Friday Five // Gary Chapman

Published by: PlywoodPeople
May 21, 2010

For an NGO, non-profit, or corporation desiring to aid those in difficulty, photography plays an essential role in communicating those needs to those willing to help. I have worked in more than 60 countries during the past 15 years helping groups communicate their mission through photography. My wife, Vivian, has collaborated with me in many of these projects as writer and producer. We can help you communicate your message in a way that deeply connects your donors to the mission you want to accomplish together.

Plywood People: Will you tell us a little bit about how you got started in Photography?

Gary Chapman: Sweeping floors in a commercial studio, retouching B&W prints, carrying lights, accidentally knocking over a set with 100 lipsticks and fogging a box of 8×10 film by turning on the lights, were my first experiences with photography in a studio in Atlanta. Since those early days, I moved into the photojournalism realm for 15 years with stints at several newspapers and freelance for many magazines. Currently I, along with my wife Vivian, shoot conceptual stock photography for Getty Images. We also work both nationally and internationally for various NGO’s and non-profits.

Plywood People: What is Visitors: First 100, and what made it happen?

Gary: Because Vivian and I work out of our home, we tend to get away to visit friends and don’t have as many visitors as we used to when our kids were growing up. So, earlier this year, we stumbled upon a way that we thought might change that.

The idea of taking portraits of each person that came to our house started with five children one day in February of 2009. We had arranged to take pictures of their Dad, who sometimes models for us. He and his wife left on a date while we spent time with their kids. During part of our time together, we did a photo shoot with each one, just for fun. We had such a great time that I suggested we invite more people to visit so that I could get to know them better as I took their portrait.

It was a whim at first, but then we thought it would be worth trying. Would all our visitors be willing? Would anyone refuse? What new people come over? How many pictures would we have at the end of a year? What story would this collection of portraits tell?

We’ve tried getting a portrait of everyone who has dropped by the house and shared even a brief conversation, including repairmen. So far, no one has turned us down, although a few have slipped by. Some visitors loved being in front of the camera. Others have felt more comfortable when we’ve suggested using props that tell something about them.

After the first year, we ended up at 100 portrait sessions, 114 visitors (actually 115 since one was pregnant)!

Plywood People: How do you partner with organizations helping to improve global problems?

Gary: The non-profits and NGO’s that have used our photography do so because they are tackling huge issues and need support from many other people outside of their organization. They need help telling their story visually in a clear and compelling way. Using still photos and multi-media pieces can help potential supporters understand an organization’s vision and goals. Through visual story telling, supporters can see what is really going on in a far-flung remote village of Ethiopia, the needs in a rural clinic in Zimbabwe, or the importance of a local recycling program. For an NGO, non-profit, or corporation desiring to aid those in difficulty, photography plays an essential role in communication those needs to those willing to help. I have worked in more than 60 countries during the past 15 years helping groups communicate their mission through photography. Vivian has collaborated with me in many of these projects as writer and producer.

Plywood People: Will you share about how these partnerships have impacted how you live your life?

Gary: How has it affected us? Wow…in ways big and small. Vivian composts! We bought a gas-saving Prius (I must admit I wanted a truck)! We continually analyze purchasing decisions with questions of, “Is this a need or want.” But most importantly, working with people, in often desperate conditions, has only strengthened our resolve to be part of solutions. We often work with faith-based groups that are trying to help people in both physical and spiritual ways. Doing more than just handing out food is a specific concern of ours.

Plywood People: You obviously have an amazing passion and talent for capturing on film people’s lives and telling their stories. When you’re not taking pictures, what do you pursue?

Gary: When you love what you do for work, it is hard to separate work and play. I take my cameras everywhere. My children often felt they were growing up in a documentary since I just naturally photographed everything they did. I often told them jokingly, “If we don’t have photos, it (the event) never really happened.” But, it you must have specifics, my wife and I love running, kayaking and backpacking…and of course I take a camera with me, even if it is just an iPhone for the running.

Website

Blog

Visitor Project

Visitors-The First 100 from gary s chapman on Vimeo.

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