action | Chase Jarvis

Aug 05

Are You Secretly Sabotaging Your Creative Career?

Let's get real for a second. How many times have you told yourself, 'I'll start taking my art seriously when I'm a pro'? Or maybe you've thought, 'I can't charge for this - I'm just a hobbyist.' If you're nodding along, you might be sabotaging your creative career. Here's the truth bomb: You're already a professional. If you're getting paid for your creative work, even occasionally, you've crossed that threshold. Stop waiting to 'become' what... read more ›

193 reads

Jul 29

Redefining Success: I Made $5 Million in Revenue and Still “Failed”

Redefining success through creative entrepreneurship. A man is deeply focused on a chess game, holding a piece above the board. The scene is bathed in dramatic lighting, casting strong shadows. The background features an abstract, gritty texture with predominantly red and dark tones, adding intensity to the image. The chess pieces and the board are in shades of blue and gray, contrasting sharply against the vibrant backdrop.

I was so wrong about what success really means in the startup world. It took me years to learn the importance of redefining success rather than following someone else's rules. For years, I prided myself on being someone who didn't know how to lose. Give me a game, and I'd find a way to win. I did this with sports, school, and even work. I was always good at figuring out how to come out... read more ›

179 reads

Sep 06

Inspiration is for Amateurs

Uncreated works of personal expression are at the top of everybody's bucket list. The thing, the business, the book, the project… how is it that the most important goals we have are commonly left unchecked when we kick the bucket? The time for excuses is up, and I believe that the ability to be self-directed and motivated is critical to a fulfilling creative career. Waiting for inspiration isn't a reliable way to create. Today I... read more ›

743 reads

Nov 15

Photo of the Day [plus what + why + how + gear]

What: bike shot Why this angle: the air + the trail tells a good story. plus all those vertical lines kept the scene clean. Nice light too...looking up really "opened up" the image. Simplicity almost always wins - in this case it does. How: I laid under the jump and motor-drived the action at 9fps. we shot several attempts to ensure the rider was in the right spot relative to the rest of the scene...plus... read more ›

1.5K reads

Nov 12

5 Things GoPro Nailed with the Hero3 and Why You Need To Care (NOW)

Hey friends - want to take a second to re-introduce Erik, my on-staff video guru. He's been with us for a few years now and, as a film school grad and long time commercial shooter, his opinions are a great asset to my own. One thing we've both agreed to lately? That GoPro is an amazing company and--it's becoming increasingly clear--they really understand what their consumers want. So I'm kicking this one to E-rock (affectionate... read more ›

11.6K reads

Jun 26

Bio of a Commercial Shoot: 9 Days in 4.5 Minutes

Last year during our winter photo/video campaign for REI, Chase asked me to shoot a few behind the scenes stills every day to contribute to his Diary of a Shoot blog series. The following is what he got in return. This is what happens when you ask the video guy to shoot stills. Too fast for you? Take spin through Chase's blog series for the daily play by play of the shoot. It's... read more ›

1.4K reads

Mar 31

Models Know Best: What It Takes to Be A Great Photographer

Hi everyone. Scott here. Ever wonder what the models and athletes you’re shooting are thinking? No, the answer is not: nothing. Contrary to popular stereotype, most of these people are bright and driven and are working hard on their end of the camera. I know, it looks easy, but that’s the trick, the good ones always make it look easy. Well, I’m no fashion model, but I have spent enough time on the sharp end... read more ›

767 reads