This is a video recording of Chase Jarvis‘ presentation that he gave on a PhotoShelter event in New York to the audience of more than 600 photographers. Chase is a commercial advertising photographer. He is – as he says – a reasonably good photographer. He is damn good, actually.

In his talk he describes how he works and illustrates his speech with really inspiring pictures. You can see several behind the scenes movies as well revealing what is in the black box of commercial photography shooting.

If you cannot find 55 spare minutes to watch the video, just read a very brief summary from me below:

He works along the lines of the following concepts – or as he calls them – universals.

Hard work means what it means. It can hardly be done part time. It’s more than a full time job. In some cases you spend reasonable time away from home and family. Partly this why you need the next point:
Passion is about liking what you do. Passion for pictures you are taking. Simple. You won’t be able to achieve much without really liking what you do. And you have to be able to find time to shoot what you like.
And you have to develop your personal style. Take your dream pictures. Differentiate yourself from the crowd. You need to be unique in a way. Your style is going to be your brand.
People are important. Not only the models you are photographing but your fellow photographers as well. You have to know and be a part of a community. Sharing your secrets with the industry contributes to making the whole industry better.
Business skills are important to get assignments and get paid for doing what you like. You need to be educated on this stuff. Read those books, man.
Being unconventional is about doing things in a way they have been done before. Making pictures that are not out there yet. Think outside the box.
You can give back to the community in many ways like teaching, sharing photos, giving speeches and inspiring others, just like Chase is doing. The old school is over and does not work any more.

And a very important point he makes around the end:

Pros’ thinking: Get Smart
Amateurs’ thinking: Get Paid

Thanks, Chase. You inspired me a lot.

I found the video on the Photography Tip blog.