About 

I am a Tampa-based freelance photojournalist and commercial photographer specializing in food, documentary photography, and portraits.

Several years ago I began my career with film cameras shooting bodybuilders at a friend's gym. From there i wound up landing a job as the photography director for a motorcycle magazine. I got the gig because I had a bike, a camera, and the courage to photograph bikers. It was a lucky break leading me to photograph some wonderful and, at times, bizarre people. It also gave me years to refine my photography and reporting skills. Subsequently, I was brought on as a freelance photographer for an Alt-weekly newspaper in Tampa.

I perfected food photography because of its universal language. Everyone eats! I want my images to entice the viewer to want to try the food. Most of my work is done tableside in restaurants, emulating a diner’s view.

I also take pride in my years of experience helping businesses with their brand design. Creating the face of the business online is one of the most important marketing decisions a restaurant can make. I love collaborating with creatives to make that happen!

For portraiture, I prefer environmental shots. Images of people in their environment can help tell the stories of their life, personality, and creativity. If allowed, I capture photos that help to understand who my subjects are as much as what they look like.

Early on, I went to graduate school and got a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology. Having my own practice allowed me to understand how incredibly whacky (yes, that's a clinical term) we humans are, but it also made me more comfortable in my own skin. That idea permeates much of my personal photography work. Combining my clinical knowledge and quirkiness has led me to shoot things that can be eye-catching and sometimes visually unpleasant or provocative.

With the advent of the digital age, I also became skilled in the art of digital editing. And in the new era of AI, I am embracing the new technology and can advise my clients on its use.

I started teaching photography in Tampa over 15 years ago. From 2007 to 2014, I was the lead instructor and designer of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts educational programs. I developed the Photography 101 program at the museum and taught classes on lighting, Photoshop, street photography, photojournalism, and sports. In 2015, I moved to a bigger, more beautiful space to accommodate a more comfortable classroom and better technology for teaching.  I am now an adjunct professor in the journalism program at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg. My biggest hope with teaching others is to inspire them to take the next shot differently...better.

Info

 chip@chipshotz.com

813-786-7780