By ERIC YANG
Ask any photographer to pencil a list of dream clients and it might look something like this: Nike, Apple, Microsoft, Columbia Sportswear, REI, Subaru, Polaroid, Lady Gaga and Red Bull. With notches in his grip for all of those and more, Chase Jarvis has one hell of a career trajectory. Along the way he’s also managed to garner accolades galore, including being the youngest person named Hasselblad Master, Nikon Master, and ASMP Master. Oh, and he’s also created an award-winning app (The Best Camera), published a book and taken a shot at entrepreneurship. Not too shabby. We took a few moments to talk to Chase about his next project and what makes him tick.
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Q.
What’s one thing every man should know?
A.
That there’s a woman out there who’s smarter than you are — and definitely better looking.
Q.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
A.
Saying no to cool things that I wanted pursue to focus on the things that really matter. Generally speaking — it’s hard to say no.
Q.
What are you working on right now?
A.
I’m working on democratizing creative education through my (I’m the co-founder) start upcreativeLIVE. I’m focusing a lot of effort on that right now. And I just finished my brand reel [see below].
Q.
Name one thing you can’t live without.
A.
Meditation. Helps with my mental health tremendously.
Q:
Who or what influences you?
A:
The five people who I’m spending the most time with — I think this is true for everyone. Choose wisely.
Q.
What are you reading right now?
A.
Creative Intelligence by Bruce Nussbaum.IT’S OKAY TO BE THE THING YOU WANT TO BE IN LIFE, AND NOT WHAT EVERYONE ELSE WANTS YOU TO BE.
Q.
Name one thing no one knows about you.
A.
I wore glasses from age 6-10. Now I have 20/25 vision. But my right eye is still a bit weak.
Q.
It’s your last drink and meal on earth. What’ll it be?
A.
A dozen oysters and a “mustache ride”. That’s my favorite cocktail (made with bourbon, lemon, cynar, allspice liqueur, maple syrup) from The Walrus and the Carpenter in Seattle.
Q.
If you could go back and tell your 16 year old self something, what would you say?
A.
Wash your hands. No really — I’d tell myself that it’s okay to be the thing you want to be in life, and not what everyone else wants you to be.
Q.
What’s your go to breakfast?
A.
3 eggs, spinach, black beans.
Q.
If you had one lens + body or camera to shoot with for the rest of your career, what would it be?
A.
Nikon D4 with a 24-70 2.8.
Q.
Where in the world are you writing from right now? Got a snapshot?
A.
I’m on a photoshoot, in a van rambling through on the south coast of Iceland. A place called Vik [see image at the top of the article].
Q.
How do you want to be remembered?
A.
As someone who contributed to making the world a more creative place.