I’ve had the honor of knowing and working with Chad for many years now, but never as a Redding CA photographer! Originally, I worked with him at my previous job, designing and printing logos, posters and album covers for him. I pretty much had the opportunity to work on all of his promotional material over the fourteen years I worked there. But once I once I left the print shop to pursue photography more, I didn’t see him for a full year! 

Chad Bushnell is a super amazing guy, often doing fundraising events for others. He even sang at a local breast cancer awareness event at the Sundial Bridge in Redding. Recently, he’s been producing songs and has just signed on with a new entertainment company - Burning Ground Entertainment in Nashville, TN! And, he contacted me to be his Redding CA photographer for his upcoming album’s promotional material! 

So, it was super good to see him again and we were able to get some really fun shots at the Redding Rodeo Arena, which is sponsored by the Redding Rodeo Association. 

We started with him on the grandstands - just to capture an image of him singing and playing to an empty arena. I may or may not have been getting a private concert at that moment, but … The images! Oh my gosh! They were incredible. 

Some of my favorite images from the session, however, was him sitting in the chute where the livestock come through. I got him just resting in that area, where so many cowboys have come before him. I had him sing and play in this spot too, and just the power in these images were awesome! He changed outfits several times throughout the shoot - once into some Cinch Brand shirt and another time into a Yellowstone outfit.  

The guitar he was playing for this photoshoot, and his upcoming concerts, was not his, but a close family friend. It’s this beautiful and super high quality acoustic guitar. His dad’s friend loved that guitar, but was injured. So, now he can’t play it anymore. So, the next time this family friend saw Chad, he looked at him and said, “This guitar hasn’t been played in three years, and it was meant to be played. But I can’t play it anymore.” He wanted Chad to take up his guitar, borrow it and play it at his concerts. It’s a super sweet story and one that Chad gets to carry with him everywhere he plays! 

As the evening was ending, we were running out of light. But, we were close to the Sundial Bridge, so we hopped over there. We passed through the bridge and got a few silhouette shots. One with his ball cap and another with his cowboy hat, all while playing that beautiful guitar.  

Chad, it was super fun to reconnect with you! You’re a great guy and I hope one day you make it big! Thanks for letting me be your Redding CA photographer!  

Love, Jen. 

Jen Peterson with Jen Peterson Photography is a Northern California photographer with experience in weddings, engagements and California real estate photography. If you like what you see, reach out!

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