Meet Chad Michael Ward

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Michael Ward.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Chad Michael. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started as a digital artist back in the mid-90s, which required shooting people to use as the base image for the digital paintings.

When I moved to Los Angeles in 2002, I started getting requests from clients for regular photography shoots, and over time I started doing less and less digital painting and more and more photography. My early work was heavily based in the erotica/fetish and music world and would eventually morph into the portraiture and fine art work I’m doing today.

As my photography skills grew, I found myself becoming attracted to moving images as well, and spent a large amount of time from 20o7-2014 developing my skills as a director, starting first in music videos before moving on to direct my first feature film, STRANGE BLOOD, in 2013.

I still have a healthy interest in the film industry, and spend most of my free time writing and shooting short films as I continue to learn the craft.

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?
I don’t think life as an artist is smooth for anyone, especially for freelancers like myself. I left the corporate world almost twenty years ago to strike out as a freelancer, which means that in addition to the creative work, there’s always a ton of non-creative work to be done in order to run your business properly. Every day is a hustle to create new images and ideas while cultivating new and fresh opportunities for myself.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m a freelance photographer and filmmaker, specializing in unique portraits, band photography and film work with a dark aesthetic.

I’m proud that, over the course of twenty years, I’ve been able to develop a distinct style and approach to my work with a heavy eye towards the use of color and texture. I bring a lot of fine art sensibilities to my portrait and editorial work that sets it apart from most other creatives in my field.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Television. During the 70s and 80s, a lot of the genre tv was what would go on to shape my mind as an adult.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thechadmichaelward.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/chadmichaelward_photographer
• Facebook: facebook.com/chadmichaelward
• Twitter: twitter.com/chadmichaelward
• Other: patreon.com/chadmichaelward

Image Credit:
Lonny Sapikowski
Jessica Dru
Laura Wrong
Countess Bonaduce
Ash Costello
Alexx Calise
Amanda Jones

Getting in touch: VoyageLA 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.