It’s often believed those who have a knack for science and math don’t fair well when it comes to creativity, and vice-versa. Haven’t you heard that? It’s why we were all taken aback by Gabriella in High School Musical when she wasn’t just a brainy math wiz, but a…singer! Fictional tales involving Zac Efron’s best aside, there are plenty of people who are able to balance both the facts and figures and artistic endeavors. People like photographer Chas Rachel.

While he spends a lot of his time doing amazing photo sessions Orlando with Chas Captures, he’s also in, wait for it, medical school. Yes, balancing photography with a future career as a doctor, that’s Chas Rachel’s reality and for a brief moment, we captured a second of his time to talk about it.

Kendra: Can you remember back to the first picture you took that made you realize that you could make photography more than a hobby?

Chas Rachel: It’s hard to say. I think my journey from “photography as a hobby” to “photography as a business” was more of a gradual process that resulted from a particular sequence of events. As I began playing around with my camera, taking shots of flowers or other things in nature, I would share my photos and the responses would always be unanimous: These were great shots. This led to an opportunity to do my first photo shoot for a college graduate where I really got to test my skills and build my own confidence.

As time went on, I began networking with other paid photographers, gleaning knowledge from them while simultaneously receiving much praise from for the work I had already done. There was this assurance for me that photography wasn’t just something I could do, but something I was already doing.

Kendra: Unlike many photographers, you’re actually in school for something completely different; medicine. You’re working on being a heart surgeon. How, if ever, do those two worlds coincide and play off one another?

Chas Rachel: It’s almost crazy thinking about it when you put it that way. My only explanation is that both medicine/surgery and photography involve people and stir my passions for helping others and making an impact on the lives around me. I could also say that perhaps both medicine and photography aid in defining my purpose in this life. They aren’t connected in any obvious way because I didn’t choose them, they were chosen for me; that I might go and bring glory to God through my talents.

Kendra: I’m going to guess that you’re amazing with details. Which comes in handy because you don’t have just one style or type of photography you do. With everything from portraits to weddings to headshots, is there one style you find more freeing than the rest?

Chas Rachel: Definitely portraits. Portraits capture some of the greatest details. Every line, every mark, every imperfection is captured and celebrated. In a portrait, the image of you is what defines attractiveness and/or beauty. In a portrait, a person gets to display themselves to the world, up close and personal, as perfectly imperfect as they are.

Kendra: What I really appreciate about you is that your pricing is affordable. Was that a conscious decision so that more people could be able to get their hands on great shots?

Chas Rachel: Yes I would say so. I offer a variety of packages so that I can be the most accessible to the photography needs of others. I also value self-care so I am sure to offer the most I can give for a certain price at this stage in my photography career. Ultimately, however, I don’t believe money should be the barrier that stops people from capturing their special moments. Life’s moments are too priceless for that.

Kendra: Your whole thing when it comes to photography is “Moments Captured.” Looking back, what is one moment from your life you wish you had captured in a photograph that’s not already?

Chas Rachel: If only. My mother passed when I was 12. I have very few photos of her. Any photo capturing a family portrait with my mother and siblings, or of my mother and me, or just simply my mother in all her radiance.One more moment capturing her existence and beauty on this earth and in my life.

Kendra: Can you let the people know what you have going on in the next coming months?

Chas Rachel: I’m currently working on upgrading my photography equipment to increase my effectiveness and quality of work as a photographer. Additionally, I’m working on turning my business into an LLC and starting my own photography studio. In the meantime, I’ll be shooting a few new models and currently have a few photoshoots scheduled in the coming weeks. I’m always looking for more opportunities to work with others and expand my photography experience and knowledge. To anyone interested in learning more about what I do and why I do it, please don’t hesitate to check out my website or hit me up.