We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chris Schniepp. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chris below.

Alright, Chris thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

When my journey into photography began, I was—and still am—a teacher. It was March 2024, during Spring Break, when some friends and I decided to escape to Miami for a getaway. The trip had a dual purpose: a much-needed break and the chance to cheer on another friend competing in an esports tournament. We carved out extra days before and after the event to soak up everything Miami had to offer.

At that time, I had a deep love for cars but no real direction for turning that passion into something tangible. One of my best friends, who had just started dabbling in photography, brought his professional camera along for the trip. Miami, with its vibrant culture and jaw-dropping cars, became our playground. I found myself mesmerized by all the “cool cars” cruising around.

One day, curiosity got the best of me. While we were out driving, I asked if I could borrow his camera to snap some shots of cars on the road. That moment changed everything. I vividly remember capturing an incredible photo of a Corvette speeding by with the unmistakable “Miami vibe” in the background. The energy of the highway, the sleekness of the car, and the magic of seeing it all come to life through the lens ignited something in me.

When I saw the raw image, my heart raced with excitement. I couldn’t believe how good it looked straight out of the camera. Later, when I showed it to my friend, we were both in awe—giddy like kids who had just discovered a hidden treasure. That thrill of capturing the essence of a car in motion, combined with learning how to enhance it through editing, made me fall in love with the entire process.

For the first time, I felt like I had found something that connected my passion for cars with a sense of purpose. It wasn’t just about taking photos; it was about sharing the excitement and beauty of cars with others who love them just as much as I do.

At first, I saw car photography as a fun hobby—something to fuel my passion on the side. But as I started sharing my work, people began to notice. Fellow car enthusiasts reached out, asking if I could photograph their vehicles. That’s when it clicked: this wasn’t just a hobby—it could become something much bigger.

Now, every photo I take is a celebration of the automotive world and the community around it. My goal is to capture the magic that cars bring to people’s lives and share that joy with others who see them as more than machines. This journey has been exhilarating, and I can’t wait to see where it leads next.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Let me introduce myself—my name is Chris, and I’m a passionate automotive photographer and videographer with a love for capturing the soul of cars and the stories they tell. My journey into this creative field began somewhat unexpectedly. I’ve always been a teacher by trade, but my passion for cars was a constant in my life. It wasn’t until a trip to Miami during Spring Break 2024 that I discovered how to channel that passion into something tangible.

On that trip, I borrowed a friend’s camera to photograph cars on the highway, and one shot of a Corvette cruising by with the Miami skyline in the background changed everything. That moment sparked a deep connection to photography and inspired me to pursue it as a way to share my love for cars with others.

Today, I specialize in automotive photography and videography, providing creative services for car enthusiasts, collectors, and businesses looking to showcase their vehicles in the best possible light. Whether it’s rolling shots, detailed static photos, cinematic video productions, or creative social media content, I aim to highlight the beauty, personality, and craftsmanship of every vehicle I capture.

What sets me apart is the personal connection I bring to my work. Cars have been a meaningful part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I bring that passion and perspective into every project. I aim to create visuals that resonate—not just with the owner of the vehicle, but with anyone who loves cars as much as I do.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how my work has created opportunities for meaningful connections. Whether it’s collaborating with fellow enthusiasts, or simply sharing my work online and inspiring others, I love being part of the broader automotive community.

For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that my brand is rooted in passion and authenticity. Every project I take on is an opportunity to tell a unique story, and I approach each one with the care and creativity it deserves. If you’re looking for someone who will treat your car or brand with the same level of respect and admiration that you do, I’d love to collaborate with you.

At the end of the day, my work is about more than just cars—it’s about capturing the feeling they give us, the memories they create, and the stories they tell. That’s what drives me, and I’m excited to share that journey with you.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The driving force behind my creative journey is my love for cars and the stories they tell. For me, cars aren’t just machines—they have personality, soul, and a beauty that resonates deeply with those who appreciate them. My mission is to showcase that beauty and spirit in a way that connects with fellow enthusiasts and captures the emotional connection people have with their vehicles.

Through my photography and videography, I aim to create visuals that not only highlight the craftsmanship and design of each car but also evoke the feelings of excitement, freedom, and joy that cars bring to our lives. Whether it’s a classic muscle car, a sleek supercar, or a custom build, every vehicle has its own story, and I want to help tell it in the most compelling and creative way possible.

Ultimately, my goal is to celebrate the art and culture of the automotive world while inspiring others to see cars the way I do—as more than just transportation, but as works of art that have the power to bring people together.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the opportunity to capture and share moments that evoke emotion and connection. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking a car—a machine that already holds so much meaning for its owner or admirer—and presenting it in a way that makes people stop, admire, and feel something.

It’s that reaction when a client sees their car in a new light through my lens, or when someone tells me my work reminds them why they fell in love with cars in the first place—that’s what makes it all worthwhile. Knowing that I can use my passion and creativity to bring joy, excitement, or inspiration to others is an amazing feeling.

I also love the storytelling aspect of my work. Every car has a personality, a purpose, and sometimes a rich history, and being able to showcase that through photos or videos is like giving the vehicle a voice. It’s not just about how the car looks, but how it feels, moves, and resonates with those who see it.

On a personal level, being an artist allows me to immerse myself in what I love most: cars and creativity. Every project challenges me to grow, learn, and refine my craft, and that journey of constant improvement is incredibly rewarding in itself. At the end of the day, it’s the connection between my work, the cars, and the people who love them that makes this path so meaningful to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.cjzshotz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CJZ.Shotz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560425487685
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CJZShotz
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cjz.shotz

Image Credits

CJZ Shotz, LLC

Chris Schniepp