About

 

Chris Dirker is a Dallas-based commercial and editorial photographer with a cinematic, story-driven style rooted in authenticity. His work spans people, places, and the industries that shape our everyday lives — from agriculture and industrial labor to pharmaceutical campaigns and beyond.

Chris began taking photography seriously at the age of 12, and by 18, he got his first break photographing the X Games in Austin — a childhood dream come to life. He began his career in extreme sports but later shifted his focus, studying lighting and portrait photography in depth. His formal training took him from Texas to New York to San Francisco, where he had the privilege of learning under some of the top photographers in the world.

Raised in a multi-generational farming family, Chris brings a deep respect for blue-collar work to his practice. Much of his portfolio is shaped by this lens — honoring the hands that work, the grit behind the scenes, and the quiet dignity of labor. His refined technical approach allows him to bring emotional depth to even the most clinical or commercial settings, often helping brands move away from a sterile aesthetic toward something more human.

Throughout his studies, Chris’s work was recognized several times. As a college sophomore, he was awarded a shoot with Red Bull based on a portfolio submission, which led to a feature by his school. He later placed second in Canon’s Emerging Photographer Contest and was featured in his school's annual Spring Show three years running — earning Best in Show his senior year and second place for his portfolio. His work has since been featured in several gallery exhibitions.

At the core of every project, Chris brings not just his technical skills, but his full heart — to his clients, his team, and the subjects he photographs. Whether capturing a weathered hand or a moment of quiet resilience, he seeks to tell stories that move people, honoring the emotion and work ethic that often go unseen.

When he’s not behind the lens, you’ll likely find him knee-deep in a DIY project or chasing his wild Aussie pup around the dog park.

Fun fact: Chris is a certified professional pizza-maker, trained at The School of Italian Pizza.