The places that shape us

Since childhood, Chad Baumer knew he was going to be an architectural photographer. There was something about immersing himself in unique spaces that ignited his imagination. Place has a way of doing that. 

Through his lens, Chad discovered he could capture environments and their stories in his artwork. Encapsulating a moment and place in time forever. 

At 13, Chad captured his first architectural photograph, a narrow walkway leading to the overpass of a major highway in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. In that moment, the place, like his future, seemed full of mystery. Throughout his adolescence, Baumer found himself returning to this overpass, attempting to capture emotion and depth through his images. This was the first of many places that would leave their imprint on him. 

In 2005, Chad left for college to study fine art photography and in his junior year, began an internship at Disney. 

“We can choose to experience one thing many times or many things one time. I will always value experiences because it gives you a greater depth and understanding.”

As he grew in his career, Chad gained insight into the power of place and the influence it has on people over time. 

“How a space looks when you enter it will set the tone of your mood for the next several hours—it certainly impacts my attitude towards my work.”

One of Chad’s most memorable experiences occurred recently, while he was photographing a workplace.

“The logistics of photographing a space can be chaotic—maybe the employees didn’t clean their space properly or the chairs aren’t all at the same height. But this particular space had been meticulously planned and deep cleaned. Even the monitors were at the same angle. This was the best situation I’ve ever had to shoot and I’ll remember it even years from now because it taps into the tonal chords of how empowered I felt to do my best work. There was no interference.” 

Chad's experience speaks to the importance of our workspace—the design, cleanliness, and intentionality of space so that we can work uninhibited. 

“Capturing photos is more than just a job, it is an emotional connection to the person who created the space. I catch a glimpse into what they were thinking in the way the light dances in a space, in the details, the colors, and the accents throughout.“

For Chad, having the creative freedom to capture another artist’s hard work is personal.

“When I enter the space I feel the energy in the space with the light dancing. I can tell a story through the way the light plays, through symmetry, and through lines. For me, good design takes understanding the balance between modernism and comfort. I want to be inspired, but I still want to feel at home in your space.”

Through Chad’s lens, we catch a glimpse of the elements that define spaces. By seeing from his perspective, maybe we can create more of these places that shape us.