Meet Steve Chadwick | Freelance Photographer

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

Hi Steve, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I am an avid but educated risk-taker. I have learned that educated risk-taking may lead to amazing results that aren’t possible otherwise. When looking at an opportunity, I spend a lot of time thinking about what if I didn’t take the risk – what is the downside? This approach has guided me throughout my career. I have moved several times within the US with this approach and have taken several international assignments. I have never regretted any of these risks – in fact- so many opportunities wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. If you are 100% in your comfort zone, then I would argue that you don’t take enough risks.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There are so many different types of photographers out there and so many amazing and diverse styles of photography. My goal or the brand that I want to achieve is that of quality. I want the image I take – whatever image that is – it needs to be amazing! My goal is that the client treasures that image for as long as they have it.

The process of getting to my current state has not been easy, esp. as I dive further into the portrait world. So much has to come together for an amazing portrait. Between the light, the environmental settings, and ofc the person in front of the camera – that has to be on point. Once the picture is taken, then there is as much work post-processing the photo.

I know that over the years my post-processing of images has and continues to evolve. Initially, as probably so many other photographers, I did too much and the image wasn’t what I wanted. Over the years, I’ve refined my style and now the image is starting to work together as a whole. I am certainly not done growing, there is so much more to learn!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Arizona is such an amazing place – esp. for photography. At the top of the list would be the Grand Canyon – but that’s a drive! I have had models fly in to shoot with me from other states and here are my favorite spots. The ASU Palm Row is amazing if they are from states without palm trees. From ASU it’s a quick drive over to Papago Park with the amazing red rocks. A quick stop on Mill for some food, and then out to Lost Dutchman State Park. If there was some time on the trip I would photograph at the Salt River and then consider the downtowns – which are all amazing. Phoenix and the desert offer so many amazing views for photographers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family is my biggest supporter. As a photographer, they have all been test-subjects way too much (in their words, not mine!). But honestly, my wife is an amazing sounding board offering such a different perspective. She has been amazing in this journey.

In the photography portrait world, so many people have helped me advance. This summer I spent a week with Milton Lau, an amazing photographer who has been a mentor throughout my photography career. He has been a constant – he pushes me to get better and gives a lot of advice along the way. I couldn’t be where I am today without him.

And on the sports front, Jim Redman from MaxPreps (a division within CBS) has made me the sports photographer that I am today. Jim always took the time to invest in making a difference. He’s a tough editor but cares deeply about the art of sports photography and those who shoot for MaxPreps.

Website: https://stevechadwickphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevechadwickphotography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephencchadwick/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/steve__chadwick

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveChadwickPhotography/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/steve-chadwick-photography-chandler

Image Credits
From left to right and top to bottom Maybelle Rose, Sarah Root Collette Connell, Madi Watson Amanda Wyma, Alexis Marie Emily White, Hila Cohen