We recently connected with Jordan Chapman and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jordan, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose in photography through a mix of passion, pain, and healing. What started as a creative outlet became something much deeper a way to connect with people, to tell stories, and to preserve moments that might otherwise be forgotten. But it wasn’t until I lost my mentor that I truly understood why photography mattered to me on a soul level.
My mentor wasn’t just someone who taught me technical skills; they believed in me before I believed in myself. They helped me see the world differently through light, composition, emotion and encouraged me to use my lens as a voice. When they passed away, it felt like a piece of my world had gone dark. I was devastated. For a while, I didn’t even want to pick up my camera.
But eventually, I realized that photography was one of the few things that kept me connected to them. Every photo I took felt like a tribute a continuation of what they started in me. That loss gave my work a new layer of meaning. I wasn’t just shooting to create beautiful images; I was shooting to honor their legacy, to capture the emotions words couldn’t express, and to help others feel seen.
Losing my mentor was one of the hardest moments of my life, but it gave me clarity. It reminded me that photography is about more than technique it’s about purpose, presence, and the power to move people. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just something I do. It’s who I am.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a photographer driven by the desire to capture emotion, tell stories, and freeze time in a way that helps people feel something real. Whether I’m photographing people, places, or moments, I’m always chasing authenticity the kind of images that go beyond aesthetics and speak to the soul.
What’s most exciting to me about photography is its power to connect. A single image can say what words can’t. It can heal, inspire, preserve memories, and make people feel seen. That’s what I live for those moments when the camera becomes more than a tool and turns into a bridge between people and experiences.
My journey into photography became truly purposeful after the loss of my mentor. Hey was the one who encouraged me to see the world differently to find beauty in the details, to be patient, and to always shoot with intention. Losing him was painful, but it made me realize that photography is how I carry his legacy forward. It’s how I process grief, celebrate life, and create something lasting. Every photo I take now carries that depth, that personal history.
As for what’s ahead I’m continuing to grow my body of work and collaborate with others who believe in honest, impactful art. I’m exploring new creative projects that go beyond photography, diving into storytelling and visual experiences that make people pause and feel. I want my work to be more than just seen, I want it to be felt.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Patience
Photography taught me that great shots don’t always happen instantly. It takes time to develop your eye, to understand your tools, and to wait for the right moment. Whether it’s natural light shifting, a subject opening up, or an idea finally clicking patience is everything. For anyone starting out: don’t rush the process. Practice often, and allow yourself the space to learn through trial and error. Growth takes time, but it’s worth it.
2. Emotional Awareness
Being able to connect with what you feel and what your subject feels can transform a technically good photo into something powerful. Emotion is the soul of photography. I learned this deeply after losing my mentor. That loss shifted my focus from just capturing what I saw to expressing what I felt. My advice: be present. Listen more, observe more, and allow yourself to feel everything. That vulnerability will translate into your work in a beautiful, honest way.
3. Storytelling Over Perfection
Early on, I obsessed over sharpness, symmetry, and all the technical “rules.” But what stuck with people what stuck with me were the imperfect photos that told a story. Learning to prioritize the message over the medium gave my work real meaning. For beginners: yes, learn your camera, understand composition but don’t get lost in the gear or technique. Focus on what you’re trying to say. A meaningful story will always outshine a perfect shot.
Ultimately, photography is just as much about who you are as it is about what you see. Trust your instincts, shoot with intention, and let your journey shape your voice.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I’m always open to connecting and collaborating with like-minded creatives, brands, and storytellers. Photography, for me, is about more than just taking pictures it’s about building something meaningful with others, whether that’s through shared vision, creative exchange, or bringing a powerful story to life.
I’m especially interested in working with individuals and brands who value authenticity, emotion, and visual storytelling—whether you’re an artist, model, musician, small business owner, creative director, or someone with a vision that needs to be captured and expressed.
If you’re passionate about creating something real and impactful, I’d love to hear from you. The best way to connect is through Instagram:@speedyvisionz. Let’s build something together that resonates far beyond the surface.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speedyvisionz/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-chapman-18822a1a3
Image Credits
speedyvisionz
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