The Paris Chong Show

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-shotChapters:(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

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 replicate his "look" and diminished the focus on capturing a person's "soul". Gorman also recounts firing an agent who told him to "reinvent" his signature style, arguing that a distinct style, like those of Avedon or Penn, is the foundation of a great photographer's brand.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Greg Gormanhttps://youtu.be/5fEyOXb3Of0https://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #portraiture #commercialphotography

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 planning an upcoming project and book with Fahey Klein Gallery, stemming from their time in the "School of LA". Gorman, who is represented by Fahey Klein, details his busy schedule, which includes teaching at SVA in New York and running portraiture workshops in Maine and Aspen, Colorado.Gorman offers a candid critique of the photography industry, explaining that he made a conscious choice to step back from commercial work around 2006/2007, feeling he had "been there, done that". He attributes this change to the rise of digital and AI, which allowed producers to hire "Greg Gorman lookalikes" for a fraction of the price and use editing to mimic his style. His focus throughout his career has been on creating a "connected portrait"—getting inside the person's head to capture "a sense of the soul of who that individual was". He is the only person John Waters trusts to photograph his corpse, famously joking that Gorman would know he'd "need proper time for hair and makeup".Beyond his iconic black and white photography—known for its harsh lighting, strong highlights, hard shadows, and sculptured look—Gorman recounts the legendary status of his eclectic Hollywood dinner parties. He describes mixing guests like Bette Midler, David Bowie, and John Waters with "a hustler from Santa Monica Boulevard" and the popular, but unexpected, presence of Heidi Fleiss. Gorman also shares his history with Studio 54 and his connection to the late photographer Francesco Scavullo.Show Notes:www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/greg-gorman-talks-new-book-projects-and-why-only-john-waters-trusts-him-to-photograph-his-corpseChapters:00:00 Show Intro and Guest00:43 New Books Bowie and Grace01:57 John Waters Quote Talk03:13 Leica Versus Sony Gear05:38 Travel Wine and Workshops07:46 Portrait Philosophy and Industry19:22 Factory Days Memories19:56 Studio 54 First Night20:10 Francesco Scavullo Fan Talk22:06 Favorite Photographers Ethics23:58 Legacy Foundation Iconic Warhol28:56 Travel Festivals Workshops Farewell🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

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 under 30. The two also exchange stories about Los Angeles, including Mitch's time living near LACMA and Paris's past show "Walking in LA," before sharing Mitch's social media and website information.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mitch Stringerhttps://youtu.be/uAlK3neOJ2khttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photoadvice #leica #podcast

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 takes a relatable turn, discussing how endless Zoom calls have made everyone their own worst critic. Finally, they share stories about their tattoos, with Mitch showing off his peacock and dog 'Rookie' tattoos, and Paris planning to get a tribute to her dog, Disco.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mitch Stringerhttps://youtu.be/uAlK3neOJ2khttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#phototips #photographers #podcast

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 for a captivating new book focused on African wildlife, touching upon his travels and the incredible experience of seeing gorillas in Uganda.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mitch Stringerhttps://youtu.be/uAlK3neOJ2khttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#crematory #photography #podcast

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 like Iris, created by Alan Shaller.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Mitch Stringerhttps://youtu.be/uAlK3neOJ2khttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#instagram #photography #podcast

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, immediately followed by Jason Momoa. They quickly dive into their shared experience as podcast hosts, discussing the journey of building an audience, with Mitch having reached over 55 episodes and Paris's show now transitioning to a monthly format.Mitch Stringer, a Leica enthusiast and professional photographer based in Baltimore, details his life behind the lens, highlighting his diverse gear choices: Sony for the fast-paced action of Major League Baseball and his Leicas (Q3, SL3, M11) for his artistic passion projects in portraiture, street, and travel photography. The conversation shifts to the ultimate artistic goal of having a published work. Mitch, who has already published a book on Cuba, shares insights from his experience and talks about his next project: a book dedicated to African wildlife.The chat expands to cover Mitch’s extensive travel, including an upcoming two-week trip across Morocco focused on capturing the people, history, and architecture—a stark contrast to his wife's preference for less adventurous sightseeing in places like Italy and rural England. They also touch on the lighter side of life with candid talk about Mitch's three children and multiple pets, the addictive nature of Instagram, and humorous, relatable moments of aging, like receiving a startling promotion from a crematory. The episode concludes with a nod to acclaimed photographers like Greg Gorman and Art Wolf, whose work continues to inspire Mitch's photographic vision.Show Notes:www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/mitch-stringer-photographer-and-fellow-podcaster-talks-mlb-travel-and-art-booksChapters:00:00 Intro00:16 Meet Mitch Stringer01:08 Leica Party Origin Story02:45 Podcast Guests and Instagram07:18 Podcast Metrics and Media Roots12:15 Baseball Photography and Gear15:42 Travel Tales and Photo Books23:22 Dogs and Loss24:30 Cremation Mail Shock25:59 AAA and Keeping It Together26:37 Next Book African Wildlife29:21 Mentors and Great Portraits32:17 Zoom Face Critique and Tattoos37:30 Advice for Young Photographers🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

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 dog and kid. Ray Barbee echoes this sentiment, agreeing that the pandemic "spoiled" them both, making them realize how much they enjoy being home, even while acknowledging the exciting opportunities that travel provides.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Ray Barbeehttps://youtu.be/RNds97LPlq8https://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#podcast #photography #travel

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 him feeling deeply unfulfilled and conflicted. He shares how this emotional struggle, combined with realizing the world's injustices, led him to a personal journey of seeking truth, ultimately finding a spiritual understanding that there is something bigger than himself.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Ray Barbeehttps://youtu.be/RNds97LPlq8https://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#skateboarding #podcast #raybarbee

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 him. This new board gave Ray and Danny the confidence to approach the "cool kids," who were skaters and surfers, at school. Accepted into this "brotherhood," Ray's journey as a skater took off, eventually leading to his professional career.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Ray Barbeehttps://youtu.be/RNds97LPlq8https://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#skateboarding #guitar #podcast

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 a moment of laughter and reflection on the sudden, significant shifts that can happen in life, setting the stage for a broader conversation about music, passion, and personal history.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Ray Barbeehttps://youtu.be/RNds97LPlq8https://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#london #mtv #celebrity

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 documenting his blessed life and the sheer fun he finds in the process, from shooting to printing in the darkroom. The conversation also touches on his enduring career in skateboarding, including his long-standing sponsorships with brands like Vans and Crooked Skateboards, and a look back at his most significant skateboarding injury—a broken scaphoid bone that kept his wrist in a cast for nine months.Ray shares details about his family and musical roots, noting that his two sons are both skateboarders, with Max recently earning a full-ride football scholarship. He recalls growing up with jazz and soul music in the house, thanks to his parents, but notes that MTV introduced him to rock and roll, sparking his desire to play guitar. He shares a charming story of performing an air-broom guitar solo to AC/DC’s "For Those About to Rock" at a fifth-grade talent show. This early passion for music, combined with a fortuitous gift of an old-school skateboard, laid the foundation for his professional life.The discussion highlights the beautiful connection between Ray's skateboarding and photography styles, describing both as an improvisational act of "documenting moments" and "being surprised by something and hitting it... in the moment." An accomplished musician as well, Ray discusses how technology allows him to be a "one-man band" using a pedal to turn his guitar into a bass. Wrapping up, he mentions his newly released EP, “Little Postcard,” and his upcoming plans to support both the book and the album with a photo exhibition and performance at the Moments Festival in Spain. Ray attributes his famously cheerful demeanor to his faith, quoting the proverb, "A happy heart makes the face cheerful," and expressing deep gratitude for his journey.Show Notes:www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/ray-barbee-on-skateboarding-photography-and-a-life-of-gratitudeChapters:00:00 Intro00:34 Meet Ray Barbie: Skateboarder and Photographer00:46 Ray Barbie's New Book02:33 The Joy of Skateboarding05:16 Family and Parenting08:08 Growing Up with Music18:48 Discovering Skateboarding24:43 From Skateboarding to Street Photography25:50 The Parallels Between Music and Photography26:17 Skateboarding and Rhythm26:59 Desiree and Photography27:36 Transitioning to Podcasts30:37 Faith and Spirituality38:29 Seeking Truth and Finding Peace48:44 Upcoming Projects and Travels51:19 Conclusion and Farewell🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

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 photography, explaining why he uses the Leica SL series cameras for their superior low-light performance and smaller file sizes, which is necessary when shooting 5,000 photos a day. The conversation lightens as Paris Chong praises Dennys' unique and highly sought-after homemade "den bread," leading to a humorous discussion about the serious investment offers he has received to scale his baking operation into a commercial venture.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Dennys Ilichttps://youtu.be/c_IR4DRVq6ohttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #leica #10000steps

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 its superior low-light performance during concert shoots, leading to an incredible recap of his time on the road with Alanis Morissette, including the "jaw-dropping" experience of photographing her performance in front of 150,000 people at Glastonbury and the grand finale at the O2 Arena.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Dennys Ilichttps://youtu.be/c_IR4DRVq6ohttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #glastonbury #landscapephotography

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 the continued success of his first book, *Men of Science Fiction*, and the logistics of managing his book stock in Australia, which he may visit at Easter instead of Christmas due to show preparations. The discussion also touches on the universal comfort of coming home after long work periods, with Dennys reflecting on a recent period of relaxation after a shooting series, and Paris Chong mentioning her upcoming 15-hour trip to Greece for portfolio reviews.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Dennys Ilichttps://youtu.be/c_IR4DRVq6ohttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #setstills #vision

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 portrait of Liv Tyler, both printed on exquisite William Turner paper. They also share a funny moment over Dennys' signature "den bread" gift. This clip captures a wonderful, heartfelt exchange between great friends, showcasing Dennys' incredible talent and kind spirit.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Dennys Ilichttps://youtu.be/c_IR4DRVq6ohttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #dennysilic #alanismorissette

The incredibly talented and generous photographer ****Dennys Ilic joins host Paris Chong. Dennys shares insights into his world, from his passion for charity work—including an upcoming event for Heal the Bay with the Property Brothers' Drew and Linda Scott—to his history with the famous TV personality, whom he first met doing headshots before the show even existed. He also opens up about his personal 'exotic location only' rule for shooting weddings, a policy that has taken him to Italy and the Amalfi Coast for past clients, including Drew Scott.Dennys dives into his recent six-month experience working as a stills photographer on a top-secret Marvel project, the *Vision* limited series, at the legendary Pinewood Studios in London. He reveals the striking contrast between the bustling film industry in the UK, where work is abundant, and the fiercely competitive market back in LA. This eye-opening difference has him seriously contemplating a permanent move to London, despite the challenges of immigration and the unexpected hot, humid weather—and the notable lack of air conditioning. Hear his take on the future of film production and why the grass might be greener across the pond.The conversation wraps up with exciting news about Dennys's upcoming joint gallery show with actor Billy Zane, a reunion event that promises to be just as massive as their last, fire-hazard-inducing exhibition. Dennys discusses his creative pivot for the new show, moving away from commercial portraiture to a mix of striking landscape and architectural work. And, as always, he brings gifts, presenting Paris with beautiful prints of Alanis Morissette and Liv Tyler. Plus, don't miss the details on his unexpected side hustle: the unique and highly-demanded sourdough "Den Bread" that has friends and even Australian entrepreneurs urging him to turn it into a commercial business!Show Notes:www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/dennys-ilic-from-hollywood-headshots-to-marvel-stills-and-london-dreamsChapters:(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:33) Dennys Ilic(00:01:28) Property Brother(00:06:20) London's Calling(00:10:49) Double Show 2 @ Leica Gallery(00:15:55) Brought you a Present(00:18:55) Moving is Hard(00:23:12) Photo Subjects of Choice(00:28:32) Dennys' Dream Job(00:32:59) Revisiting(00:36:00) Photos of Alanis(00:40:28) Where to see more Dennys(00:43:53) Outro🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

Jeff Dunas and Paris Chong contrast the deliberate, psychologically significant process of film photography, with its 36-shot limit, against the expansive, sometimes less focused, nature of digital. Dunas recounts his role in connecting fellow photographer Ralph Gibson with Leica, a company Dunas has worked with since the early eighties, and he is encouraged to submit his own work for recognition. The conversation pivots to the Palm Springs Photo Festival, which Paris Chong notes was the start of her portfolio review career. Dunas emphasizes that the festival's unique structure positioned the portfolio reviews as an effective "job fair," successfully connecting photographers with editors and publishers to advance their careers and secure work.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Jeff Dunashttps://youtu.be/DRTByJF3HtUhttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #filmphotography #digitalphotography

Jeff Dunas's career in nude photography, which he says he is "famous for" if you’re older. He recounts his work for Playboy in his late teens. Dunas showcases his book of nudes, a 30-year collection spanning from 1970 to 2016, noting that the photos were all shot with Leica M-series cameras (M3s and M6s), mostly in Europe. He also discusses his other books made during COVID, revealing he self-designed and printed them using the service Blurb to create high-quality "dummies" for potential publishers.Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Jeff Dunashttps://youtu.be/DRTByJF3HtUhttps://www.theparischongshow.com🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com#photography #hughhefner #playboy