Chris M. Rogers
statement
Portrait photography is about an immediate connection between two human beings—the subject is willing to offer themselves, and the photographer is willing to capture their essential humanity and character with his camera. A good portrait is actually a good connection. I’ve wanted to do a project like this since I moved to Johns Island. I’ve driven past the Greater St. John African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church countless times, often wishing I had a reason to visit a Sunday service to meet these amazing people, listen to their singing, and hear their families’ stories. I’m honored that they invited me into their church and their lives, and especially honored that they allowed me take their portraits for display at MUSC.
bio
Chris M. Rogers is a lifestyle photographer with an eye for the energy in a moment. As a 1986 graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, with a degree in photography, his technical skills are expert and highly refined. Rogers has the ability to convey his ideas and enthusiasm, solve problems, and engage with subjects and clients, to get outstanding expressive results in his photography. Eager for every challenge, he is equally at home photographing models on a yacht in the Caribbean, cowboys herding cattle on a Montana ranch, or a pit crew changing tires at a NASCAR race. Likewise exciting are straightforward portraits like this selection of photographs.
Rogers has been a freelance commercial photographer for over 20 years, with numerous international, national, and local clients, notably Ford Motor Company, American Express, Kiawah Island Resort, Lexus, Ritz-Carlton, and the Garden & Gun magazine. In 2001, he moved from his longtime home in New York City to Johns Island, where he lives with his wife and daughter.
