If you're wondering how to build your network & create community around your work, here's the no bullshit answer: Do the Work. Creating something and putting it out there is just the beginning. Networking is like any relationship, and it's a two way street. You need to engage, be thoughtful and contribute to the conversation -- not just with your work, but in the community around you. That's BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER you have something... read more ›
5.1K reads
Dec
28
Dec
15
Cinema / video camera innovation over the last few years has largely centered around moving the camera. From jibs, to sliders, to drones and gimbals -- all with the aim to give us tools to get unique and interesting shots. Flashback 10 years ago, when I was working on campaigns with REI, Nikon, etc .... I'd call up my friend Tabb who was a drone geek tinkering in his basement working to combine his two passions... read more ›
5.2K reads
Dec
07
There are so many challenges to living our dreams: not enough money, not enough time, not enough knowledge, etc.... But the truth is, those are all one kind of problem...a lack of RESOURCES. And if you're putting off living your own dream because of a lack of resources, then I've got news for you. NOBODY has all the resources they need. In fact, the very nature of big dreams is striving for something that's not yet within our... read more ›
8K reads
Nov
28
There are two types of photographers who impress the hell out of me. One is the wartime photojournalist, who puts his or her life on line to document real stories and images behind the world's most dangerous conflicts. [I've written about it before -- Would You Die for a Photo?]. Without their work, truths get lost, and the stakes are as high as they can get. The other is the extreme photographer. I'm not talking... read more ›
33.1K reads
Nov
25
Here are 7 habits that I use to help my creativity: 1. Get into adventures. Instead of saying no, say yes. Whether it's agreeing going to the South China Sea or to Sundance festival or the grocery store. 2. Devour popular culture. Examine the work of other artists, movies, books, magazines, the interwebs. 3. Take pictures of things. I photograph things I see in the world that inspire me and use them for reference. 4.... read more ›
16.4K reads
Nov
23
In 2010, Brandon Stanton started taking pictures of people on the streets of New York City and posting them on a blog. After thousands of conversations and pictures, Brandon realized he wasn’t a photographer. Rather, he was a believer in connection, in community, and in basic human sweetness. In large part, Brandon’s work has been so influential because he removed himself from the equation and allowed the communities he documents to speak for themselves. Brandon’s... read more ›
2.8K reads
Nov
22
I'm no photojournalist - but I have huge respect for those men and women who put themselves in dangerous zones, risking their lives, to show the world some of its most important (horrifying) images. I've been asked before if I'd consider taking pictures in the line of fire and my answer is simple: Hell No. I just do not have the balls. Hang me out... read more ›
29.3K reads
Nov
14
I'm big-time stoked to bring to my blog a heavy hitter in the world of adventure storytelling. Corey Rich has done commercial work for everyone from Apple and Adidas to SI and Outside. He has an eagle eye for the shot, both for still and motion, and I've invited him here to give you all a little what-for on the topic of transition from still photography to motion film [hint: it ain't about hitting 'record'... read more ›
11.7K reads
Oct
24
When I saw this recent post strike a nerve, it motivated me to share this post from my man Ramit Sethi on charging what you're worth. Today he's back by popular demand to share a simple one-two approach to setting your prices and upping your earning potential. Pencils ready? Okay, take it away Ramit. Thanks, Chase. I recently asked a photographer how she came up with her pricing. She said, “Well... I researched my competition and found... read more ›
23.7K reads
Oct
15
One of the most consistent requests I get from readers is for info about all the paperwork and business side of the photo & cinema industries. Given that our Executive Producer, Kate, handles all that, I've talked her into doing a series of posts that get down to the brass tacks. This post is about that ever-important piece of paper that few photographers obtain--or even know how to obtain the location PERMIT. So here's Kate... read more ›
113.8K reads