Chester Pink is living proof that over one night course, your life can change drastically. What could be a random choice to bust out your camera for a night on the town could mean an eye opening experience. Chester has done just that. If you’ve been to a live music performance anywhere from Detroit to Chicago lately you have most likely caught him up, down, in and around capturing the experience for us to share. By combining his passion for live music and photography, he has landed on a calling that has filled a void and more. He has hit the ground running, and loving it.

Show Chester some love:

Instagram // Twitter // Website

Currently attending DePaul university in Chicago, IL, Chester is finishing up his education, with creative plans for the future. He’s looking to expand his horizons and push himself to his full potential. He’ll be filling his upcoming months collaborating with other artists in all efforts to encourage the spread of art and all its outlets. With a vision and intelligent head on his shoulders, he will do great things.

How did you get started with photography?

I got a camera back in highschool to document some of the work I was doing with Detroit musicians. I liked taking photo’s, but post production bored me, so it sat in my closet for years. Then, about a year ago, I felt that I needed to remove drugs and alcohol from my life. I love live music, but I felt out of place at shows, and I didn’t have a lot of close friends who would go to shows sober. Shortly after, I was home for a weekend and found my camera. I decided to take it to a show that night, and the rest is history. I was hooked. It was really hard for me to stop drinking with no outlet, and photography filled that void. I made a website and relentlessly took photo’s at concerts. I realized I could go to shows by myself, work my ass off, and have all of these great photo’s to share the next day. Instead of passing out when I got home, I could edit until the sun came up. I bring my camera everywhere I go. It calms me, it inspires me, it fuels me.

Where do you turn for inspiration?

I do one of two things. Option A: I spend a day driving, walking, or biking with my camera. No phone calls or texts. Option B: I go on the internet. Not sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc (though those do serve a purpose). More along the lines of blogs, online magazines, news outlets, artists pages, even venue pages. Anywhere I can find new information and inspiration. When I need advice or input on a project, I turn to those closest to me. My brother Troy is really talented, and has a wealth of wisdom. I value his opinion immensely, and he’s been a constant source of knowledge and inspiration. He’s absolutely my favorite visual artist. Definitely peep his website: www.typcollection.com

Photography wise, I look up to a number of people. Some are much more well known than others, but they all produce photographs I just can’t get enough of. I’ll list them off in no particular order: Joe Gall (@camerajesus), Kristina Pederson (@kristinapicture), Noah Gelfman (@gnoahb), Andrew Merz (@whereismerz), Joshua Hanford (@HomiesWithHanford), Kaitlin Parry (@shootpeople_), Nick Blaising (@nickblaising), Devin Aadland (@devinaadland), Simon Kirk (@misondesigns), Sean Kelly (@kbanzshots), Dan Mannes (@danmannes), and Christian Hogan (@thechristiandeon). I know I’m leaving people out, but that’s a solid list!

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m setting up photo shoots with artists, models, and brands for the late spring/summer. I want to do more creative shoots and really work my creative muscles. Also, this is somewhat unannounced, but I’m working on opening a DIY Art Gallery in Chicago. I don’t want to share too many details, because things change literally every day, but my goal is to highlight individual artists and offer smaller artists the opportunity to have their own exhibitions, or collaborate with other people on a show. I truly believe we live in a time of collaboration, and personally, working with other artists brings out the best in me. If you live in the Chicago area, follow my social media pages in the coming months! I’ll also be partnering with the super dope Chicago art collective ‘HOIST’ (www.hoistmakes.com), on a number of projects. I am SUPER stoked to work with them. Other than that, festivals and shows!

If we gave you the aux chord, what are we listening too?

I cater to the vibes. For instance, if I’m with a group of people I just met, I like to throw on The Floozies. I think it sets the right tone for any relationship, and I love watching people react who haven’t heard them before. It’s always like, “Dude, who (or what) is this?!”.

Some favorites: John Frusciante, The Band, Nina Simone, Gosh Pith, Talking Heads, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, The Red Hot Chili Peppers (I know every song . . . ever), Munch, EVERYONE on All Good Records (duh), Statik, The Walters, The Symposium, Twin Peaks, Modern Vices, Moonwalks, Deadly Vipers, The Ill Itches, The Landmarks, Big Sean, Earlly Mac, Prada Leary, Supakaine, FKJ, Bassnectar, Ray Charles, Kbanz, Made In Heights, Exmag, Space Jesus, Iggy Pop. The list goes on.

Anything else you'd like to share? Feel free to touch on anything.

If you want to collaborate on a project, grab coffee, take photo’s, go to a show, or just have a question, reach out! 248-838-8084. I’m all ears. I give out my number because personally, I’m not good at introducing myself via Facebook or email, it’s too impersonal. Some of the best relationships I have came about just because I was bold enough to call the person and say “Hey, I like what you do, let’s do something together”. We can all learn and grow from one another, so let’s!