Chad Zellmer - Director of Photography/Owner
Director of Photography | Visual Storyteller | Drone Operator
Over the past 20+ years behind the lens, I’ve been living out my dream. What started as a childhood obsession with photography and storytelling in small-town Butler, Missouri, has grown into a career that’s taken me to every corner of the globe, capturing moments, telling powerful stories, and earning a living doing what I love most.
Visual Storytelling, Redefined
I’m not just a shooter, I’m a storyteller. From cinematic lighting to creative camera work, I bring vision, heart, and hustle to every project. Whether it's a sunrise over the Rockies or a fast-paced remote shoot across the globe, I show up ready to deliver stunning visuals and impactful narratives.
Relentless Work Ethic Meets Artistic Vision
You’ll usually find me out chasing light while the rest of the world is still sleeping, 4 a.m. call times don’t scare me. I see moments others might miss and bring them to life with a creative, cinematic style tailored to each production. I don’t just show up. I go all in
Experience Across Every Environment
From breaking news and network television to live concerts, corporate interviews, and social media campaigns, I’ve done it all:
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A month in Alaska’s backcountry
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Live remotes from Australia
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Red Rocks concerts
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Extreme sports series
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Tornado chasing
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Multi-cam docu-series
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One-man-band corporate shoots
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Drone coverage and aerial cinematography
Wherever the story leads, I’ve been there, and I bring that perspective to every project.
Gear, Grit, and Expertise
I own and maintain a full suite of professional equipment, including:
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Cameras: Sony FX9, FS7 MKII, Canon C300 MKII
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Lighting & Grip: Full interview lighting kits, sliders, gimbals, jibs
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Drones & UAV: FAA Part 107 certified drone operator with cinema-grade drones
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Live Streaming: LiveU units, multi-cam setups, remote production ready
I specialize in cinematic lighting for interviews, advanced run-and-gun shooting, and hybrid workflows for modern content delivery.
Let’s Create Something Powerful
If you’re looking for video production in Colorado, from documentary and unscripted to branded content and corporate storytelling, I’d love to collaborate. I bring creative solutions, calm under pressure, and decades of hands-on experience to every production.
Whether you're planning a full-scale shoot or need a one-man-band creative who can deliver, I’m ready.