Meet Chesney Midcap: Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chesney Midcap and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chesney, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
One big motivators for pursuing an artistic career is that I needed an outlet that I could do to keep my depression at-bay while being able to provide for my family. I found myself at a crossroad one day that went between staying safe and comfortable but burnt out in my job that I may or may not get a raise in or to do something completely risky and take a full leap into photography and see where it takes me. That crossroad turned into a one way road when I hurt my back severely and made the decision to quit to heal my body. While I was healing my body, I felt like this was all meant to happen and decided at that moment that I wanted to switch gears completely from being a nurses assistant/nursing student to being a full-time photographer! It’s been fruitful and quite the adventure that has taken me to different parts of the state, country, and even outside of the country. I feel like I’ve grown so much more as a person since diving full-time into a creative career and can’t wait to see where else it takes me! 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
One of the things I am most proud of when it comes to my career is how much I’ve overcome my social anxiety! I would panic before sessions because I was so worried that I wouldn’t do a good job, even though I knew that I would. I worried that new faces wouldn’t like me or vibe with what I was trying to achieve; and I always felt like I was comparing myself to other photographers. It took a lot for me to get comfortable in my own style and find out who I truly am as a photographer. It wasn’t easy getting to this place of comfort but overall, growth is kind of my mission in life. Over the years, I’ve buckled down and got very humble with all of my projects. I evaluate myself and go over my wins/losses and what I could do better next time. I admit when I fall short and always try to do the next right thing. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned was to not take art so seriously. It’s all subjective and always has its own admirers. I learned that I’m the only person I should ever compare myself to. Every past session is the only competition that I need to excel during my future sessions; to do better than the girl (myself) that shot yesterday. One of the things that I would want people to know about my brand and story is that I put so much love into each of my sessions. I genuinely try to create new friendships with my clientele by the end of my sessions. I want people to feel like it wasn’t a photo session but a fun hang out! Lastly, I want to freeze little moments in time that they may have not remembered or thought about during our session! That’s what it’s all about.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So if a friend was visiting with me, I would totally suggest we both go somewhere fun! One of the places I would want to go is to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! We would get an all-inclusive suite at a resort where its all-you-can-eat and drink- because what else would you do on a friends trip?! There’s a few places we would HAVE to go for sure. One of the places would be el Centro- or downtown. It’s beautiful and this history is so incredibly rich. We would go to see the “tequila man” because he hooks it up, BIG! After that, we would take a cab ride to a hole-in-the wall restaurant that only the locals know about to eat some super authentic food. We would also have to do the pirate ship that goes into the middle of the bay at night. Pirates, high seas, bottomless margaritas? Heck, yes. If we were really feeling adventurous one day, we would have to take an ATV ride up the mountain to do some fun zip-line courses. If all else fails, we can just sit by the pool everyday, stuffing our faces with free food and endless margaritas sun up to sun down! Some of the most important things to experience while there is the amazing and warm culture. No matter where you go or what you do because those are the memories that will last a lifetime.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Ben and our kids Kallen, Avery, and Lennon! I wouldn’t have been as brave as I have been if it weren’t for their encouraging words and smiling faces! I love you guys!

Website: www.chesneylouiephoto.com
Instagram: @chesney_l_photo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chesneylouiephoto

Image Credits
Head Shot portrait of me credit: Mia Gorrell Photography