Alan Schaller candidly discusses his "meltdown" during the COVID-19 lockdown, attributing it to the sudden halt in his extensive work-related travel. He reveals that this period of confinement led him to purchase a vintage Aston Martin, jokingly referring to it as an "early midlife crisis" car, which initially brought more mechanical woes than joy.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Alan Schaller
https://youtu.be/XeQEMtOU4pE
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#socialmedia #photography #alanschaller
In this exciting clip, Paris Chong expresses her profound excitement about her new role as top curator for Alan Schaller's innovative photography company, Irys. She shares the backstory of the company's name, inspired by a beautiful flower, and eagerly anticipates the launch of this groundbreaking platform designed to support photographers.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Alan Schaller
https://youtu.be/XeQEMtOU4pE
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#photography #irys #alanschaller
Alan Schaller discusses the challenges photographers face in the digital age, particularly concerning book publishing. He highlights how many photographers are resigned to not publishing books due to low royalties (often under 10%) offered by traditional publishers. Schaller then introduces Irys's innovative business model, which aims to pay artists a 50% royalty on book sales, making it a "game-changer" for the industry. He also details Iris's plans for physical galleries and bookstores, fostering a community for photographers.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Alan Schaller
https://youtu.be/XeQEMtOU4pE
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#photography #royalties #artbooks
Alan Schaller recounts the significant moment of purchasing his first Leica camera for $10,000, describing the physical sickness he felt due to the cost and his hesitation to open the box for six days. He also shares anecdotes about accidentally dropping a friend's camera and his current collection of four cameras, highlighting his tendency to "smash" them into things during his photographic endeavors.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Alan Schaller
https://youtu.be/XeQEMtOU4pE
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#photography #leica #equipment
Paris Chong Show features acclaimed photographer Alan Schaller, who discusses his journey into photography, starting from a crush on a girl to becoming a "golden boy" in the industry. He shares insights into his practice, including his initial investment in a Leica camera and his dedication to street photography, which he attributes to an "obsessive maniac" approach and a flexible freelance musician lifestyle.
Schaller also introduces his new company, Iriys, an "ecosystem" designed to support the photography industry. Irys aims to offer book publishing, an agency, galleries, a magazine, and a social media application for photographers. He highlights the company's mission to address challenges faced by photographers in the age of AI and video prevalence, and to create a supportive community where artists receive fair compensation for their work, such as a 50% royalty on book sales.
The conversation touches on personal anecdotes, including humorous stories about dropping cameras and a "midlife crisis" purchase of a vintage Aston Martin during lockdown. Paris Chong expresses excitement about Iris and her involvement as a curator, emphasizing the need for such a platform and Schaller's generous approach to sharing knowledge within the photographic community.
Show Notes:
www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/alan-schaller-from-a-crush-to-photographys-golden-boy-the-birth-of-irys
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:11) Alan Schaller
(00:06:06) A Funny Meeting
(00:07:16) Irys Photo App
(00:11:32) Lockdown Experience
(00:14:30) Irys, but for real this time
(00:19:33) Book Publishing & PopUp Galleries
(00:25:09) When is the launch of Irys?
(00:27:24) Traveling Life
(00:29:16) Featured Print & Sponsors
(00:33:18) People are obssessed with Alan
(00:37:25) Explaining the Photo
(00:39:30) How we met again, but different.
(00:46:56) Irys Launch Party
(00:48:03) Playing with Chaka Khan
(00:50:02) Outro
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
Matthew Rolston discusses his early influences, which include growing up in Hancock Park, his grandfather being a doctor to MGM stars, and his proximity to Art Center. He also mentions his mother's collection of *Harper's Bazaar* magazines, which sparked his interest in fashion photography from a young age. He also recounts visiting his grandfather's office, where he saw photographs from the MGM photo studio, further shaping his artistic sensibilities. Rolston also humorously admits to sneaking into life drawing classes at Art Center as a child.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Matthew Rolston
https://youtu.be/SGbg4x9LIG8
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#photography #earlyinfluences #mgm #artcenter
Matthew Rolston, a renowned photographer, shares anecdotes from his illustrious career, including his early work with Michael Jackson and his numerous Rolling Stone covers. He recalls photographing Michael Jackson as "the King of Pop" before the title was widely known, and discusses how Elizabeth Taylor publicly coined the phrase at Jackson's behest. Rolston also touches on the influence of artists like Prince and Madonna, and highlights his pride in shooting the first U2 cover for Rolling Stone. Paris reflects on the lasting impact of these iconic figures and Rolston's significant contributions to pop culture history.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Matthew Rolston
https://youtu.be/SGbg4x9LIG8
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#photography #director #michaeljackson #madonna #u2
Matthew Rolston describes his big break into editorial photography, which came through Andy Warhol and *Interview* magazine. His first significant assignment was photographing Steven Spielberg, who was a rising director at the time, having just completed *Jaws* and with *Close Encounters of the Third Kind* about to be released. Rolston also reflects on the decline of print magazines and the shift towards digital and experiential media.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Matthew Rolston
https://youtu.be/SGbg4x9LIG8
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#photography #andywarhol #vogue
Matthew Rolston discusses his creative process and the evolution of his career from editorial and advertising photography to music videos and personal fine art projects. He shares his philosophy on working with on-camera talent, emphasizing that performance and magic in front of the camera are paramount, regardless of the individual's personality. Rolston also delves into his conceptual art projects, such as *Talking Heads: The Vent Haven Portraits*, which explores the idea of projecting human life into images and objects, and *Vanitas: The Palermo Portraits*, a meditation on mortality. He also touches upon the changing media landscape, the rise of social media, and the future of visual culture with AI.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Matthew Rolston
https://youtu.be/SGbg4x9LIG8
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#photography #performance #matthewrolston
Paris hosts renowned photographer Matthew Rolston, delving into his illustrious career that began in editorial photography with Interview Magazine and Rolling Stone. Rolston shares anecdotes about working with iconic figures like Michael Jackson and Madonna, revealing his conceptual approach to celebrity portraits, such as his Marlene Dietrich-inspired shoot with Madonna and Michael Jackson's "King of Pop" request. He also discusses his extensive work in advertising for major cosmetic brands like Revlon and L'Oréal, and his transition into directing music videos during the MTV era, highlighting how these commercial ventures fueled his creative pursuits.
Rolston reflects on the evolving media landscape, expressing his views on the decline of print magazines and the rise of social media and AI imagery. He emphasizes that while traditional platforms are changing, the essence of powerful image-making remains, and sees AI as a tool that can both lower and raise the bar for creative output. The conversation also touches on his early influences, including his childhood experiences in Los Angeles, his grandfather's connections to MGM stars, as well as his education at Art Center, all of which shaped his artistic vision.
Finally, Rolston discusses his shift from commercial work to personal art projects, driven by a desire to create a lasting legacy. He introduces his conceptual projects like the ventriloquist dummies series, “Talking Heads” and his exploration into art artmaking with "Art People," and details his upcoming "Vanitas" exhibition, which will be spread across four venues in Los Angeles, including ArtCenter and Leica Gallery, Los Angeles. He expresses his excitement for this new chapter and his love of teaching, giving him the opportunity to share his knowledge with the next generation of visual artists.
Show Notes:
www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/matthew-rolston-an-unparalleled-career-from-pop-culture-iconography-to-fine-art
Upcoming Shows:
Hollywood Royale: Out of the School of Los Angeles: https://www.hollywoodroyale.com
Talking Heads: The Vent Haven Portraits: https://matthewrolstontalkingheads.com
beautyLIGHT: Pictures at a Magazine: https://www.beautylight.com
Art People: The Pageant Portraits: https://www.matthewrolstonartpeople.com
Vanitas: The Palermo Portraits: https://www.vanitasproject.com
THE POWER OF PLEASURE, ARTCENTER CLASS
https://www.thepowerofpleasure.com
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:30) Matthew Rolston
(00:00:54) Editorial Work
(00:07:50) Who's who of the 80's
(00:11:38) Sunny, Cher or Chastity
(00:12:54) Bucket List
(00:13:55) Advertising
(00:16:22) MTV & Music Videos
(00:17:35) Teaching
(00:22:30) Social Media
(00:24:45) AI
(00:29:01) Early Influences
(00:35:43) LA
(00:37:02) Andy Warhol & the Factory
(00:40:34) Long Live Print
(00:45:11) Disaster Story
(00:49:11) Shifting Focus
(00:56:04) Vanitas & Upcoming Shows
(01:03:04) What's The Most Important Thing You Are?
(01:05:36) Outro
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
Brian Bowen Smith discusses his artistic approach, stating that his shows emerge organically rather than from a pre-planned strategy. He expresses his interest in mixed media and color photography, noting that his color works must be so visually overwhelming that the viewer focuses solely on the vibrancy rather than the subject. He also touches upon his nude photography, aiming for an aesthetic that transcends the nudity itself, a goal he jokingly equates to a gynecologist's professional detachment. His wife's understanding and even assistance in finding nude models are highlighted, contrasting with other photographers whose partners object to such work, and he mentions his current shift away from nudes to focus on landscapes and everyday scenes.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Brian Bowen Smith
https://youtu.be/SVu6G1sTWHE
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#photography #art #mixedmedia
Brian Bowen Smith explains his philosophy on generosity and karma, stating that he doesn't do good deeds to receive something in return, but rather because it feels good to help others, even in small ways. He shares a poignant anecdote about hugging a crying stranger who later revealed how desperately she needed that embrace, leading him to ponder if his simple act of kindness might have averted a more tragic outcome.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Brian Bowen Smith
https://youtu.be/SVu6G1sTWHE
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#karma #generosity #empathy
Brian Bowen Smith discusses the origin of his book "DriveBys”, a project inspired by receiving one of the first Leica M10 Monochrom cameras during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains how the camera's lack of color allowed him to focus solely on composition. The project began with a spontaneous photoshoot of a neighbor's daughter in a vintage dress, captured from his 1958 Ford F-100 truck during an unexpected rain shower. This first "ghostly" image, and a subsequent one featuring a friend's mother in her wedding dress on a swing, immediately suggested a series, leading him to embark on a road trip across America, seeking out unique subjects for the project.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Brian Bowen Smith
https://youtu.be/SVu6G1sTWHE
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#brianbowensmith #photography #leicam10 #monochrome
Brian Bowen Smith discusses his unexpected move to California in the nineties, influenced by his director friend Evan Stone, whom he met while skating under the Brooklyn Bridge. Brian, who studied acting at the William Esper Studio, recounts his past acting gigs, including playing Jennifer Aniston's boyfriend (an NYU soccer player who stole her stuff) on *Friends* and a photographer on *The Morning Show*. He also shares his lifelong dream of living in California, rooted in a transformative experience during a college gymnastics championship in San Luis Obispo, where he envisioned his future life by the Malibu Pier.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Brian Bowen Smith
https://youtu.be/SVu6G1sTWHE
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#brianbowensmith #friends #photography #jenniferaniston
Brian Bowen Smith, also known as BBS, joins Paris Chong for Episode 31. In this captivating episode, Brian discusses his illustrious career as a photographer, touching upon his "Angel show", held during COVID with Stephan Sco and Brandon Boyd. He opens up about the crucial role his wife, Shea, plays in managing his life and career, a partnership that has thrived for over 35 years. Brian attributes their relationship's success to staying busy and continually striving to impress each other, emphasizing that stagnation can make life difficult.
Brian shares insights into his upbringing in Syracuse, New York, and how he transitioned into photography after an unexpected encounter with director Evan Stone in the nineties under the Brooklyn Bridge. He recounts his past acting experiences, including a role as Jennifer Aniston's boyfriend on *Friends* and a photographer on *The Morning Show*. He also reveals that in over 30 years, he's only had one truly bad experience with a celebrity, noting that most are appreciative and professional.
The conversation then shifts to Brian's book, *Drivebys*, created during COVID using a monochrome camera. He describes how the project began in his Agoura Hills neighborhood, starting with a photo of a neighbor's daughter in a vintage Ford F-100 truck. The unplanned rainy weather led to a "ghostly" and "eerie" shot through the truck's windows, inspiring the entire series. Brian also hints at an upcoming mixed-media collaboration with a talented young neighbor, expressing his excitement for their artistic partnership. The episode concludes with a humorous discussion about their shared hyperactive personalities and a mention of Brian's gorgeous home in Agoura Hills, complete with old trucks and various animals.
Show Notes:
www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/brian-bowen-smith-from-friends-to-fine-art-drive-vision-and-the-unexpected-shot
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:34) Brian Bowen Smith
(00:05:15) Moved to LA
(00:09:54) ADHD
(00:13:15) Big Fan of Painting
(00:16:08) Brian's House
(00:20:12) Drivebys
(00:27:00) Moving to LA
(00:31:34) Neighbors and Parties
(00:35:37) Karma
(00:40:36) Money Doesn't Equal Happiness
(00:42:14) Being Brian Bowen Smith
(00:46:53) Working on Now
(00:53:37) See More of Brian
(00:57:08) Outro
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
Ema McKie and Mark de Paola introduce Ema's daughter, Ona, who also appears in their film "A Stab at Heaven." Ona shares her thoughts on being in the movie and having creative parents, providing a heartwarming counterpoint to the film's heavier themes of loss and grief.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mark de Paola
https://youtu.be/uH3PRc212Ko
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#filmmaking #art #grief
Mark de Paola offers invaluable advice for aspiring photographers, emphasizing the importance of bravery and finding one's unique artistic vision. He encourages artists to delve deep into their own stories and intentions, much like a film director, to create work that is truly authentic and impactful. He highlights how this "bravery" is evident in the work of acclaimed directors like David Lynch and Emma Stone, and how personal narratives, like Ema McKie's in "A Stab at Heaven," resonate deeply due to their inherent truth and vulnerability.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mark de Paola
https://youtu.be/uH3PRc212Ko
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#photography #filmaking #artisicvision
Photographer and director Mark de Paola discusses his frequent shooting schedule and how essential photography is to his well-being. He shares anecdotes about his close relationship with fellow photographer Sylvie Blum, highlighting her prolific work and their shared history, including his role in helping her stepson get into art school.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mark de Paola
https://youtu.be/uH3PRc212Ko
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#photography #creativeprocess #artschool
Join photographer and director Mark de Paola as he discusses his unique approach to art, emphasizing bravery and individuality. He shares insights into his creative process, his respect for women in his work, and anecdotes about photographing iconic figures like Henry Fonda and Sammy Davis Jr. Mark also highlights his popular photography classes at Leica, where he encourages students to develop their own artistic thumbprint.
Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mark de Paola
https://youtu.be/uH3PRc212Ko
https://www.theparischongshow.com
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
#photography #feminism #art #leica
Paris Chong sits down with acclaimed photographer and director Mark de Paola to discuss his diverse career and upcoming projects. Mark, known for his fashion photography and commercial directing, reveals he is currently focusing on motion pictures, with two films, *A Stab at Heaven* (starring Ema McKie) and *Better Than Dead*, in development for release, plus a third big film. He also shares insights into his unique teaching philosophy at Leica, where he encourages students to be "brave" and find their individual artistic voice rather than simply replicating others' work.
The conversation delves into Mark’s personal history and influences, including his strong feminist perspective, which he attributes to his mother's involvement in the women's rights movement. He recounts a pivotal early career experience photographing Henry Fonda and Sammy Davis Jr., which teaches him a valuable lesson about intellectual property rights. Mark also discusses his upcoming photography exhibitions in Tokyo and San Francisco, highlighting his continued passion for photography alongside his ventures into filmmaking.
Later in the episode, Ema joins the discussion to talk about her starring role in Mark’s film, *A Stab at Heaven*. Ema shares the deeply personal and challenging story behind the film, which is based on her real-life experience with the suicide of a loved one. Both Mark and Ema emphasize the film's artistic and impactful nature, aiming to portray a universal truth about loss and grief without dictating audience emotions. The film also features Emma's daughter, Ona, whom Mark describes as a natural on set.
Show Notes:
www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/mark-de-paola-from-fashion-photography-to-filmmaking-the-art-of-being-brave-with-ema-mckie
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:25) Mark de Paola
(00:05:11) The New Film
(00:08:48) Mark's First Assignment
(00:14:25) Encyclopedia
(00:17:08) Shows Coming Up
(00:18:53) How often do you photograph?
(00:22:27) When are the movies coming out?
(00:30:33) Photgraphy Advice
(00:34:07) Philosophies
(00:37:18) Paris the Rockstar
(00:40:19) Ema McKie
(00:41:40) The Movie
(00:45:41) Ona's Movie Role
(00:47:32) A way to Heal
(00:50:15) Private Screening
(00:54:47) What was his name?
(00:57:50) What's next?
(01:01:11) Ona
(01:03:13) Outro
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher https://andrewraiher.com/
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com
