Just stumbled on this image of yours truly working for an advertising photo down at Smith Rocks, OR a few years back. I don’t do a ton of climbing photography – it’s pretty damn specialized – but when I get to, it reminds me a whole lot of why i like to climb. It really focuses your attention on the task at hand. While the handful of support crew who help make these shoots possible are a real blessing, my biggest appreciation during work like this goes to the athletes. Every safety measure is taken, but they certainly put themselves at risk to get the shot – often needing to make the same move a half dozen times to get it just right. #respect.
My biggest challenge in this case is multi-tasking while in position. I’ve gotta be communicating with the athlete, communicating with the crew, etc, and being my own assistant at the same time as focusing on the shot.
Happy friday – and happy to answer any questions below.
Awesome action shot and wisdom. Thanks Chase!
Chase, talk about dropping lenses. Take a look at this Nikkor 600 F/4 that took a plunge. http://www.naturalexposures.com/?s=phenomenal+season
ouch.
Oh man, how did you feel when you dropped one of your lenses?
My guess is, ” glad I have a backup”.
true dat!
and we ordered another for next day delivery via fed ex so we were double covered.
Hey Chase,
Great stuff I do climbing photography professionally and was curious on where I could see your images from the climbing shoot? Also what is more important to you on a climbing shot: the climbing vs. themselves? Or the climber vs. the sublime?
the was an REI advert a few years ago. i don’t know the whereabouts o the tearsheets right now. but turned out well.
there is no rule on which is better, but sublime is always nice 😉
as always amazing stuff dude…the single and only time I’ve been to your studio – in 2010 and I will never forget the inspiration I got from you and Z….life’s been good since – freelance work picking up and I have a new son……but some times….actually many times, the inspiration can take you so far….since my kids birth I’ve been on a creative hiatus….I know I want to get back..I’m anxious to get back……what do you suggest I do to get back into my creative zone and pull myself out of Hiatus. Thanks Chase again for all you do for everyone. – cheers
my recommendation is to make something every day. even if it’s just an iphone image of your kid or your feet or your face. make something intentionally every day. make creativity a habit – and it will change you back “off” your hiatus.
creativity begets creativity.
Oh my God! How did you make it that simple Chase?!! Will live by that rule henceforth! Thanks a ton for everything you do Chase!
I must agree with Chase on this. I have the same problem, emigrating to a new continent (from Dublin, Ireland, to Sao Paulo, Brazil), marriage, fatherhood, separation, divorce, leaving friends and family and culture back home, financial challenges, theft / violence / assault, working 6 days a week morning noon and night… all in the space of two and a half years. It’s overwhelming and leaves me little time, money or resources (my Nikon D700 was stolen in one such assault) to work on photography.
But, even something as simple as snapping with the iPhone while commuting too and from work can be enough to spark ideas or if you like to mix media in projects, fill in gaps between shots made on film or with DSLR by shooting with the iPhone to bridge gaps in a photo essay or narrative. Recently a well respected Magnum / Nat Geo photographer ‘liked’ a shot of mine on Instagram and gained me many new followers. So there is a lot to be said for the power of a camera phone snap to inspire you and get you out of a rut.
Also having a new baby can give you chances to brush up on skills that may be a little boring to practice, but useful. Photographing your baby is challenging (mine is 2 & a half years old now and won’t keep still for a second), so practicing sharp fast focusing of the eyes during motion and nailing a flash light look for portraits that you are happy with are things you can do while babysitting. Enjoy!