Visual Projects

Chad Copeland, is a National Geographic photographer and filmmaker who has traveled the world in search of precious moments to capture behind the lens. But let me tell you, becoming a world-class photographer is not a task for the faint of heart.

To capture the impossible, one must be willing to face the dangers of travel and to put oneself in the right place at the right time to get "the shot" that tells a compelling story. And yet, despite the inherent challenges of his work, Copeland has developed an innate ability to capture those fleeting moments that speak to the essence of the human experience.

But beyond the art of photography itself, Copeland has also had to navigate the ever-changing world of branding and marketing. Developing relationships with clients and staying on top of the latest trends is a challenge that requires constant adaptation and hard work. And yet, through it all, Copeland has remained committed to his craft, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and capturing images that will stand the test of time.

Icelandic Erruption

In Iceland, a most extraordinary phenomenon is taking place. For the first time in over 800 years, deep crust lava is making its way to the surface, creating a fissure that now marks the sixth eruption in this part of the country. And what's more, thanks to modern technology, we are able to film and photograph this hotspot erupting like never before.

As we gaze upon this incredible natural wonder, it is humbling to consider just how small and interconnected our planet truly is. For those who have had the privilege of traveling internationally, this is a fact that is well-known. And yet, no matter how many times we witness the awe-inspiring power of nature, we remain forever fascinated by it.

As I stood before the erupting volcano, my eyes were drawn to the intense heat and stunning visuals of the cycling eruptions, the whipping vortex, and the river of molten rock passing before my very feet. And yet, equally captivating were the unique sounds of this magical experience, sounds that will be forever etched into my memory. Truly, this is a moment in time that we will never forget.

Microsoft Windows 10 Global Rebrand

As a brand ambassador for Microsoft, Copeland set out on a mission to circumnavigate the earth in search of images that captured the spirit of "People of Action". And what he captured was nothing short of extraordinary. These images - 100 of them - are now found on more than 8 billion computers, smart devices, and other platforms around the world.

But the journey to capture these images was not without its challenges. Copeland swam with whales in the Kingdom of Tonga, explored the ancient Karst formations of China, and flew over the wondrous Great Barrier Reef. He even survived a bear attack in the wilderness, a feat that few could claim. And yet, for Copeland, the greatest challenge of all was to return home to his children, alive and well.

Through his tireless efforts and unrelenting passion, Copeland has given us a glimpse into the world of "People of Action" - those who are unafraid to take risks, to push boundaries, and to explore new frontiers. And in doing so, he has reminded us of the incredible power and beauty of the natural world, and of our place within it.

DISKO BAY GREENLAND

On this particular day, he found himself slowly motoring a Zodiac boat through the living maze of floating icebergs in Disko Bay, Ilulissat Greenland - a place of stunning beauty and rich history.

This UNESCO property is home to the Disko Glacier, a body of frozen water that once seeded the massive block of ice that famously sank the Titanic. And yet, despite the inherent dangers of photographing around icebergs that can roll and break at any moment, Copeland was undeterred. For him, this kind of challenge is what he lives for.

As he navigated his way through the icebergs, Copeland was completely in his element. He knew the risks and was prepared to face them in order to capture the perfect shot. And in doing so, he has given us a glimpse into the incredible power and beauty of the natural world. For Copeland, there is nothing more thrilling or rewarding than being able to explore new frontiers and push the boundaries of what is possible.

MONUMENT VALLEY

The majestic and awe-inspiring Monument Valley is a natural wonder that has captured the imaginations of people around the world. This striking landscape, with its towering sandstone formations, deep red hues, and endless expanse of desert, is a testament to the power and beauty of nature.

But capturing the beauty of Monument Valley from the air is no easy feat. Special permission and skill are required to navigate the airspace above this unique and fragile ecosystem. The delicate balance of life and geology in this region requires a delicate touch, and photographers must take great care to minimize their impact while capturing the stunning scenery.

The origins of Monument Valley are as fascinating as its beauty. Ancestral rock mountain sediments were deposited in the area at the same time a regional geologic uplift occurred on the Colorado Plateau. The resulting pressure caused the plateau to bulge and crack, creating the unique and dramatic formations that we see today. Over time, erosion has shaped and sculpted the landscape, creating the stunning vistas that we marvel at today.

But as with many natural wonders, Monument Valley is facing numerous threats. Climate change, habitat loss, and other human impacts are putting this delicate ecosystem at risk. It is up to us to take action to protect and preserve this unique and special place, so that future generations can continue to marvel at its beauty and wonder.

PUEO OF KAUAI

The short-eared owl, or Pueo as it is known in Hawaii, is a fascinating creature with a unique history. Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, this sub-species of the owl has adapted to its unique environment over thousands of years. However, their survival is now under threat, and their population numbers are dwindling.

One such sighting of a Pueo was captured by Chad Copeland and his local assistant on the Nā Pali coastline. It is a rare and special moment, as few of these magnificent birds exist in the wild. In fact, the assistant had lived on the islands his entire life and had never seen one before. This sighting is a testament to the beauty and mystery of the natural world, and the importance of preserving and protecting it for future generations to come.

The Pueo has a special place in Hawaiian culture, where it is considered an 'aumakua' or family god. Their presence is believed to bring good fortune and protection to those who see them. However, the Pueo faces numerous threats, including habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and climate change. As such, conservation efforts are critical to the survival of these unique and fascinating creatures.

It is my hope that through continued research and conservation efforts, we can work to protect the Pueo and other endangered species, preserving their place in the natural world for generations to come.

KINGDOM OF TONGA

As the warm Tongan waters start to cool, Moa will have to make a decision. She could stay behind and teach her calf survival skills or risk the long journey back to Antarctica. Her instincts will guide her. But one thing is for certain, the Kingdom of Tonga is a critical part of the humpback whale's life cycle, providing a safe haven for mating and calving.

Unfortunately, the humpback whale population was once heavily hunted, and it wasn't until a worldwide moratorium was put in place in the 1960s that their numbers started to recover. Today, the humpback whale is listed as a species of least concern, but continued conservation efforts are necessary to ensure their survival.

The story of Moa and her calf is just one small part of the remarkable lives of humpback whales. Through their migrations, unique behaviors, and vital role in ocean ecosystems, they remind us of the interconnectedness of all life on this planet.