Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Doss.
Hi Chad, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I got my first camera when I was in High School in Winder, GA and after that day I was hooked. I ended up changing majors from pre-med to photography when I attended school at the University of North Georgia. After which, I moved to Atlanta and photographed weddings on the side, but one day while at work someone gave me an opportunity that would change my entire trajectory. An on-tour music photographer offered me a guest list to shoot a band at the Tabernacle and my passion sparked. I’ve been attending concerts since I was 13, but being behind the lens at a show truly feels like where I belong. I still like to shoot weddings, engagements, and portraits but my true drive-in photography comes from live music, which thankfully, Atlanta is full of!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey started off smooth for the first couple of years. With gig after gig rolling in, I truly didn’t see the limit in sight of what I may do. In February of 2020, I shot 17 shows and one wedding. And then covid hit, which for someone who photographs live music and weddings, basically caused that smooth sailing to turn into a dead stop. I went without photo work for quite some time. My cameras started collecting dust, and I was worried I may need to sell off equipment that I may never use again. My first show back was in Centennial Olympic Park for the Big Night Out concert series. I dusted off my gear, went in full force, and the energy and happiness I got from those shows made me remember this journey was far from over. It’s been picking back up, and thankfully the sky doesn’t seem like a limit anymore.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a photographer, live music is my central focus. There’s nothing that beats a 3-song limit to ‘get what you get’ to truly motivate you that every frame you capture has to count. I work better under pressure, and always strive for a quick turnaround. I like to have the photos from the shows I shoot to be ready to be sent out sometimes before the artist has even left the venue. It’s all in a night’s work though in the industry of music photography. As for my wedding and portrait sessions I like to let loose and capture people with less posing and more genuine emotion. It’s more fun that way, and at the end of the day I would describe my work method as ‘have fun, and the photos will follow.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Spreading joy. I want anyone who looks at my work to crack a smile or be brought back to a moment in time where they were experiencing joy, and for those who weren’t there to want to join in on the fun. My mom always taught me to experience joy in every situation you’re in, no matter how little or how big. So to convey that through photography means the world to me. I hope everyone experiences joy in life, and I’m always lucky to be there with them when it happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dossimaging.com
- Instagram: @dossimaging
Image Credits
Chad Doss of Doss Imaging
