Chris Whonsetler, a freelance commercial photographer with a studio in Noblesville, starting snapping photos in middle school and never looked back. In addition to his busy shooting schedule, Whonsetler loves to spend his time gardening, cooking, and taking regular trips to Guatemala where he uses his photographic skills to support the work done by Impacto Ministries.
What do your friends call you?
Chris or WhonPhoto (pronounced Juan-Photo) if we are down in Guatemala. Long story short there were 2 Chris’s on my first trip to Guatemala so WhonPhoto became my nickname. The Guatemalan kids thought it was my real name, so it stuck!
How old are you (if you don’t mind me asking!)?
31
Where are you from?
Born and raised in Marion, IN.
Which neighborhood do you live in right now?
Fishers, IN.
What do you do for a living?
Full time self-employed Commercial Photographer.
What do you do as a creative outlet?
This summer I found myself starting a garden and really fell in love with it! It’s super peaceful out there, watching things grow and experimenting in my kitchen with fun recipes using fresh foods grown straight from my backyard. You can follow my garden on Instagram: @sqftgrdn
What’s the most interesting thing happening in Indy right now?
Personally I think the most interesting thing in Indy right now is the growing diversity of small businesses! Maybe it’s because I am just now getting to know a bunch of them (mostly because of Pattern!), but it’s always super exciting to see Indy creatives putting out awesome local product.
Favorite local brewery, distillery or winery?
Right now I’m in love with Cardinal Distillery in Bloomington for spirits, and Daredevil Brewery.
Last trip you took?
Guatemala!
How did you hear about Pattern?
I was working with Kathy Davis on another project about the same time Pattern released Issue No. 1. She invited me to the launch party and I fell in love with the community!
What was your favorite Pattern meetup and why?
They are all pretty spectacular because there is always a super diverse crowd and I am always meeting awesome, new people to collaborate with. If I had to pick one it would be the meetup at the Hinge Bureau where I got a behind-the-scenes peek at what exactly went into each issue. Or meeting at the Speedway for the Vol. 7 launch/fundraiser!
What are you doing this coming weekend?
Self employment means I’m working…But I love cooking, so my wife and I are getting together with our best friends for our annual dinner party! Then maybe a little goose hunting if there is time left over.
What event are you looking forward to attending this month?
Well the Pattern Magazine Contributor Holiday party of course! I also finally started attending Creative Morning meetups so I am really excited to learn, grow, and get to know the community more.
For more information on Whonsetler look to his Facebook, Twitter: @WhonPhoto, or his website.
