Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Nordstrom.
Hi Chad , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been behind a camera for most of my life. I started shooting on film back in the 1980s, learning the craft the slow way, understanding light, composition, and timing long before digital made things easy. Over the years, photography has always been a constant, even as life took me through different careers and experiences.
I’m currently a Registered Nurse and a CrossFit coach, both of which heavily influence how I approach photography. Working in healthcare taught me to stay calm under pressure and notice the small details that matter. Coaching taught me how to anticipate movement and capture moments at their peak. Those skills naturally translated into my documentary style photography…especially in fast paced environments like sports and automotive events.
In 2021, I officially launched Nordstrom Creative, LLC and recently began focusing heavily on automotive culture, motorsports, and community-driven storytelling around Northeast Florida. What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into a growing brand, with opportunities to photograph major events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona, local car collectors, gyms, families, and businesses throughout the region.
My work is rooted in real moments…not overly posed, not overly polished…but honest, cinematic, and full of life. Whether I’m shooting endurance racing in the fog at 3 a.m., documenting a rare car collection, or capturing families and athletes in their element, I aim to tell stories that feel authentic and timeless.
Today, I’m continuing to grow the brand, build relationships within the creative and automotive communities, and pursue larger media opportunities while staying grounded in the local scene that supported me from the start. For me, photography isn’t just about creating images — it’s about preserving moments, energy, and stories that would otherwise pass by unnoticed.
“Life happens in the details” isn’t just a tagline for me…it’s how I see the world through the lens.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road…but that’s part of what’s made the journey meaningful.
Balancing photography while being a husband, parent, working as a Registered Nurse and coaching CrossFit has been one of the biggest challenges. Time is always limited, and a lot of my early shoots happened early mornings, late nights, and weekends when most people were resting. Events like the Rolex 24 meant shooting for long hours, sometimes through the night, then heading back to work shortly after.
Another challenge was building momentum in a crowded creative space. Social media makes it look easy, but growing organically, finding your voice, and standing out takes consistency and patience. There were plenty of times when posts didn’t get traction, opportunities didn’t pan out, or progress felt slow.
On the business side, learning contracts, pricing, branding, and client communication was a whole new world. Turning a passion into a legitimate business meant making mistakes, adjusting, and constantly improving systems.
But every struggle pushed me to level up — creatively, professionally, and personally. The long nights taught me endurance. The slow growth taught me consistency. And the setbacks taught me how to adapt.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of it. The challenges are what shaped both my style and my work ethic.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
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I’m a documentary-style photographer and visual storyteller specializing in automotive culture, motorsports, sports, and real-life moments around Northeast Florida. Through Nordstrom Creative, I focus on capturing energy, movement, and authentic stories rather than overly staged or artificial scenes.
A large part of my work centers around car culture and racing — from local collectors and custom builds to major endurance events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona. I’m drawn to the atmosphere as much as the machines: the late-night pit work, the fog rolling across the track, and the quiet moments between the chaos. I aim to create images that feel cinematic while staying honest and grounded.
I also photograph athletes, gyms, families, and businesses in a documentary style, allowing moments to unfold naturally. My background as a Registered Nurse and CrossFit coach plays a big role in how I work — I’m comfortable in fast-paced environments, I anticipate movement, and I pay close attention to the details that tell the real story.
What I’m most proud of is how quickly Nordstrom Creative has grown while staying authentic. In a short time, I’ve had the opportunity to work with local businesses, passionate car collectors, and cover major events — all through organic relationships and word of mouth.
What sets me apart is my storytelling approach. I don’t just photograph cars, people, or events — I focus on the moments in between, the emotion, the atmosphere, and the energy that make each story unique. My goal is always to create visuals that feel immersive and timeless, not trendy.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I genuinely care about everything I create.
I’m intentional about the projects I take on and the stories I tell — just as much as clients choose me, I choose the work that aligns with my values and vision. That level of care, consistency, and attention to detail is what drives both the quality of my work and the growth of Nordstrom Creative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ChadNordstromVisuals.com
- Instagram: @_chad_nordstrom_visuals
