Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Husar.
Chad, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I took a photography class in high school because I thought it would be really cool. I sat down the first day and they told me to take an oatmeal container, make a pinhole in it, and expose film – and it was nothing like I expected to start with!
Then I discovered there is so much more to photography… different films, dark rooms, shutter speed, equipment… and each photo is like a tiny masterpiece that you create with all of these little pieces and techniques. I was kind of a shy person as a kid, so this helped me speak through images instead of words. I also liked that you’re creating history, capturing scenes, families, and life events that last for generations. It’s kinda magical, and I dug it.
I got into wedding photography when I was 20, before wedding photography was even really a popular thing, ha! I started as an assistant, did well and kept doing it up until I was doing lead. After getting some solid experience I decided to give it a go on my own and build my own brand. I think it helps that I grew up being shy – I can relate to the people I’m photographing and help break them out of their shell and really show their personality!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As far as businesses go, it’s been relatively smooth, although there are always challenges in building a business. Takes a lot of work to get clients, get your name out there, especially when the majority of wedding photography is a one-time deal. Digital photography and technology has also produced an insane amount of photographers and competition, even though most have a lot less experience.
Another thing that was challenging, but now I consider kind of fun, is learning to deal with whatever happens at events. You can never predict what is going to happen (or not happen) – streets are closed, it starts raining, the trolley breaks down, or gets hit by a car – I’ve seen it all, and it’s no big deal. You learn how to anticipate, roll with it and improvise.
The job is a part photographer and part wedding planner, and if you are able to adapt on the fly, you’ll always be in good shape and help keep the stress out of what should be the bride and groom’s best day ever.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Husar Photography – what should we know?
With Husar Photography, I primarily shoot wedding or moment-driven events. Our style is capturing expressive moments to tell a story – we get a lot out of people’s personalities, show them truly having fun… people’s essences at their core. We also go for an aesthetic that has that “classic,” “timeless” feel. I don’t want anything to look dated.
It should look just as cool if you’re looking at it in the 1930s, 1980s, 2030s – the pictures should look like film. Timeless and non-reproducible. I also see weddings as archives that you can look back at various points in life. You’re with all the people that you love on that day. Eventually, not everyone may be around, or you may lose track of some relationships.
These photos give you something you can come back to. It’s actually affected how I work – I want to give you pictures that are meaningful for you for decades and decades. I’m proud that literally, everyone has been happy with my work for all the years I’ve done it. I’ve been able to set high expectations and deliver for folks each time. Every set of pictures we give back is solid, comprehensive and high quality and the best of the day.
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
As a principal photographer, it can get pretty lonely, so I’m looking to create a sort of collective of creatives to work with. It’s important to have others you can bounce ideas off of, and discuss issues or problems.
Plus it’d be a natural, organic way to network, share resources, and work on collaborations. I think it’d be a good idea that everyone in the photography community could benefit from!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.husarphotography.com
- Phone: 312-343-0688
- Email: info@husarphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/husarphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/husarphotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/husar-photography-chicago
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
