A musician’s eye behind the lens.
COPESNAPS is built on a deep understanding of performance, emotion, and the split second that makes an image unforgettable.
The work starts with listening.
Hello, I’m Chase Copeland, the photographer behind COPESNAPS. Based in Tampa, Florida, and expanding into the Orlando area, I specialize in concert photography while also providing professional photography for headshots, portraits, fundraisers, weddings, and events.
My photography journey began during my sophomore year of high school when I joined my school’s yearbook team, where I photographed a variety of events, including sports and music performances. While I enjoyed documenting these moments, my passion for photography truly grew after discovering the local music scene and experiencing the energy of live performances from behind the camera.
After photographing my first concert in December 2024, I quickly became fascinated by how much life existed within the local scene. Every performance had its own story, emotion, and atmosphere, and I found a passion for preserving those moments so artists and audiences could relive them long after the final song ended. Since then, I have captured hundreds of moments across Florida for musicians, venues, and communities.
A major part of what influences my photography comes from my own experience as a musician. I currently play cello, trombone, double bass, and electric bass, and have spent years performing in orchestras and ensembles. Understanding what it feels like to be on stage allows me to approach concert photography differently. I am not just capturing what a performance looks like, but the emotion, connection, and intensity behind it.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Photography is one of the few mediums I believe to be truly timeless. It cements someone in a moment they will never get back and preserves the emotions of that same point in time for others to experience. Memories fade, but with the proper care, a photograph can last for centuries.
When I create an image, I am not simply trying to capture what something looks like. I aim to capture what it feels like. Whether documenting a performance, creating a professional portrait, or preserving the impact of an event, my goal is to create photographs that make people stop, take a moment, and marvel.
Every subject has a story worth sharing. A musician has the energy of a performance, a professional has the identity behind their work, and an organization has a mission that deserves to be seen. My role is to create imagery that draws people into those stories and allows them to connect with the subject.
As a musician myself, I understand the emotions behind stepping onto a stage: the nerves beforehand, the excitement once the music begins, and the connection created between people. That perspective influences every photograph I create, allowing me to capture moments with both technical precision and genuine understanding.
Through COPESNAPS, I strive to preserve meaningful moments while helping artists, individuals, and organizations share their stories and advance their missions. My goal is simple: to capture the raw emotion of every moment and tell your story the way you want.
