Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Layman.
Hi Chris, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey of photography/videography first started when I was living in St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Nature was always a beautiful escape and I enjoyed doing my best to capture it so I could save that moment to cherish later.
I was gifted my father’s old camera which was a Canon EOS T1. I studied it and learned all about the basics of shooting manual with that camera, capturing beautiful landscape art pieces while living in a beautiful environment. I used a GoPro for capturing video of different adventures.
While going through the horrific experience of Category 5 Hurricane Irma I took that time to capture a blend of photos and video documenting my story. It was the distraction of a creative outlet that got me through. The experience was so traumatic that I felt it needed to be recorded.
Once I made the decision to return to Nashville after the storm, it became my goal to experience the things I enjoy without hesitation. Island life taught me many things but one thing for sure is that a calculated risk is better than not trying. I’m always striving to learn, apply, grow and never stop being curious.
I started photography by doing storytelling of my own along with a sprinkle of other marketing gigs. Eventually, I chose to lock in on the niche of music photographer/ videographer, A field which allowed my love for music and storytelling to blossom. The emotion of the song, the high note by the guitarist, the crashing cymbals, that long note the singer holds with veins popping out the neck. All the small details that immerse you into the music. Makes you feel like you’re there.
I feel connected to nature and music because of the opportunity to be present and enjoy the moment. The stillness of nature and the energy in music create a paradox that compliments each other.
I feed on the opportunity to help other creatives share their story. To break down the pieces that make them whole. Finding what opposites attract in their own life and how we can shape those into a visual concept.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road is never smooth when you follow your passion. Many times I questioned myself, my capabilities and value. Where did I fit in? Who liked me for my style not just that I owned a camera? Who is willing to pay me what I’m worth?
My biggest struggle was being a “yes man”. Always wanting to take a job because I thought I could do it. I didn’t focus on creating structure in my jobs with clarity in my direction toward music photography/videography.
I got burned a lot from working with the wrong people and not creating healthy boundaries. It took many bad situations for me to learn the value in saying no to a gig. I had to learn to respect my time and hold space for the projects that actually fed my soul not just put money in my pocket.
Now I’m at a point where I focus on quality over quantity…. The quality of the people I surround myself with is more important than the quantity of work opportunities I can get by owning a camera.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
While photography/ videography is my creative passion it is not the only thing that feeds my soul. I have a long history in the hospitality industry. I specialize in fine dining and have been serving for a little over 16 years now. It’s something special to be the one who provides a memorable experience that goes beyond the food.
One of my most memorable experiences is a time when I got to share my photography business with a table and they followed up with booking a shoot for tour promo. Since then I have enjoyed sharing my business with tables and getting to talk about what I love while doing what I love.
Some days I feel like I got lucky to be able to do something I love as a career while also doing what I love as a creative outlet.
If you’re ever in Nashville you can find me serving at Ocean Prime located in the Nashville Yards area. Come by and say hello!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I sure don’t read as much as I’d like to but I will say a few books that have been staples throughout my life include: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k by Mark Manson. I won’t dive into the intricacies of each book but I will say each one has a great way of focusing on key points that could better ones perception of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laymanslensphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativelaymanslens
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@creativelaymanslens
