The Paris Chong Show

Lesa Amoore discusses her photography work with Paris Chong, highlighting her shift from fashion photography to incorporating more natural elements like animals and plants. She recalls a notable shoot with Bella Hadid as a teenager, describing it as a "coming of age" project. Amoore also recounts a challenging underwater shoot using a discontinued camera, which resulted in unexpected but beautiful effects due to a technical mistake. She details the serendipitous circumstances that led to finding a location with a pond and the last-minute changes involving models and stylists, ultimately creating a successful and memorable shoot.

Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Lesa Amoore

https://youtu.be/1JDlqPtIr0Q

https://www.theparischongshow.com

🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/

📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

#bellahadid #gigihadid #photography #hadidsisters

Lesa Amoore, renowned photographer and former model, joins Paris Chong on The Paris Chong Show for a fascinating conversation. They reminisce about past collaborations, including pop-up events and photo shoots with celebrities like Bella and Gigi Hadid. Lesa shares insights into her creative process, discussing her transition from fashion photography to capturing more natural elements like animals and plants. She also recounts memorable moments from shoots, such as using an underwater camera and a serendipitous pool/pond location, highlighting the unexpected mistakes and happy accidents that often lead to stunning results.

The discussion takes a serious turn as Lesa and Paris address the darker side of the modeling industry. They discuss the experiences of Carrie Otis and the prevalence of abuse and exploitation, particularly in the pre-internet era. Lesa, a member of the Model Alliance, sheds light on the legislative efforts to protect models and support survivors, such as the Child Victims Act and the Fashion Workers Act. They condemn the individuals who have gotten away with harmful behavior and emphasize the need for accountability and change within the industry.

Ultimately, the conversation underscores the complex realities of the fashion and photography world, blending anecdotes of creative collaboration with a frank discussion of its challenges. Lesa's experiences, both in front of and behind the camera, offer a unique perspective on the industry's evolution and the ongoing fight for safety and ethical practices. This episode provides a candid look into Lesa Amoore's career, her artistic journey, and her advocacy for change.

Show Notes:

www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/lesa-amoore-photographer-and-former-model-promotes-advocacy-for-fashion-workers

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:00:31) Lesa Amoore

(00:01:22) New Work

(00:03:33) Pond and a Pool

(00:08:39) Modeling

(00:09:58) Model Alliance

(00:14:47) 60 Minutes Interview

(00:20:50) French Connection

(00:23:49) Modeling Industry Changing

(00:27:25) Pizza Night

(00:31:02) What's Next?

(00:36:14) Where Can We See More?

(00:40:26) The Fashion Workers Act

(00:42:26) Outro

🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/

📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

Geoff Whitman discusses balancing his work with Pearl Jam and his wine business in Napa. While on tour with Pearl Jam, he handles distribution calls remotely. He travels with the crew, not the band, respecting their space and avoiding backstage access unless necessary. Geoff notes the demanding energy of touring and the shift in the wine business, including a decline post-COVID and new health advisories. Both he and Paris reflect on the current challenges in LA and the world, expressing a hope for an "upswing" and maintaining positive vibrations.

Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Geoff Whitman

https://youtu.be/FssHZQ9g-lc

https://www.theparischongshow.com

🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/

📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

#pearljam #photography #backstage #LA

Paris Chong and Geoff Whitman discuss the challenges and rewards of being a photographer, particularly in balancing commercial work with artistic aspirations. Geoff shares an anecdote about a photographer who primarily shot for Gallo wine but yearned to pursue fine art, highlighting how even commercial work can be a means to an end, like putting children through college. They agree that any work involving a camera is valid and contributes to one's craft. Geoff also mentions an interaction with Rob Mondavi's son, who initially perceived him as just a wedding photographer, but his perspective changed upon learning Geoff photographs rock stars. They then transition to discussing Geoff's current work with wineries, including his "Ledbetter" label, a nod to Pearl Jam, and the struggles faced by the restaurant industry in Los Angeles.

Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Geoff Whitman

https://youtu.be/FssHZQ9g-lc

https://www.theparischongshow.com

🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/

📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

#wine #photography #ledbetter #mondavi

Paris Chong and Geoff Whitman discuss his upcoming book project featuring his photography of Pearl Jam, an idea that originated from the band's management. Geoff, a longtime Leica user, mentions his inspirations like Jim Marshall and Danny Clinch, the latter of whom gave him advice to "be artful" while photographing the band. They also touch on Geoff's experience working with Pearl Jam, emphasizing how positive and supportive the band and crew are, contrasting it with stories of difficult personalities in the industry. Geoff reveals he's been to 150 Pearl Jam shows, shot a significant portion of them, and now gets paid to do so, which he still finds surreal.

Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Geoff Whitman

https://youtu.be/FssHZQ9g-lc

https://www.theparischongshow.com

🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/

📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

#pearljam #photography #photobook #art

Geoff Whitman discusses how he became Pearl Jam's full-time tour photographer. He was a longtime fan and a photographer since childhood, and after shooting several of their shows over a few tours, he officially joined for the "Dark Matter" tour. Geoff details his extensive travel schedule, covering the US, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and expresses his gratitude for his wife Jamina's unwavering support. He also shares anecdotes about his marriage, the changing of his wife's name, and his move to Napa, contrasting the quiet, agricultural town with his previous life in bustling Los Angeles.

Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Geoff Whitman

https://youtu.be/FssHZQ9g-lc

https://www.theparischongshow.com

🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/

📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

#pearljam #photography #tourphotos #rockphotography

Paris Chong interviews Geoff Whitman, Pearl Jam's new personal photographer and a wine expert from Napa. They reminisce about their past encounter at Southern Wine and how Paris used to order wine from Geoff while also working in radio and starting her art career. Geoff shares his journey from being a Pearl Jam fan to becoming their full-time tour photographer, detailing his upcoming tour schedule and the support he receives from his wife and family.

The conversation delves into Geoff's photography career, his transition from being a photographer since childhood to capturing iconic moments of Pearl Jam's "Dark Matter" tour. He discusses his plans for fine art prints and a potential book, drawing inspiration from legendary photographers like Jim Marshall and Danny Clinch. Geoff also touches on his wine ventures, including his consulting work and the "Ledbetter" label, a nod to Pearl Jam.

Throughout the interview, they discuss the changing landscape of the restaurant business in Los Angeles, share anecdotes about past jobs, and explore the idea of "gig work" becoming the new norm. They also touch upon mutual acquaintances, including connections to Tommy Chong's family, and express their shared love for wine, photography, and art, highlighting the serendipitous nature of their renewed acquaintance.

Show Notes:

www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/geoff-whitman-pearl-jams-tour-photographer-talks-wine-photos-and-family

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:00:23) Geoff Whitman

(00:00:57) Work With Pearl Jam

(00:06:57) The Wine Guy

(00:10:12) The Two Paris Chongs

(00:12:57) PJ and Wine

(00:14:11) Rock Photography

(00:20:21) Wine Helps Everything

(00:25:29) Doing More Than 1 Thing

(00:30:29) Work Work Balance

(00:32:52) The Wine Business

(00:38:09) Staying in the Bay

(00:40:45) Where to Find Geoff

(00:42:00) Outro

🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/

📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

Danny Minnick has recently published a 512-page book showcasing 13 years of his artwork, which was made in London by the same company that produces books for Christie's and Sotheby's. Paris Chong is impressed by the book's quality and weight, expressing excitement to delve into it. Danny also discusses two dog-themed paintings in his upcoming Boston show: one depicting his rescued pug, El Jack, and another titled "Jack is getting Shay in the studio," which is inspired by a humorous anecdote about an artist and his assistant. He mentions donating a painting to an event benefiting the Boston community and young artists.

Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Danny Minnick

https://youtu.be/kx-LTcj6A9I

https://www.theparischongshow.com

🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/

📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

#art #artbooks #dannyminnick #pugs

Danny Minnick and Paris Chong discuss various music tastes, ranging from the Eagles and punk rock to R&B and boy bands like the Backstreet Boys. They also try to recall the name of the singer/actor who starred in a movie where he played a monkey, eventually identifying him as Robbie Williams. Danny reveals his deep love for skateboarding, stating he would give up all his other skills to be able to skate like he used to, due to ankle injuries. He also shares his admiration for fellow skateboarder Ray Barbee.

Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Danny Minnick

https://youtu.be/kx-LTcj6A9I

https://www.theparischongshow.com

🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/

📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

#theeagles #r&b #backstreetboys #music #art #raybarbee

Danny Minnick discusses his recent acting work, including a film called "The Year of the Rooster" where he plays the sidekick to Robert Miano's lead character, James MaRous. He also mentions the film features actors like Johnny Roast Beef and Mossy Furlongs. Additionally, Danny is set to direct "The Elephant Ride," a film workshopped at the actor's studio. He explains his philosophy of balancing his busy schedule with eight hours each of work, rest, and play.

Show Clip from The Paris Chong Show with Danny Minnick

https://youtu.be/kx-LTcj6A9I

https://www.theparischongshow.com

🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/

📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

#balance #movies #acting #art