Meet Chris Kapcia | Actor, Director, Writer & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Kapcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, how do you think about risk?
Everyone knows the saying, “no risk, no reward.” Well, that may be the case. I don’t disagree with the sentiment, however, I believe that I mostly take calculated risks. If I am ever in the position to make a decision, I typically try to weigh out as many of the outcomes as possible. My first step in this process is to recognize the opportunity to initially know I have a decision to make. I am continually re-evaluating my actions and behavior, which I think is imperative to our lives. Risk taking plays a huge role in my life, but I wouldn’t have it any other way because we are only here today. Tomorrow is never a guarantee. Moving from Michigan to NYC when I was 19 to attend The American Academy of Dramatic Arts was a pretty big decision, but I just knew it was the right choice to make after having thought about it a while. Now, my move from NYC to LA was still calculated, but lesser-so because I had banked 10 years in The Big Apple and had learned quite a lot about myself and life. I believe that every calculated risk we take creates greater trust to continue betting on ourselves, and hence, the process gets a little easier with time. The best part of choosing to take calculated risks is that I’ve been able to be open and talk to others about my experiences, and I’d like to think that whoever was listening felt better about the pressures they’ve put on themselves in trying to take their own risks. Bottom line: we get this life to do whatever we choose, and mistakes are all an integral part of success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I truly believe that everyone needs some form of art in their lives. Whether that entails being a creator or spectator, it’s a vital ingredient that makes daily living a richer experience. I express my creativity through a few different avenues such as acting, writing, and photography. The process of creating a film from scratch is pretty incredible. Developing a character from script to screen takes a lot of work, but that is something I actually enjoy quite a bit. The satisfaction of a successful collaborative effort is one of the best things ever! As an actor who has created numerous short films, the experience I’ve gained on both sides of the lens definitely sets me apart from the crowd. That experience gives me the confidence to make bolder choices on set because I know it’s appreciated and encouraged in a collaborative setting. Jumping to photography, I have always loved documenting special occasions and everyday life for as long as I can remember. What I love most about the art of photography is that you can take the same location and change an angle or the aperture in order to tell a different story. It’s challenging in a different way than acting because you only get one photo to tell that story. Additionally, taking headshots for actors and professionals alike (Capturing Kapcia Photography) is something I love doing since I know exactly what it takes to create a memorable image. Everybody needs a high end photograph to represent themselves no matter what their vocation. I incorporate a lot of the acting techniques I’ve acquired over the years into the headshot sessions in order to get the precise vibe and energy that clients are seeking. It’s all about what your casting is! That’s what sets me apart from a lot of other photographers. I offer a really great experience from pre-session to post-session, and I even do my own retouching. Throughout my journey, there have certainly been challenges to overcome, but it’s all worthwhile because I love the process. Pushing through those challenges has been easier because of my passion for my art. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that art continues to bring people together and it will always, always be talked about on many different levels. Art saves lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is the best question ever! There’s always something to do here in LA. Okay, here we go. Monday, we’d start out hiking Corral Canyon in Malibu and work up an appetite. Then, I’d want to grab breakfast at Malibu Farm, a beautiful restaurant on the pier that has a delicious farm to table menu and ocean views. If Malibu is the day’s location, spending some time at Zuma Beach is required. We would wrap up the day with dinner at Tramonto Bistro. Hope you’re down for some Italian food! Over the next few days, we’d do another hike at a favorite place of mine called The Wisdom Tree in Burbank. Its story is really amazing and the hike isn’t too arduous. If you’re feeling extra energetic, we could also hike to the back of the Hollywood Sign on the same day, which is near The Wisdom Tree. Next, we’d grab lunch at Porto’s Bakery, another neighborhood staple in the Burbank area. If you enjoy coffee/tea, stopping at a small mom and pop shop called Simply Coffee is the way to go. I love supporting small businesses, and this place is really special. No visit to L.A. is complete without going to Griffith Observatory, walking down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, having a burger at In-N-Out, stopping at the Venice canals, a farmers market or two, and cruising through Santa Monica. Speaking of burgers, Tuning Fork in Studio City has some of THE BEST burgers here. Yes, better than In-N-Out! Laurel Tavern (also in Studio City) has some good grub and cocktails too. If you’re up for a little drive to Santa Barbara, we’d get lunch at Cajun Kitchen. They have some of the best homemade biscuits with an apple butter to accompany the deliciousness. Afterward, we’d walk around the city, grab a coffee, and enjoy the fresh air before heading back to LA. I like to plan, but I also like to leave room for some spontaneity. With that said, I’d make sure to suggest some other popular spots, but leave it open for some random fun! Regardless, one week in LA is never enough!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Over the years, I’ve come across a lot of people who have given me advice, but my family and close friends. have always been most reliable confidants. I’ve been acting for 20 years, which at least to me, is a long time. There will always be naysayers, but I have to give so much credit to my parents, my sister, grandparents, and aunts and uncles for the support they’ve given me since day one. Whenever I go home to visit, they always take the time to ask how my career is going and I’m honest. I know my artistry and show business is still something they won’t fully understand, but that’s okay. I also have to talk about how much my girlfriend’s support the past two years has meant to me. She’s seen the good, the bad, and the ugly haha, but continues to be such a wonderful sounding-board, both career-wise and for my life. Also, I’m currently reading a book, “When Breath Becomes Air” It’s a non-fiction autobiographical book written by Paul Kalanithi. He was a thirty-six year old Neurosurgeon who went from treating the dying to becoming a patient himself in being diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. He never smoked. I mention this book, because Paul discusses his experience and emphasizes the importance of our relationships, and how easily we can take life for granted.

Website: www.capturingkapcia.com (photography) & www.chriskapcia.com (acting) IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2032384/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Instagram: @capturing_kapcia_photos & @chris_kapcia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-kapcia-1127b21b5/

Twitter: @IAmChrisKapcia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisKapciaActor

Other: Google Business Page: https://g.page/capturing-kapcia-photography?gm

Image Credits
~~Photo with me in the badge with the gun was shot by @theotusmedia ~~All headshots and the woman in the red hat were photographed by me @capturing_kapcia_photos