CHAD KIRKLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

When I was a fearless 11-year old at our family ranch in Wyoming, I got into an ATV accident that damaged my trachea, stole my speech, and set me on a new path. I spent the following year working to regain a whisper. But during that time, I started noticing new curiosities—like warm reflections cast by the afternoon light—and reveled in the nuance of everyday life. These observations would come to inspire my new voice. My first camera was a gift from my grandpa, a Pentax K1000. It wasn’t fancy, but it meant everything to me. For the first time, I could turn my musings into something tangible. I was especially drawn to portraiture and the challenge of capturing an intimate glimpse of the subject. I still tend to feature people in most of my work. I’m always searching for that indescribable spark, the fleeting nostalgia found only in a real lived moment. Human connection is at the core of what I do. Not only with the subjects I photograph, but with all the friendships along the way. From intimate editorial pieces to large-scale commercial projects, at the heart of my work is the hope that everyone feels valued. Experiencing meaningful moments together elevates the work and gives me a shot at that spark I can’t stop chasing.