Chris learned the fundamentals of photography from the kind staff of Terry's Camera in Long Beach. After six years of practice and working in the wet darkroom, Chris sold his first artworks, attracted clients and began shooting for news-wire services such as the Associated Press and Zuma Press. Chris was the Lead Photographer for the first World Festival of Sacred Music in Los Angeles. He has photographed in Canada, India (3x), Mexico, Singapore and the US. Chris was a co-founder, with Maria Gonzalez and Marek Dzidza, of the First Exposure Photography Exhibit in Long Beach, CA.

Chris' commercial work focuses on special events, weddings, portraiture, architectural interior/exteriors and small-business advertising. His personal work centers on spiritual environments and cultures. He currently enjoys working with a custom made, 5x7 pinhole camera (see his works @chrisleephotographic).

Starting in 2012, Chris taught digital photography (Levels I and II) at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, CA, through Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SCROC). Chris has a cleared CTE teaching credential from the State of California. He earned an AA in Art History at Saddleback College, and a BA in Art History at CSULB (magna cum laude) in 2020. Chris entered the Single Subject Credential Program in 2021, and completed his student teaching in Spring of 2023. Chris practices meditation, and has a tortie cat named Micah.

Clients include: St. Nick's Lighting Service - NAACP (Long Beach) - Soiree Catering - Thomas Fields and Associates - Long Beach Housing and Development Corporation - Sunset Pool Design - Altman Designs - LA's BEST - CCDOTT - The Black Manager's Association (BMA) - Viento y Agua Gallery and Coffeehouse