One of the core questions I’m always looking to find answers to on this show is “What makes a brilliant visual creator?” Is it the grasp of technical aspects like lighting, composition, and moment? Or a personal skill or special gift of connecting with individuals in your images? There’s obviously a nearly infinite number of talented photographers out there, so what gives certain shooters a true “visual voice”. Well, today’s guest is such a brilliant example of forging that visual voice, that photographic identity, that brand... by melding artistic influences to create as Aristotle so brilliantly said “A Whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Chris McDuffie, born and raised in St. Paul, MN, is the founder and visionary behind Chris McDuffie Photography. Chris became interested in photography while studying Business and Marketing Education at the University of Minnesota, which ultimately led his entrepreneurial spirit to start his own photography business shortly after graduation. He’s since been fortunate to land jobs with companies including: Activision, Cargill, Fairview, North Memorial Hospital, Minnesota Timberwolves, Target, TCF, ESPN, Nike, Bumble, GQ, and the New York Times. WHEW. Chris has been recognized by the MN Fashion Awards in 2015, and the Beautiful Humans Award in 2017.

Since beginning his company, it has been his mission to bring creativity, honesty, and humor to both consumers and commercial clients. Being a life-long artist, his creative taste and aesthetic eye has been shaped by a rich tapestry of music, galleries, and theater in the Twin Cities. When not engrossed in work, Chris loves to spend time with his illustrious wife, Vanessa.

In today’s episode, Chris and I had such a perfect back and forth about creative inspiration, what it means to constantly re-examine and hone your craft, and so critically building genuine relationships and networks across skills, across genres, and across creative styles to uplift the whole creative community. Time for me to get out of the way and into today’s beautiful episode with commercial and editorial photographer Chris McDuffie.

So, as always — Keep seeing, keep shooting, and keep putting your best Photo Forward. LATER!

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SHOW NOTES // COMING SOON

PHOTOGRAPHERS MENTIONED // COMING SOON

QUESTIONS? // What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments!