Episodes
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Sean Black’s Life in Photography, Art, AIDS Activism, and Storytelling
Paris Chong sits down with acclaimed portrait photographer, photojournalist, and educator Sean Black to discuss his remarkable creative journey and his recent Emmy nomination as a producer for the Hulu streaming film *Living Proof*. Ranging from his roots in photography and his dad's Leica…
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Don't Put Yourself in a Box | Show Clip
Photographer Stephen Vanasco and Paris Chong sit down to discuss the realities of building a lasting creative career. Vanasco shares why emerging creators should avoid putting themselves in a box and instead explore a wide range of photographic techniques. He also emphasizes that being your own...
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Curating the Perfect Duo | Show Clip
Paris Chong and photographer Stephen Vanasco dive into the art of curating gallery exhibitions by pairing distinct artistic styles. They explore the dynamic between high-altitude aerial views and ground-level street photography, highlighting the work of acclaimed photographers like Matt Stuart…
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From VanStyles to Fine Art | Show Clip
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...
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Capturing LA from Above | Show Clip
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...
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Stephen Vanasco, From 90s Skate Culture to LA Aerials: The Story of Van Styles
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...
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From Local Cohorts to the Olympics | Show Clip
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...
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Beyond the Controversy | Show Clip
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...
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Photography, Community, and Crisis | Show Clip
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...
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Photographic Archives to Community Healing | Show Clip
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...
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Rotem Rozental : Art, Activism, and the LA Photography Scene
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...
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Vernissages, Darkrooms, and Chance Encounters | Show Clip
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...
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Finding Harmony in the Chaos | Show Clip
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...
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The Symbiosis of Art and Business | Show Clip
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...
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Culture at the Top of the Mountain: Why France Values Art | Show Clip
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....
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Painting, Poetry, and Paris: Inside the Creative Mind of Joshua Elias
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…
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The Cost of Making People Proud | Show Clip
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...
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The Olympics Still Make Me Cry | Show Clip
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...
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Some Stories Need Decades to Tell | Show Clip
Paris Chong and photographer Mark Edward Harris discuss the importance of historical distance when curating and viewing photography of challenging global events like 9/11 and the pandemic. They explore how allowing these images time to breathe transforms them from painful, raw experiences into...
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The Dorian Gray Effect | Show Clip
Paris Chong and acclaimed photographer Mark Edward Harris share a candid, lighthearted detour into the personal side of life as they discuss relationships, dating dynamics, and the secrets to defying the aging process. From navigating age gaps in dating to sharing a laugh over the "Dorian Gray...
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Mark Edward Harris, Documenting The World With Photos and Beautiful Books
Paris Chong welcomes acclaimed travel and documentary photographer Mark Edward Harris to discuss his extensive career and global adventures. With a background rooted in documentary history, Mark shares his journey from starting out with stills for *The Merv Griffin Show* to photographing in over...
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Curating Art, Photography, and Life | Show Clip
Lee Kaplan shares heartwarming memories of the late Diane Keaton, highlighting her unique spirit and her status as a devoted patron of independent bookstores. He recalls a curious anecdote about Keaton window-shopping at his former location—a behavior he notes was shared by the great painter...
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The Reality of Running a Bookstore | Show Clip
Lee Kaplan and host Paris Chong discuss the realities of running a long-term business, with Lee candidly describing the transition from the thrill of the hunt for rare books to the daily "grind" of operations. The conversation shifts to the history of Arcana Books’ home within the iconic Helms...
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40 Years of Curating Arcana | Show Clip
Paris Chong chats with Lee Kaplan, the owner of Arcana Books, about the evolution of the independent bookselling scene in Los Angeles. Lee shares the story behind starting his iconic store in 1984, operating initially from a small one-bedroom apartment in Westwood, and explains the strategic...
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The Original Rhino Records Insider | Show Clip
Paris Chong sits down with Lee Kaplan, the owner of Arcana Books and a former fixture at the legendary Rhino Records. Kaplan shares his memories from 1975, when he served as one of the record store's original employees during its pre-label era, and details his role in scouting rare imports of...
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Lee Kaplan: Arcana Books, Art, and the History of Los Angeles Book Culture
Paris Chong welcomes Lee Kaplan, owner of the long-lived Arcana Books in Culver City, a destination known for its vast selection of visually-driven material, including modern and contemporary art, photography, music, and fashion. Kaplan discusses his eclectic background, revealing he was a…
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Capturing The Energy of the Ocean | Show Clip
Photographer Olaf Heine recounts his incredible experience photographing an 80-foot swell at Jaws in the winter of 2024, describing the atmosphere as "an army going out there into war" due to the seismic power of the ocean, which he notes is also what drives big wave surfer Laird Hamilton, who is...
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Why B&W for Colorful Hawaii | Show Clip
Photographer Olaf Heine justifies his powerful decision to shoot Hawaii in black and white, explaining that the monochromatic aesthetic is more "pure and reduced" and timeless, allowing him to focus on the islands' volcanic, harsh, and rugged origins rather than the distracting colors of golden...
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The Ocean as Architect | Show Clip
Olaf Heine emphasizes that in Hawaii, daily life revolves around the ocean and the sun, with people rising and going to bed with the sun, and the sea defining everyone from local fishermen and surfers to tourists. He describes the ocean as the true "architect" of the islands, constantly shaping...
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How Island Life Shaped Hawaiian Values | Show Clip
Photographer Olaf Heine and host Paris Chong explore the core of Hawaiian culture by discussing the Aloha Spirit, which Olaf defines as a philosophy of unity, solidarity, and open-hearted living, rather than just a greeting. Olaf explains that these principles and codes were developed by the...
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Olaf Heine, Capturing the Aloha Spirit in Black and White for Almost 30 Years
The Paris Chong Show welcomes renowned German photographer Olaf Heine, known for his rich portraits of artists, musicians, and athletes, to discuss his latest book focused on Hawaii. The book is being celebrated alongside his current exhibition running at Leica Gallery LA from Thursday through…
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Friendships, Fine Art Prints, and Life After Hollywood | Show Clip
Greg Gorman recalls meeting the producer and director of *My Octopus Teacher* and becoming great friends with her after flipping out over the movie, which convinced him to stop eating octopus. He notes that he met many "extraordinary" and "fascinating photographers" while out of the insular...
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The Andy Warhol Call That Made a Career-Defining Photo | Show Clip
Greg Gorman recalled that Andy Warhol called him after signing a deal with Ford Modeling. Warhol, who had a stutter, asked Gorman if he thought LAI works would hire him for an ad. Gorman shot the resulting pictures, and he considers that image one of his most significant pieces of commercial work...
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The Wildest Dinner Party Guest List Ever | Show Clip
Legendary photographer Greg Gorman gives a peek into his personal life, discussing his love for mixing unconventional dinner guests like Heidi Fleiss and David Bowie, his commitment to catch-and-release fishing, and how he now focuses on teaching a master thesis course at SVA and selling prints…
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The #1 Thing That Makes Someone Interesting to Photograph | Show Clip
Legendary photographer Greg Gorman shares his philosophy on capturing genuine portraits, prioritizing spontaneity and subjects who don't take themselves too seriously. He discusses his shift away from commercial work after 2006, explaining that digital photography allowed clients to cheaply...
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Greg Gorman Talks New Book Projects and Why Only John Waters Trusts Him To Photograph His Corpse
Celebrated photographer Greg Gorman sits down with Paris Chong to discuss his current work, which includes an unannounced two-volume set of books dedicated to David Bowie and Grace Jones, both of whom he photographed for many years. He also shares that he, Matthew Ralston, and Herb Ritts are...
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One Thing That Makes a Photographer Stand Out | Show Clip
Mitch Stringer and gallery owner Paris Chong discuss the key to a successful career in photography: having a unique vision and style that makes your work stand out, not just technical skill. Paris shares details about her upcoming "Leica Emerging" show, which will feature eight young artists…
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The Secret to Photographing Someone at Their Best | Show Clip
Paris Chong and Mitch Stringer talk about the 'secret' to good photography, naming master photographers like Greg Gorman and Manfred Bauman who make everyone look their best. Paris opens up about her personal shyness and her unique experience with nude photography by Sylvie Blum. The conversation...
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The Prettiest Invitation From A Crematorium | Show Clip
Paris Chong recounts a deeply unnerving experience after receiving a "prettiest invitation" from a crematory and shares a lighter moment of relief thanks to AAA coming to her rescue during a car key incident. The discussion then shifts to Mitch Stringer's new creative venture: gathering images…
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Navigating the Rabbit Hole of Algorithms | Show Clip
Paris Chong and Mitch Stringer dive into the world of social media, discussing how COVID-19 forced Paris onto Instagram and how Mitch uses the platform as a pure photographic outlet. They explore the challenges of social media algorithms and the potential of new, photography-focused platforms…
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Mitch Stringer, Photographer and Fellow Podcaster Talks MLB, Travel and Photo Books
Paris Chong welcomes photographer and fellow podcaster, Mitch Stringer! The episode kicks off with a fun story about how the two met in New York City at the Leica 100-year anniversary event—a chaotic yet memorable block party where Mitch briefly served as the opening act for a swarming crowd,...
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Sad Stories and Happy Stories | Show Clip
Paris Chong and Ray Barbee bond over the bittersweet reality of post-pandemic travel, despite their busy schedules. Paris shares her upcoming plans to travel to Athens, Greece, and then to Wetzler for an international gallerist meeting, admitting that she actually prefers staying home with her…
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Comfortable to Uncomfortable Confusion | Show Clip
Legendary skateboarder Ray Barbee describes the two distinct periods of "confusion" in his early career: the "comfortably confused" phase of success, sponsorships, and traveling the world, and the "uncomfortably confused" phase that followed, where the unwanted adoration and celebrity status left...
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How Skateboarding Led Me to Guitar | Show Clip
Ray Barbee tells the engaging story of how he got his first skateboard, which was a hand-me-down from his friend Danny's dad, who grew up in the 70s park era of skateboarding. He describes the board—a vast improvement over the "banana boards" he'd seen—as the key that unlocked a new culture for...
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Bedroom Snacks to London Life | Show Clip
Paris Chong recounts her dramatic personal transformation, revealing how she went from a self-described phase of "fat eating Ho Hos and Dolls in my bedroom watching MTV" one minute, to suddenly "living in London" and feeling "in love, and having fun" the next. She and her guest, Ray Barbee, share…
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Ray Barbee on Skateboarding, Photography, and a Life of Gratitude
Paris Chong sits down with her good friend, the multi-talented Ray Barbee, to discuss his new book, “The Joy is Capturing the Journey.” Ray, renowned for his legendary career as a professional skateboarder and a gifted photographer, explains how the book's title reflects his passion for…
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17,000 Steps | Show Clip
Photographer Dennys Ilic reveals the intense physical demands of his work, sharing that he logged 17,000 steps during a single concert shoot—the equivalent of walking from downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica—while burning 1500 calories. He also discusses his preferred gear for concert…
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Capturing Adams-esque Landscapes | Show Clip
Photographer Dennys Ilic and Paris Chong dive into the challenging art of capturing truly breathtaking landscapes, reminiscing about the beautiful, yet elusive, scenery of Joshua Tree. The conversation quickly shifts to the technical side as Dennys discusses his preference for the Leica SL3-S for...
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The Hidden Joys of Photography | Show Clip
Photographer Dennys Ilic discusses his passion for candid photography and his dream of working as a unit stills photographer on major sci-fi and fantasy projects like *War Hammer 40K* or *Highlander*, fueled by his love for gaming culture. He shares his experience as a boutique publisher, noting...
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Behind the Lens : Alanis Morissette Photo | Show Clip
Photographer Dennys Ilic proves why he's one of the most generous people in the industry, surprising Paris with not one, but two beautiful fine-art prints! He presents an iconic, recent shot of Alanis Morissette currently plastered all over Las Vegas for her residency, as well as a stunning older...