Dennis Chapman-Master Photographer

Photography Bio for Dennis Chapman

I began my photography career in 1955 with a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye Camera and earned money taking pictures of individuals, groups, and special events. My dark room consisted of a closet in our laundry room. In high school I studied photography (taking pictures, developing film and printing images from the film).

Later in 1965, while in the Navy I photographed for the Navy and was involved in commercial photography. After leaving military service and while attending college I studied photography and had the great opportunity of working at Gittings Photo Studios. While working at Gittings I received the best training that a photographer could receive. I worked in the film processing laboratory and then learned the specialized techniques of the master photographers who were commissioned to make portraits of the more prominent citizens of Houston. Gittings was the premier photographic studio in the Southern United States. While there, I learned the proprietary dye transfer process, retouching, and the special lighting for portraits.

After leaving Gittings, and while still attending college (studying law and photography) I worked for some of the major photographic suppliers of the area. While working in that capacity I began to appreciate the "top of the line" photographic equipment such as Leica, Nikon and Hasselblad. As an employee I was able to acquire Leica, Nikon and Hasselblad equipment that I would have not been able to afford had I not been in that position. Over the years I was able to collect most of the Leica Cameras that had been produced (i.e. M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8, Leicaflex SL, Leicaflex SL2, R3, R4, R6, R7, R9 and the S2P.

Later I worked with Wilbur Moore who was one of the most well known and leading Houston photographers, specializing in weddings and corporate photography. During that time I became the staff photographer for several of the local and regional magazines and was responsible for the cover shots that appeared on the magazine. And, I have continued to contribute my work to many national and regional magazines, newspapers, Airlines, Government Agencies, Companies, and individuals. My photographic work has taken me all over the USA, the Caribbean, Asia, and Mexico. In that capacity I have had the honor and pleasure of working with some of the photography greats such as J. Frederick Smith, Peter Gowland and many more. Several years later I returned to college where I continued my studies of photography (receiving advance degrees in the field of art) and law, hoping to become an attorney, but with a passion for photography.

In my role as a photographer I have shot all formats (Minox, 35mm, 120, 4x5 and 8x10) and all types film, digital and video. And I have processed all types of film both personally and in the professional labs. My expertise includes: Headshots, Commercial Advertisements, Executive Portraits, Fashion, Red Carpet Events, Aerial, Travel, Weddings, Video, Boudoir, Glamour, Pet Photography, Food, Swimsuit, and Legal Photography for court. My client list includes some of the top actors, magazines, musicians, airlines, fashion designers, models, and corporate business leaders.

I have been a photography instructor for over 40 years. Subjects that I have taught include: Composition, exposure, depth of field, lighting, film processing, printing and processing, retouching, posing, Photoshop, Lightroom and many other aspects of photography. I am fortunate to have had my work displayed in many galleries and I feel “blessed” to have won many national and international awards for my photographic work. Because I am well known in the photographic community I am fortunate to not have to advertise and only work by referrals.

My purpose in life is to capture that “moment in time” that will be gone forever—to preserve that memory for others to enjoy and appreciate. I want to encourage those who have a desire to be creative with photography and to help them achieve their goals. Many times I donate my time, free of charge, to accomplish that purpose. You are always welcome to contact me and allow me to encourage you to learn more about photography or just share your photos. Photography is like a great bottle of wine….it is meant to be shared with someone special and each person will have their own unique experience.

Have A Blessed Day !!!

Dennis