Check Out Christopher Bauer’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Bauer.

Hi Christopher, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi, thank you for having me. My story in photography is one of passion for the craft, obsession, necessity, and therapy. It started for me at the tail end of high school by exploring anywhere I could alone with my camera and sharing what was captured then adding on headshots and senior portraits for money when the kindness of my friends and family pushed me to take it more seriously. I went to school for photography at the University of Illinois-Chicago where I received a bachelor’s degree all while continuing building my business photographing anything from bands to babies to weddings to welding back home in St. Louis.

My life began to revolve solely around making work for myself and others and I found doors opening all around me to travel and work with artists of all mediums. The last 10 plus years of photographing for a living has been a blur so it is a very good thing I have terabytes of hard drives holding a lot of my memories. Looking back on it all always grounds me and I truly hope to grow in the photography and art-making world until I am unable to see or feel anymore. Currently, I am working and living in my dream studio, focusing on portrait, fashion, promotional, and editorial work.

Alright, 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?
The road has never been too bumpy to stop or go down a different path. I really have so much gratitude for the people I have worked with. They have all been so uplifting and share my name with others which is truly the best way for any business to grow organically. My personal issues and growth have caused some of the largest bumps and I’ve lost myself in this work with no real healthy balance. With the help of my loved ones I have been able to stay afloat and it’s all mostly smooth for me at the moment.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is like a box of chocolates. My portfolio/Instagram is constantly filling with a new set of images that relate in no way to the last. A family portrait session usually butts up next to a promotional set of a metal band or rap artist than an art gallery opening and wedding. My personal work involves the spaces left behind where I feel comfortable exploring and documenting how a location unmaintained begins to decay. I have been working slowly on a series of found-object installations made of pallets, tires, broken glass, bricks left in the spaces where I build them and then leave with the photograph.

It’s important to me to understand where I fit in the manipulation of spaces around me, staying conscious of my mark left wherever I go. I am most proud of my continued growth and desire to learn more so I can one day teach others to passionately chase the activities that fill their cup. I think what sets me apart is my willingness to join the situation I am meant to document and not solely be a voyeur or director. Seeing each work situation as a new experience I am meant to enjoy keeps me excited to continue and I feel more a part of the work.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on so many opportunities for myself and others in the art-making world. The fear of the unknown in some days is soul-crushingly debilitating. Finding the most important of priorities in this life has been a daily practice during these uncertain times. I have realized that stepping back and giving myself days to recharge is important and end up in my being more productive and present for everyone in my life. I am taking life slower and I am thankful to have been giving the opportunity to focus inward and solve some problems I never gave enough time before Covid-19.

Contact Info:

• Email: cbauerphotos@gmail.com
• Website: www.cbauerphotography.com
• Instagram: @cbauerphoto