I was in seventh grade, I bought my own camera with some money I had gotten from my great grandmother. I don’t think I realized at the time that I would fall so in love with it, but I did and continue to every time I pick my camera up. There’s no place I feel more comfortable and myself than behind my camera.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started concert photography back in 2018. I cold emailed a ton of online publications and although my pictures at the time were not good at all, I heard back from one and I’ve been working with them since. I think what sets my work apart from others is that you can tell I love what I do. Every time I shoot a show, I think it’s clear I love and enjoy it, as well as the artist/band I’m seeing that night. Now, again, I was not very good in the beginning, but I am so incredibly proud of those blurry, grainy photos, because I was so determined to outdo myself every time I took on a show. And I’d like to think I’ve done that and continue to.

I am most proud of how much I’ve stuck with this. It has not been easy in any way. As a black woman, in a career domintaed by white men, there aren’t many opportunites given to us, so I (we) have to work so much harder even just to be seen. The amount of times I’ve been given dirty looks or completely ignored in a photo pit is comical at this point, but I remind myself that I love what I do and no one will ever have the power to change that.

I think what I want people to take away from me and my art is that, yes you can do almost anything you set your mind to, but you have to be open to constructive critiscm and allow people to help you. No one gets anywhere completely alone. When I first started, I followed like over 50 photographers and just soaked up everything I could, taking inspiration from all of them to find my style. I dm’d so many people just picking their brains and I think if I hadn’t had the drive to learn, I would not be anywhere close to where I am now.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d probably start with some breakfast at Ria’s Bluebird and then walk it off at piedmont park and then for lunch/dinner, Woody’s Cheesesteaks. I’d probably take them to a United game, or a Braves game and eat Superica at the Battery. Another day we’d walk around Virgina Highlands, go the bookstore, and then have some coffee at Cafe Lucia. I think Little Five Points is always a great place to take visitors, so we’d stop there, browse Criminal Records, maybe see a show at Variety Playhouse. One day we’d spend walking/exploring the Beltline. I’d take them to Just Add Honey for some tea and then we could walk over to Ladybird for some food and drinks. And for some night life, we would go to Sister Louisa’s. I think I’d close the trip out by going to the Aquarium or the Museum and then stopping at Papi’s for some cuban food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My dad is genuinely my number one fan. And I know he’s my dad, so it’s kind of his job, but he’s always gone above and beyond just being my dad. Even when I was freaking out about what type of photography I wanted to pursue, he encouraged me to try literally any and everything. He has continued to show me so much love and support. Every time I post pictures from a show, he’s either texting me or calling me to tell me how much he loves them. He allows me to completely nerd out about what camera settings I used and the editing I did, despite him not knowing what any of it means. My dad deserves so much credit for where I am and how I’ve gotten here, because who knows where I’d be without him.

Website: https://www.chandlerbunzol.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanbunz/?hl=en

Image Credits
Ember Pearson