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Chad's Bio

Where it all started:

Hello. My name is Chad Hensiak. I have been interested in photography since I was a kid. But, because I grew up in the time of film cameras, I couldn’t afford to shoot seriously so I took photos of family and events relying on horrible disposable cameras and one-hour photo huts to make pictures. Then, as a teen, I received a Polaroid camera as a gift and instantly fell in love with capturing life’s moments and shaking them into existence.

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Music has always been a big part of my life. As a young adult I spent hours learning to play guitar, listening to records, paging through music magazines, studying album covers, and dreaming of becoming a rock star. It was in that time that the work of Ross Halfin, Bob Gruen, Mick Rock, James Marshall, and others began inspiring me to become a concert photographer.

 

I got my first big break in 2009 when I became a staff photographer and writer for Saddle Tramp motorcycle magazine. While at this position, I photographed motorcycles, models, musicians, and motorcycle industry legends including the Teutuls from OCC Choppers, Dave Perewitz, and more. I also hosted a few live television and radio shows from motorcycle rallies all over the country. I stayed with Saddle Tramp Magazine until the last issue was printed in March of 2012.

 

After Saddle Tramp Magazine, I continued working as a freelance photojournalist for various motorcycle related publications all over the county. Then, in late 2014 I went back to school to study photography and earn degrees in both graphic communications and technical writing. While attending college, I took an accelerated certificate course in entrepreneurship and founded CAH Promotions LLC in 2016. After college, I began working as a contracted freelance photojournalist for Southern Lakes Newspapers covering events for as many as thirty newspapers. I still hold this position, and to date, my work can regularly be found on the front pages of newspapers throughout Wisconsin and Illinois.

 

I am very happy to work with my youngest son Drake and I am so proud of him for all he has accomplished. We both bring different styles and skill sets to our trade. Working as a team, Drake and I are able to capture our client’s memories in a way no one else can.

Tagline:

"Cameras are like time machines."

Education:

AAS Degree in Graphic Communications

AAS Degree in Technical Writing / Professional Communications

Launch Box Growth Accelerator Certification

Wix Webmaster Certification

Achievements:

  • Being the best father I can be

  • My photographs have been featured on the covers and centerfolds of countless magazines   all over the country

  • As a photojournalist, I have photos and articles in at least three local newspapers each week

  • As a concert photographer I have worked with many stars including Dave Matthews, Scott Stapp, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Nathaniel Rateliff, Saliva, Tantric, Luke Combs, John Mellencamp, and so many more

  • I am a member of the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)

  • I am a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA)

  • I worked as a teacher’s assistant at Gateway Technical College for two years

  • I am currently serving as the Chairman of the Board of Advisors for the Graphic and Professional Communications programs at Gateway Technical College.

  • I founded CAH Promotions LLC in 2016

Personal Work:

I am a big music fan and former working musician so concerts are one of my favorite things to shoot. In my free time, I enjoy getting away from the crowds to shoot travel and landscape photography.

Current Goals:

  • Provide my clients with outstanding customer service and professional quality work

  • Build my reputation as a photographer

  • Increase my customer base

  • Grow my business so I can do what I love full time and have more time with my kids

Aspirations:

  • To learn something new each day

  • Be the best father I can be

  • Become a freelance travel photographer

One quirky fact about me:

​I like my tea stirred, not shaken.

 

To see some of my most current work, follow me here:

Instagram

Facebook

1175 Event Center

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