Gavin McChesney is drawn to the severity of line, contrast, and structure. Photojournalism taught him to look for relationships and moments, rather than simply beautiful subjects. That instinct still shapes the way he photographs the natural world.
8 Questions
Describe the moment you realized art fed your soul.
Growing up in a family of artists and musicians, creativity was always part of my life. Some of my favorite childhood memories are visiting museums and printers with my mom, then sitting together folding boxes and boxes of cards. I was fascinated by her artwork, particularly her abstract paintings and intricate microrealism pieces. That early exposure shaped how I see the world and continues to inspire me today.
What themes do you pursue in your art?
I've always loved art that makes you think or feel something, from the emotion of French painting to the raw forms of Brutalism and the surreal worlds of Salvador Dalí.
In my photography, I'm drawn to solitude, scale, texture, and the interplay of light and landscape. I want to create images that invite you to pause, question what you're seeing, and discover something unexpected.
Tell us about what influences the direction for your craft.
Exploration is at the heart of my photography. Hiking, climbing, camping, and spending time in remote landscapes continually shape my perspective. I'm drawn to dramatic natural forms, changing light, and unexpected moments that reveal themselves when you're willing to slow down and pay attention.
How has your work developed over time?
My photography has become more intentional and editorial. I increasingly ask myself: Why am I taking this photograph? What am I trying to communicate?
I'm equally interested in the viewer's experience. How long can someone immerse themselves in an image? Does it reveal something new the longer they look? I want to create photographs that hold your attention, tell a story, and leave room for interpretation.
What's the most indispensable item in your studio?
My backpack. I've had it for nearly 25 years, and somehow its single zipper still works. It's nothing fancy. I throw in a telephoto lens, snacks, cleaning supplies, and whatever else I need, then head out the door. It's been with me on countless adventures and has become as much a part of my process as my camera.
Do you collect anything?
Mostly experiences and photographs. I'm more interested in collecting moments than objects. A photograph can take me straight back to a place, the light, the weather, and how it felt to be there.
What's the most inspiring thing you've seen, read, watched, or listened to recently?
Often it's something simple: watching light move across a remote landscape or experiencing a place in complete silence. Those moments remind me how much there is to discover when we slow down and really look.
What advice would you give to your younger self about your artistic journey?
I'm a firm believer in happy accidents, but equally in focus and discipline. Stay curious, experiment, and embrace the unexpected. But when you have a vision, commit to it and do the work to bring it to life. The best creative work often comes from balancing spontaneity with intention.
Bonus: What role does music play for you while you work?
I've always felt that music is to the ears what art is to the eyes. Both are gateways to emotion, capable of transporting us somewhere beyond words. Growing up around artists and musicians, I've come to see photography much like a musician learning a piece. A musician experiments with phrasing, timing, and dynamics; I experiment with light, angles, and composition.
Sometimes the smallest adjustment changes everything. A note held a little longer or light falling at just the right angle can transform how something feels. What I love most is that neither music nor visual art has to mean the same thing to everyone. We each bring something of ourselves to the experience.