Advertise on podcast: The Paris Chong Show

Photographer Stephen Vanasco, widely known as Van Styles, shares his remarkable journey from the DIY ethos of '90s skate culture to capturing a decade of the changing Los Angeles skyline from a helicopter. Alongside host Paris Chong, he discusses his dedication to shooting exclusively on film and the importance of building an independent creative career. Tune in for an inspiring look at artistic evolution, Leica gear, and the stories behind some of LA's most striking visual projects. Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Stephen Vanasco https://youtu.be/MmSbrgCcinc https://www.theparischongshow.com 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com #streetphotography #leica #LA

Photographer Stephen Vanasco (Van Styles) sits down with gallerist Paris Chong to discuss his journey from '90s skate culture to mastering aerial photography in Los Angeles. Tune in as they explore his decade-long aerial book project leading up to the 2028 Olympics, his dedication to shooting exclusively on film, and valuable insights on building an independent creative career. Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Stephen Vanasco https://youtu.be/MmSbrgCcinc https://www.theparischongshow.com 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com #photography #aerialphotography #podcast

Paris Chong sits down with photographer Stephen Vanasco, also known as Van Styles, to discuss his creative journey from '90s skate culture to fine art photography. Vanasco reflects on how his background in skateboarding instilled a strong "do-it-yourself" ethos, enabling him to build a successful career on his own terms without relying on traditional agencies or managers. He also breaks down his daily shooting approach, explaining why 99.9% of his current work is shot on film using his Leica MP cameras. The conversation delves into Vanasco's standout commercial and personal endeavors, including his permanent 25-print exhibit at the Kith store on Sunset Boulevard and his aerial workshops with Leica Academy USA. Stephen shares details about his main long-term project—a photo book cataloging over ten years of aerial flights above Los Angeles since 2014. Through these aerial views, he captures the changing face of LA’s architecture, landmarks, and urban development in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympic Games. Looking to the future, Chong and Vanasco explore ideas for upcoming exhibitions at Leica Gallery LA, brainstorming pairings between high-altitude aerial shots and ground-level street photography. Vanasco finishes with practical advice for emerging creators, encouraging young photographers to experiment with different mediums, avoid rigid routines, and utilize new digital tools to chart their own path. Show Notes: www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/stephen-vanasco-from-90s-skate-culture-to-la-aerials-the-story-of-van-styles Chapters: 00:00 Show Intro 01:09 Meet Stephen Vanasco 02:30 Film Leica Daily Carry 04:48 Aerial Work And LA Book 16:05 Leica Connections Worldwide 17:47 Pop Ups And Olympic Plans 18:34 Portraits Versus Landscapes 20:43 Zines DIY And The Book 25:35 Finding Your Voice And Wrap Up 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

Curator Rotem Rozental emphasizes the importance of art spaces in fostering public discourse and showcasing diverse viewpoints. Her "Timeline" program supports photographers in various cities by providing mentorship from professionals like Ibarionex Perello and Ed Kashi to document contemporary events and build a lasting historical archive. Additionally, both Rozental and host Paris Chong are developing programming centered on the upcoming Olympics, featuring exhibitions of vintage and contemporary work that capture the human experience of the games. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to supporting artists and photographers as they process current realities and contribute to cultural records. Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Rotem Rozental https://youtu.be/oJU-AxFL5WA https://www.theparischongshow.com 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com #documentary #photography #podcast

Curator and photo historian Rotem Rozental argues that rather than resisting artificial intelligence, photographers should embrace and understand the technology to remain relevant. Drawing parallels to historical industry resistance toward Photoshop, she suggests that while legal frameworks like copyright currently lag behind, they will eventually adapt to protect visual creators. Beyond these legal hurdles, AI offers significant creative opportunities, ranging from conceptual projects to artists training their own models. Ultimately, Rozental asserts that photographers must actively participate in larger policy discussions about AI to shape its development and protect the role of human-made art in a machine-generated world. Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Rotem Rozental https://youtu.be/oJU-AxFL5WA https://www.theparischongshow.com 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com #aitalk #photography #curate

Curator Rotem Rozental and Paris Chong discuss the LACP exhibition *Expand and Contract*, which examines the evolution of American documentary photography throughout the 21st century. The discussion covers a diverse range of projects, from responses to 9/11 and the rise of digital technology to grassroots documentation of wildfire recovery efforts in Altadena and the complex realities of the US-Mexico border. Throughout, Rozental and Chong highlight the power of photography to foster community, support resilience, and capture shifting societal narratives. Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Rotem Rozental https://youtu.be/oJU-AxFL5WA https://www.theparischongshow.com 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com #photography #documentary #lacp

Curator and photo historian Rotem Rozental explores the intersection of art, mental health, and historical archives. She discusses a collaborative project focusing on loneliness and resilience, which uses creative expression to foster community and well-being, and reflects on her book, *Pre-State Photographic Archives and the Zionist Movement*, which examines how photographic systems shaped identity and national narratives in early 20th-century Israel. Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Rotem Rozental https://youtu.be/oJU-AxFL5WA https://www.theparischongshow.com 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com #arthistory #archive #podcast

Paris sits down with Rotem Rozental, the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP) and an accomplished photo historian. Together, they dive into the vital role photography plays in understanding our complex world, discussing how creative expression serves as a necessary tool for both processing personal experiences and fostering public dialogue. Throughout the conversation, Rotem shares her unique perspective on the evolving landscape of documentary photography, specifically highlighting the LACP's "Reservoir" program. This initiative brings artists together to explore profound, universal themes like loneliness, isolation, and resilience in a post-pandemic world. They also tackle the shifting tides of the industry, from the impact of AI on visual storytelling to the importance of maintaining human-centric approaches in our rapidly digitizing environment. Whether you're an established photographer, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who appreciates the power of a captured moment, this episode offers a thoughtful look at where photography is headed. From the nuances of LA’s vibrant creative community to Rotem’s expert insights on archives, history, and the future of the medium, enjoy a rich, inspiring discussion that will change how you look at the images around you. 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com Show Notes: www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/rotem-rozental-art-activism-and-the-la-photography-scene Chapters: 00:00 Show Intro And Guest 01:40 What LACP Does 05:16 LA Crises And Community 07:30 Documentary Shows And Timeline 16:00 Reservoir Loneliness Project 27:02 Amazon Ethics Dilemma 27:30 Tel Aviv Roots and Identity 30:02 Rotem Name Story 31:50 Artist Books and Collage Revival 33:33 AI Copyright and Creative Future

Artist Joshua Elias and art dealer Paris Chong discuss the surprisingly interconnected nature of the art world, reflecting on a chance encounter Joshua had in Paris that led to an unexpected connection with his own studio complex, The Brewery, in Los Angeles. The conversation highlights how small the art community truly is and touches on the value of local resources, such as specialized darkroom printing services, that foster creativity and connection within the LA arts scene. Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Joshua Elias https://youtu.be/lZ6qQEHDJ70 https://www.theparischongshow.com 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com #art #painting #podcast

Artist Joshua Elias recounts his recent travels to France and how the experience deepened his connection to the cultural landscape, allowing him to see past the surface of Paris. Joshua reflects on his shift toward more neutral tones in his painting, explains his focus on creating "air" in his work, and shares insights from his museum visits and quiet moments of observation in local cafes. Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Joshua Elias https://youtu.be/lZ6qQEHDJ70 https://www.theparischongshow.com 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com #creativeprocess #art #painting

Explore the essential, symbiotic bond between artist and dealer in this candid conversation between artist Joshua Elias and art dealer Paris Chong. The duo discusses the unique balance required to successfully navigate both the creative and business sides of the art world. Paris reflects on why clients consistently gravitate toward Joshua’s work, while they share insights from years of collaboration, including their success with the Vernon Asages project. Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Joshua Elias https://youtu.be/lZ6qQEHDJ70 https://www.theparischongshow.com 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com #art #painting #artbusiness

We explore the deep appreciation for culture found throughout France and the timeless artistry of Maxwell Parish. Join us as we reflect on the buzzing, historic energy of Parisian cafes, the allure of classic paintings versus modern digital photography, and personal connections to legendary art. Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Joshua Elias https://youtu.be/lZ6qQEHDJ70 https://www.theparischongshow.com 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com #paris #painting #podcast

Paris reunites with her dear friend and longtime collaborator, acclaimed painter Joshua Elias. The conversation moves fluidly from their shared history in the art world to Joshua’s recent artistic residency in the South of France. Reflecting on his time in the village of Saissac, Joshua shares how the region’s culture, landscape, and slower pace of life have begun to reshape his creative process and influence his approach to both color and form. Beyond the travel anecdotes, the two delve into the deeper philosophy of what it means to be a "true artist" in today’s world. They explore the connection between painting and poetry, discussing how Joshua’s creative circles and daily observations—ranging from the mundane to the profound—inform his unique titles and lyrical style. Joshua also offers a glimpse into his life at The Brewery in Los Angeles, discussing how his environment and community continue to challenge him to find harmony and "air" within his large-scale, tonal works. Wrapping up the conversation, Paris and Joshua touch on the resilience of the art market and the enduring importance of connecting with original, handmade work. Whether you are an art collector, an aspiring creator, or simply someone who appreciates the intersection of travel and artistic inspiration, this episode serves as a heartfelt reminder of the connective power of human creativity. It is an intimate look at the dedication required to live an artistic life and the magic found in the details of the everyday. Show Notes: www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/painting-poetry-and-paris-inside-the-creative-mind-of-joshua-elias Chapters: 00:00 Show Intro and Welcome 00:42 Meet Joshua Elias 01:48 Painting Reveal and Title 02:34 Process Materials and Craft 04:44 France Trips and Residency 08:26 Paris Love and Name Story 10:43 Painting vs Photography 11:56 Poetry Titles and Singing 14:34 Music in the Studio 16:40 Dealers Artists and Sales 19:35 LA Gallery Scene Shifts 20:53 COVID Boom and Inspiration 22:55 Meditation and Color 23:38 New Series and Afterlife Maps 26:03 Evolving Style and Air 28:11 France Surprises and Museums 31:09 Paris Nights and Detours 35:47 Brewery Studio and Wrap-Up 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

Mark Edward Harris reflects on the defining moments of his career, including his 1998 book *Faces of the 20th Century*, which featured photographic legends like Gordon Parks and Helmut Newton. He offers grounded advice for emerging photographers—emphasizing that while feeling lost at the start is common, the key to success is to simply keep moving forward. Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mark Edward Harris https://youtu.be/5mvmBs9eHuM https://www.theparischongshow.com 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com #photgraphy #advice #podcast

Acclaimed photographer Mark Edward Harris and host Paris Chong discuss the power of the Olympics to unite the world and how that spirit of connection can inspire meaningful work. Mark shares how his own experiences capturing Olympic stars like Alina Zagitova opened doors to new professional opportunities, illustrating a crucial lesson he learned from photography icons like Eve Arnold and Sebastião Salgado: never wait for the phone to ring. By emphasizing personal initiative and the importance of creating your own path, Mark offers practical advice for photographers on why being proactive is the ultimate key to a successful and fulfilling career. Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mark Edward Harris https://youtu.be/5mvmBs9eHuM https://www.theparischongshow.com 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com #olympics #photography #podcast