A few years ago I did a photography school with University of the Nations.
It was an intense and rewarding school, and I met some of my closest friends there. I had the privilege of taking in all the technical skills and stories from professional photographers of various kinds and places. Gary Chapman came to speak in my school, and his wife, Vivian, came along, bringing insight into what it is like to pursue this career as a couple and family. Gary's work as well as how well they worked together really impacted me, and I've admired them both ever since.
Gary started working for a studio photographer when he was 15. He began sweeping floors, assisting him at weddings, and learning all that he could. In college he grew an interest for underwater photography--his ambition to be a marine biologist, working for Jacques-Yves Cousteau. "That dream took a turn when I decided I liked taking pictures of people more than I did marine life," recalls Gary, when he changed his major from marine life to photojournalism.
Initially, the connection for working with NGO's (Non-Government Organizations) began through Gary's wife. Vivian connected with a missions group at their church, inquiring about Gary photographing for their organization. She also negotiated her position as interpreter and their children traveling with them as well. The following summer, the whole family was able to travel world-wide, documenting the work of that organization. Through that missions group, Gary continued to meet others who desired his documenting skills.
His continuous travels brought him to Pakistan for a particularly memorable trip. Over a period of five trips there, he was able to present a portrait series about the Christians that endure daily persecution. "It was a sobering and humbling experience," Gary recounts. "Technically and creatively it was a difficult project because I had to take the portraits without revealing the identities of many of the subjects. It would have been too dangerous for the subjects otherwise." To see the story, featured on CNN, visit http://cnnphotos.blogs.cnn.com/category/gary-s-chapman/
to see people's lives change, and to tell those stories is what I love."
Gary describes that the opportunities from being a documentary photographer have been tremendous . In one example, a simple tweet about a hospital in need of emergency funds resulted in an over abundance of aid, even providing for their food needs for several months! The Bright Future Home in Migori, Kenya, is still a place where Gary and Vivian encourage others to sponsor children or donate.
Gary and Vivian live in Atlanta, Georgia. They are currently undergoing a new, exciting season. After twenty years of raising their children and living on 11-acres of land, they're moving into a loft in the city. "As a photographer, being in a totally different environment has been very energizing," mentioned Gary, just four months into this new change. His favorite quote is Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." "This verse in the Bible keeps me centered on the right things."
Be sure to visit garyschapman.com for more of his amazing work and stories.
All photo credit to Gary Chapman.
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