You NEED This Visual Artist For Your Next Photoshoot

You NEED This Visual Artist For Your Next Photoshoot
Chris Bogar

There’s something special about photographers who incorporate other mediums into their photos. For Chris Bogard, he uses paint. Chris is a Brooklyn-based visual artist and photographer, specializing in drag, portraiture, headshots, fashion, and product photography using paint.

Interview with Chris Bogard

When did you first get into photography and what do you use to shoot? 

I’d say I first got into photography when I got my first iPhone (a 5s) and started exploring mobile photography, which then moved me to buy an advanced point and shoot camera, which allowed me to have more control over my settings. At that point I decided to enroll in a photography class at my local community college, which exposed me to studio photography and portraiture and that’s when I had that “Hell yeah” moment and knew I had found something I couldn’t live without. That was in 2015. I now shoot with a Sony A7Riii which is insanely powerful and honestly a dream camera for me.  

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What do you specialize in?

I specialize in conceptual studio portraiture, often incorporating body paint, bold use of color, and other artistic elements. For me, drag photography is the ultimate gig because it allows me to be creative in concept as well as collaborative with another talented artist to create something magical and unique. 

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How do you balance your work life and your personal life?

Having just moved to Brooklyn less than a year ago, it’s been a constant struggle balancing my work life and personal life…there’s SO MUCH to do for fun in NYC that it can actually be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know how to prioritize things. Thankfully I’ve gotten better at saying no and making an effort to do things that will benefit me either socially or mentally instead of things that will drain me.

As both a creative living day-to-day and a photographer juggling photoshoots, tell us about a day in the life for you. 

As a freelancer, it’s definitely been a drastic change from my previous “student with a 9-5 job” lifestyle. Freelancing gives you an absurd amount of freedom that, if you don’t have discipline, can be detrimental to your growth as a creative. I try to hold myself accountable by actively pursuing new job opportunities and gigs, as well as networking and conceptualizing new personal projects for my portfolio. There’s not really a “typical” day for me, because some days I’ll be working as a photo studio assistant and some days I’ll be putting together a shoot with a client. I love the variety and unpredictability of it.

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What is the one thing you wish you knew before you started taking photos? Any advice for your younger self or others who are following in your footsteps? 

I wish I knew more about the industry and business aspects of being a photographer. Especially after moving to NYC, I felt a bit out of the loop and not sure where to start in terms of finding work, getting representation, and so on. I’d recommend taking a business class to learn the ins and outs of operating a small business. Also, never stop making new connections, because you never know where they might lead you!

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How are you inspired to create?

I’m easily inspired by music and lyrics, color, traveling, and things I see on social media that other people are doing. I’m not afraid to take an idea I’ve seen and morph it into something else, and I’ll often use mood boards to pull different aspects of multiple photos to piece together a concept. It’s all about making it your own. 

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