As the latest addition to the staff, I know I’ve wondered why The Phoblographer is like it is and what makes us work the way we do. Is it the inclusivity? The authenticity? Our commitment to journalism and its core values? The fact that we certainly despise the word content and the devaluation of the arts associated with it? The short answer is a resounding yes. The long answer? The Phoblographer is what it is, thanks to Chris Gampat, founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief. And you can learn more about this by heading to Something New Every Week and listening to Chris’s interview with Jason Groupp and Jackie Tobin.
Head to SNEW at Buzzsprout, Spotify, or iTunes and give it a listen. You won’t regret it.
The Episode, a Not-so-quick Summary
Starting with a personal overview —including, of course, his legally blind status, which gives him a very different, fascinating view of photography— the episode goes over the fourteen years the Phoblographer has been running and, of course, some insights into what the future may hold for us.
The Early Days
Back in the late 2000s, Chris graduated into a terrible recession and a period where, even with many internships under his belt, he couldn’t secure a full-time job. This led to the creation of the Phoblographer, a job balanced with internships at places like PCMag and Magnum for monetary reasons and the need to learn from more experienced journalists.
In the podcast we also learn about something Chris and The Phoblographer were pioneers at, changing the way the industry approaching gear testing.
What’s Hard About Interviewing Photographers
Our approach to interviewing photographers has certainly changed over the years, and Chris delves into those changes. From the earliest extended interviews to our new format, focusing on the who, what, when, why, and how, including, of course, the difference between our work and what can be achieved through the use of generative tools.
He also touches on how hard it is to meet deadlines when you’re collaborating with external people who may be late — or very late — at answering.
How To Find a Creative Balance As a Freelancer
One of the hardest things about being a freelancer — and I should know — is dealing on your own with what other companies need a whole team for: social media, emails, meetings, public relations, advertising, funding, etcetera. Chris shares with us his approach, based on what the different sides of our brain are good at, and how switching and mixing things up can be quite good at keeping anyone in top shape.
Where is The Industry Heading?
As photographers, we’re going through a major paradigm shift right now, and it’s all about intentionality and connection. We need to go back to thinking about how photography is an art, rather than a quick snap. Chris is more than aware of this trend, of this devaluation, and he talks about how we should ditch the word content and all its variants, as well as how we should know more about our history as artists so we can know about where we might be heading.
Where Is The Phoblographer Heading To
To finish with, Chris Gampat talks to us about zines and news that may have been in the making for a while that no one else is telling because of the need to maintain relationships within the industry. Of course, these relationships are no more important than the story, the core of journalism. And there are leads he’s following, dealing with things like child labor and other major problems.
A Recap: Why You Should Head To Something New Every Week Right Now And Listen To This Interview With Chris Gampat
This interview provides you with a particularly interesting insight on the person —no, the driving force— behind this website. Work ethics, performance tips, culture and arts, and of course, the art of blending your own beard oils.