"The good thing about being young is that we are not experienced enough to know we cannot possibly do the things we are doing." - Gene BrownHow dope is this? I hope I'm not alone in thinking how amazing it is that there's a cross section of our culture that's getting to make stuff like this in public high school film & media classes. (Note: this was probably inspired by an earlier lipdub vid... read more ›
Nov
28
Nov
27
"I hate cameras. They interfere, they’re always in the way. I wish I could just work with my eyes alone."-Richard AvedonI had some sushi this week with David DuChemin, author of the new book VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography. David's a great guy--and one of the few photography authors writing today--that actually gets it. It's not about gear or gimmick or guise. It's about vision. Developing it and putting it to... read more ›
Nov
26
Thanks and Giving. For USA readers, today is a holiday where we're encouraged to take pause and give thanks for all the wonderful people, health, things, and moments in our lives. For the international readers, I'd encourage you to join in.I'll start with the THANKS. Most every year, I find that what I'm thankful for boils down to health, family, and community.Health. I'm thankful that I have had mine for almost every moment of 2009.... read more ›
Nov
24
"No one want ordinary photographers anymore. No one wants regular photographers. They want someone that can bring some kind of special lens or special expertise to the conversation.""You have convictions, you have ideas. They may not be perfect, but just get them out there. Give them a shot."Want to make a living in commercial photography? The above quotes are my adaptions from some brilliant strategic minds within advertising. While I was watching this video, it... read more ›
Nov
20
Not Shooting Lights as in photographing with strobes, but as in a new SFEAD track from The Blakes.If you hang around these parts online, you know all there is to know about my Songs For Eating and Drinking project with my buddy Hebb. No frills, world class music, good vibes. Stills, video, audio. Here's another exclusive performance from one of those evenings this summer. Take a break from pressing your face against your camera... read more ›
Nov
18
Creating a strong emotional connection with the viewer is without a doubt the most important criterion in a successful image. Nothing will ever supplant that. Beyond that, however, there's a whole bunch of second tier, more "mechanical" techniques that we creatives can cook up to elevate our images and create visual interest. One such technique is compositional in nature: creating cool angles and unique perspectives. It's what makes P.O.V. shots cool, it's the mojo... read more ›
Nov
16
I just recently overheard a self-described "purist" photographer ranting on about how we're all cheaters and that the photographic masters before us lacked our current luxury--even desire--to "customize" (read: manipulate/photoshop) images. It was "...all about the the composition, a beautiful subject, and a properly exposed picture". I call horse-pucky. Above: Avedon's instructions to his printer.--[Via Monoscope.]Get my every move: Follow Chase Jarvis on TwitterGet exclusive content: Become a Fan on Facebook
Nov
10
I can't help but think that somebody forgot to dot an i or cross a t somewhere, because yours truly has just been asked to give away $100,000 of somebody else's money. Yep you read that correctly. 100. LARGE. That somebody is Nikon, and I'm not alone in this endeavor. I've got some accomplices: Rainn Wilson (from 'The Office') and Justine Ezarik (iJustine). The three of us have been charged with choosing one winner in... read more ›
Nov
09
[Update: just got an email from Zeke at Trade Secret Cards. He wanted me to let you know he's already sold about 25% of his inventory in just 3 weeks. He's hoping to have unloaded the 5000 number by the end of the year... Let me put some of that money back into the photo industry... He's also posted a YouTube clip of a photo tip I gave him from the interview here.]I love it... read more ›
Nov
08
Short notice is the best notice. If you're in Toronto or NYC this week, I'd love to cross paths. Here's what I know:First. This Thursday November 12th at 7:30pm I'm excited to be giving a chat about creativity on behalf of the Canadian Association of Photographers and Illustrators. Open to the public - please tell your mates. I'll also be signing The Best Camera Is The One That's With You. Books will be on sale... read more ›