We recently connected with Chad Windham and have shared our conversation below.
Chad, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I try to stay curious. Creativity thrives from curiosity. I’m constantly looking at other images and films and trying to figure out how they were created. What was the thought process? How can I “teach” myself to see things through a different lens? I then take these ideas and start practicing how to do it. Being on set, with clients, talent, and people looking over your shoulder, is not the time to try something new. It has to flow. It has to be natural. The only way for that to work is to do it so often that you don’t have to think about it.
Another way to keep it fresh is to surround myself with creative people. We talk about process, push each other, and encourage new ideas.
Finding projects that aren’t client-based is essential. I just published a book on personal photography. Making that goal kept me focused on working on the creative process. I had to develop a look I could carry for 57 portraits. It was one of the most challenging things I’ve done in my career and the most rewarding.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a professional photographer and director of television and film photography. My career started as a travel destination photographer for magazines and resorts. This allowed me to travel the world and learn many different techniques. After many years of that, I moved into portraits and advertising. These two aspects still make up a major part of my business.
After decades of still photography, I was asked to help shoot a feature film without ever capturing motion images. The experience changed my life and career path. Since the wrap of that film, I’ve worked on 100’s of TV productions, commercials and movies. I focus primarily on documentary-style narratives. I love the outdoors and staying active, so most of my work is based on an active lifestyle and adventure.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
One of the most important things I’ve learned from my career is to stay fluid. The industry changes, technology changes, and trends change. In order to stay relevant and needed, you have to be able to flow.
Don’t ever stop learning and challenging yourself.
Another essential thing to remember is to be positive. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind. After all, we are making pictures for a living. How great is that?
How would you describe your ideal client?
When working with clients, I always try to collaborate on their level. In the advertising/broadcast world, there are many moving parts and personalities. It is important to be open to listening to the creative brief and working through the direction. Knowing what the client wants and figuring out the best way to execute their ideas is the rewarding part of this job.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chadwindham.com
- Instagram: @chad_windham_dp
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/windhamphoto
- Twitter: @PugsRule_PPBEnt
Image Credits
Chad Windham
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