The Blog of Caleb Chancey

OFFICIAL NEW BLOG!!!

2010-07-20T13:10:00.004-05:00

OK, so I have not only decided to start blogging again, but I finally found a new home for my blog!

It is simply:

http://www.calebchanceyblogs.com

Check it out and RSS it!

Why the switch? I wasn't having fun with the format of this blog. So, I changed. The End.

Click HERE to check it out.

My Cousin Justin

2010-06-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

This guy had a Birthday a few months back. We totally went fishing!

Me in the Mirror with some light stuff Happening

2010-06-17T10:56:00.000-05:00

How's that for a title!

NYC

2010-05-07T13:58:00.003-05:00

I am currently sitting in a random office in NYC. For the past week I've been assisting Cary Norton on a shoot, and I'll be here until next Thursday. Today, has been a particularly lovely day, being that Laura is flying in today. She just has the ability to make my day infinitely better just by thinking of her. Fact.

On top of that, we're staying with the great Brian and Brooke Murphy. Wonderful people, and a wonderful place. This morning I woke up around 4:45 to see this image rising with the sun.

Keeping with the iPhone theme, I was able to go hear the curator of TED, Chris Anderson, give a small talk at . (I recorded the audio, and will post it when I get some downtime.) Here's a shot of us looking like we're best buddies who are going after the same girl, but we don't want the other to know:

It's been great hanging out in the city, but I will be very ready to return home come Thursday.

Soon after I return to Birmingham, Laura and I will be heading down to the beach with many dear friends to have a proper vacation. Then, it's back to wedding season with a bang! (2 in 1 weekend, both on location....crazy fun)

There's a big update for you guys. Lots of things to think through. I expect a 2 page paper on my desk in the morning.

New RSS

2010-04-29T23:20:00.001-05:00

For all you RSS users (1...2..3...4...) you need to put this in your feed reader:

http://www.calebchanceyphotography.blogspot.com

This is only for the time being. I will soon be switching to Wordpress for good.

This blog has moved

2010-04-26T15:18:00.001-05:00

This blog is now located at http://calebchanceyphotography.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://calebchanceyphotography.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Photo Wall

2010-04-05T12:06:00.005-05:00

So, I've been looking for a different way to do a Portrait Studio / Photobooth for a while, and thanks to the inspiration from Ruffled Blog, this totally happened on Friday.

Thank you Morgan Johnston for snapping the process photos! Thank you Duquette Johnston for you carpentry know-how! Thank you Laura for helping with the entire process!

Can't wait to use this in my next wedding!

A Music

2010-03-23T08:36:00.003-05:00

by Wendell Berry

I employ the blind mandolin player

in the the tunnel of the Metro. I pay him

a coin as hard as his notes,

and maybe he has employed me, and pays me

with his playing to hear him play.

Maybe we're necessary to each other,

and this vacant place has need of us both

--it's vacant, I mean, of dwellers,

is populated by passages and absences.

By some fate or knack he has chosen

to place his music in this cavity

where there's nothing to look at

and blindness costs him nothing.

Nothing was here before he came.

His music goes out among the sounds

of footsteps passing. The tunnel is the resonance

and meaning of what he plays.

It's his music, not the place, I go by.

In this light which is just a fact, like darkness

or the edge or end of what you may be

going toward, he turns his cap up on his knees

and leaves it there to ask and wait, and holds up

his mandolin, the lantern of his world;

his fingers make their pattern on the wires.

This is not the pursuing of rhythm

of a blind cane pecking in the sun,

but is a singing in a dark place.

2010-03-10T11:10:00.002-06:00

2010-03-07T06:24:00.000-06:00

Happy Sunday

Dear Everyone,

Relax.

2010-03-02T10:13:00.002-06:00

I Think I Shot This...

Found this image on a random roll of film. There was pretty much nothing on it except for this shot. I really love it.

2010-03-01T06:43:00.001-06:00

Morgan & Duquette Johnston

Great friends and a really good looking / incredible couple.

2010-02-28T06:16:00.000-06:00

I Love Mornings

Recently, Laura and I have been waking up early.

It's kind of awesome.

Fin.

2010-02-27T07:06:00.000-06:00

Hand Placement

So much is said by the way someone holds her hands. Such a small detail, and such a big part of an image!

2010-02-26T07:23:00.000-06:00

Abby Ott

So I had an intern for the month of January, and she'll be back in the summer.

Let's just say LIFE SAVER!!!

That is all.

2010-02-25T07:41:00.000-06:00

Robbie Caponetto

Whenever I have the opportunity, I love assisting Robbie Caponetto. Great guy, and a good travel partner.

This is from a shoot near ATL a couple months again.

I missed on the focus, but I still like the shot a lot.

2010-02-24T07:17:00.000-06:00

Old Shot of Annette

WOW! I randomly found this shot I took right when I first started shooting! I think this was one of my first shoots with a human being. Bryan had just given me a pep talk about pushing myself and always needing to try something new. You can't see it, but I was standing up on a cement window ledge, so that I could shoot down, and I was trying to curve my body so the window light still hit her face.

The yellow glow behind her head was the regular studio overhead light, and NO I did not plan it.

I'm still pretty happy with this photo.

2010-02-23T07:01:00.000-06:00

The Vandal Kids

Laura's parents make some pretty babies!!

2010-02-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Allison & Joseph Engagement

A couple Saturdays back, I got to spent a great day with these two. Love the shots we got. The above is very much a favorite.

Can't wait to shoot their wedding in June...

2010-02-21T07:58:00.000-06:00

Taylor Shaw

Do you know his music? No?

GO. NOW.

2010-02-20T07:07:00.000-06:00

Our Home

I love our home...

2010-02-19T15:07:00.003-06:00

Doug Powell

Had so much fun with this shoot! Doug is a great guy and I really think we nailed this shot.

Much love, Doug!

2010-02-12T10:08:00.003-06:00

Max later in life...

My favorite, and current, Whiskerino shot.

After decades of trying to persuade his mother that these creatures, these "Wild Things", were not a figment of his imagination, Max turns to his only friend. A bottle he fondly refers to as "Carol".

Thanks Jason Wallis.

2010-02-10T08:44:00.002-06:00

Erin & Matt's Wedding on Southern Weddings Blog

Thanks so much Southern Weddings Blog for featuring the wedding of Matt & Erin Francisco!!

To check out the blog entry, click HERE.

To visit Erin & Matt's Wedding Gallery, click HERE

2010-02-10T08:20:00.004-06:00

PieLab

I had the pleasure of traveling to Greensboro, AL, this week, and met folks from PieLab. Do yourself a favor: make the drive and get yourself some pie.

2010-02-09T12:38:00.002-06:00

Laura Chancey

I love me beautiful wife. This is her when she assisted me on a shoot for Garden and Gun recently.

2010-02-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

Clowns are creepy...

2010-02-05T09:54:00.005-06:00

Luke Ash

Jacob Zachary

Jordan Courtney

All wonderful musicians. GO and have a listen.

2010-02-01T09:07:00.003-06:00

Allison & Joseph

These guys are getting married. I'm shooting their wedding. Joe is my best friend from home.

That is all you need to know for now...

2010-01-28T17:21:00.003-06:00

Doug Powell

A scholar and a gentleman. I'll post the official images when his site comes to life.

2010-01-26T07:00:00.001-06:00

The Marriage of Erin & Brent

This past Friday, I had the absolute joy of photographing the marriage of Brent & Erin Roberts. I know it wasn't their goal, but they totally knew how to make me happy:

Small Family Wedding (27 people)

On a Weekday (friday!)

No Bridesmaids or Groomsmen (I love bridesmaids and grooms men, but the fewer people I have to shoot, the more focused I can be)

Incredibly Sweet People

Thanks Guys!

P.S. Thanks to Abby & Bryan for assisting the day!

2010-01-25T11:24:00.002-06:00

The Matt Chancey Family

My oldest brother, and his family, came into Birmingham yesterday to pick up their Christmas present: a family shoot.

Love them.

By the number of kids, I guess you could say I'm a pretty generous gift giver...

2010-01-17T15:43:00.003-06:00

By shooting on a solid backdrop, a photographer creates a mystery box for the viewer. By this I mean, the location or time the photograph was taken is never given. Was it natural light, or strobe? Was it a full production, or just a one on one session?

I love "on white" portraits because I love mystery. I love not being given all the information, and just letting things be.

The above portrait was taken in Cary Norton's studio a few weeks ago.

This portrait below was taken outdoors in Apalachicola, FL, almost two years ago:

Why do I bring this up? Well, I've been thinking about environments, and how to create/use them.

A friend has asked me to take his portrait. He wants it to be very classic, and possibly shot on a solid grey. I told him that I would like to find a field somewhere to set up, or perhaps in the middle of a wooded area.

Why?

Because even though he'll be completely on grey, in a suit and bow tie, he loves hunting and the outdoors. So even if the environment is not seen in the background, it may show up in his face, or how he holds his hands. His shoulders may be more relaxed. His dog may be out of frame and he may react in a way that you could never achieve in a studio.

Or maybe I'm just bored and want to go outside....

2010-01-06T17:11:00.002-06:00

This is Nall. He apprenticed under Salvador Dali.

He enjoys the outdoors.

The Last 10 Years

2009-12-31T11:47:00.007-06:00

So I started gathering this list, and I'm pretty overwhelmed.

This is not the complete list. That list will only be seen in heaven. All that God has done, and is currently doing, would fill more books than I could imagine. Never the less, here are a few of the carreer highlights.

*Note: I have a terrible memory, and some of these events may be a year, or so, out of order... oh well.

Experienced of freedom, grace, loss, and redemption with my family

Started at Providence Christian School

Met lifelong friends

Graduated Providence

Started at TSU/TU

Read The Educated Imagination

Saw Les Miserables

Moved to Birmingham

Started at UAB

Started going to UCF

Met more lifelong friends

Took film course

Bought a camera

Met Bryan

Met Cary

Met Jason

Asked Bryan for internship

Interned at A Bryan Photo

Bryan bought me a Rolleiflex

Started shooting like crazy

Bryan asked me to drop out of school and work full time

Dropped out of School

Full time at A Bryan Photo, color correction/assisting

Helped build company some more

First real shoot with a band (Triceratops)

Started shooting Weddings for A Bryan Photo

Went to Vegas

Met Bill

Start shooting ad for Farm Links

Started hosting concerts

Road trip with Rob & Bob

Hear Mary Ellen Mark & Jim Nachtway speak

Published in Martha Stewart Weddings

Start GreyHaven Music Community w/ lifelong friends

Meet Laura

Best man in my brothers wedding

Become freelance associate for A Bryan Photo

Worked out of Home

Moved into Studio with Jason

Started shooting for Moxii

Engagement

Drove to Charleston, meet with Garden & Gun

Shot for G&G

Shot for G&G again

Published again in Martha Stewart Weddings

Produced Neil Couvillion's album Time Machine

A part of all of my best friends weddings...so amazingly honored

Marriage to my love

In love every day

Started attending RCC

Start shooting weddings through CCP and ABP

Registered for Rodney Smith Workshop

Christmas for two

God is good.

Bedouins International

2009-12-29T14:02:00.002-06:00

It was an absolute joy to give something to this team who gives so much to the world. Check out their site Bedouins International.

The Chancey Christmas

2009-12-26T11:41:00.005-06:00

The Marriage of Erin & Matthew Francisco

2009-12-24T10:16:00.002-06:00

Pocket Instamatic 20

2009-12-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Bought this camera at a junk shop in town.

So far, I love it so so much....

Branch Portraits

2009-12-21T16:46:00.002-06:00

Because I had some polaroid and I wanted to shoot something....

Old Wedding Polaroid & Beards

2009-12-14T09:37:00.003-06:00

Love the Double-Shot polaroid!

Heading out to ATL soon. I'll be there for the next two day.

Lots of film will be getting back today, tomorrow, & Wednesday....I'm pretty excited....

Oh here's a shot of me for Whiskerino:

The Howell Family 09

2009-12-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

Amazing family. Amazing images. Go figure.

Our Wedding

2009-12-10T16:39:00.004-06:00

After many months of thinking about how to present our wedding, I came up with this. I hope you all enjoy!

Camera Obscura - "French Navy"

2009-12-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks for the recommendation Nicolle!

The Francisco Wedding: Polaroid Preview

2009-12-07T14:19:00.003-06:00

I'm so happy with this wedding. I'm planning on having it complete by Christmas, so all stories will wait until it's released.

Let's just say, the day started at 8:30 with the guys having a snowball fight...

Laura Laughing

2009-12-07T09:00:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite shots of Laura ever.

Trees

2009-12-02T07:04:00.000-06:00

The Hunt

2009-12-01T17:48:00.003-06:00

I recently did an ad shoot for Farm Links promoting their Quail Hunting.

I've never done anything like this, and I had a lot of fun.

*Note: Seeing a Pointer point will change your life.

Check out the limited time gallery I have up HERE.

A few items...

2009-11-23T08:29:00.002-06:00

It's been a busy 2 months. Here's a preview of a few of the shoots I did. More on each (and more) to come.

Did I mention....

2009-11-10T16:17:00.001-06:00

that I love Rodney Smith?

I love the Fall....

2009-11-06T16:06:00.001-06:00

I was able to shoot outside all day today for Main Street Birmingham.

Good day.

FarmLinks - Scouting

2009-11-05T17:23:00.001-06:00

From this morning. Scouting for a "Quail Hunting" shoot next week. Pumped.

Sam Abell - Two Views

2009-11-03T11:50:00.003-06:00

Sam Abell spoke at Look3 a year or so ago. After I heard him speak about his new book The Life of a Photograph, I found it and I bought it.

One of the most amazing aspects of the book is his study of two perspectives.

He'd take a picture of something,

then he'd move, and take the "same picture".

EVERYTHING changes!

When we were leaving our Honeymoon I was walking to the plane and realized I needed to shoot off the rest of a roll I had in the Rollei. Reminded of ol' Sam, I took a few shots of the same thing but at different perspectives.

Anyway, I thought I would mention this...

James Lewis, Bettola

2009-10-30T16:16:00.002-05:00

James Lewis is a master.

Bettola Polaroids

2009-10-23T08:58:00.003-05:00

I seriously can't wait to get this film back....

Bocce Balls & Coon Dogs

2009-10-20T10:59:00.003-05:00

The August/September issue of Garden & Gun was the "Secret South" issue. It was based around locations/events that you wouldn't really know about unless you knew a local Southerner.

I had two very unique shoots for this issue.

1) A Bocce Ball court that is open only during the summer months in the back of Chez Fon Fon.
2) A Coon Dog Cemetery in a little town above Decatur, AL.

Wow. How different can two things be?

St. Lucia

2009-10-16T14:18:00.003-05:00

Getting massive amounts of film back in. Some I can show immediately (personal work), and some will take a few months (editorial).

Let the flow begin.

Why not...

2009-10-15T11:04:00.002-05:00

Caleb is Mean from Jason Wallis Director on Vimeo.

Because we can!

Martha Stewart Weddings: Caroline & Keat

2009-10-05T16:07:00.003-05:00

Whenever I get a chance to second shoot a wedding with THE Bryan Johnson, I pretty much have a perfect work day.

In the case of Caroline & Keat's Wedding, I was in charge of shooting the guys and the ceremony/reception details.

Make sure to pick up your copy today....I mean you don't have to....but it would be nice....

Inspiration: Richard Avedon - Performance

2009-09-28T15:16:00.002-05:00

Laura and I were perusing Anthropologie on Sunday, and off of the bookshelf jumped a very pleasant surprise.

Performance is a journey through Richard Avedon's fascination with theatre, music, movies, comedy, and anything involving.....performance.

Basically, I'm telling you to buy it.

On White - Seth & His Check Book

2009-09-24T15:31:00.002-05:00

On White - Carla Jean Whitley & David Carrigan

2009-09-23T09:27:00.004-05:00

Whenever I have to spend a day editing behind a computer, I usually announce a "On White" day on Twitter. This basically means people stop by and they get a portrait on a white background.

This gives me a "job related reason" to stop actually working on what I need to be doing (aka staring at a computer screen) and take a break to shoot.

Portrait: Dr. Michael Clinton

2009-09-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

James Lewis' Bettola

2009-09-21T11:04:00.003-05:00

I shot James Lewis for an article in Garden & Gun's June 2009 issue. During the shooting, James and I realized that we saw eye to eye on many subject including: presentation of image, quality over quantity, and the ever ongoing pursuit of knowledge.

I've had to pleasure of shooting James' restaurant Bettola a few times since, and it will be my continued pleasure to shoot it in the future.

If you are in Birmingham, please do yourself the service of experiencing this incredible creator.

Two Random Ones...

2009-08-28T17:32:00.001-05:00

Putting together a story with Cory Bordonaro.

Preparing to get married (NEXT SATURDAY!!).

Busy.

Love you!

Costa Rica - Allison & Bob - Part 2 - Pictures

2009-08-25T13:00:00.003-05:00

Sorry this is late.

Click HERE to see the rest of my pictures.

and

Click HERE to see the real pictures by Cary Norton.

Costa Rica - Allison & Bob - Part 1 - 8mm

2009-08-24T11:52:00.002-05:00

Bob & Allison Miller Wedding from Caleb Chancey on Vimeo.

Photos to follow later today...

Write to Papa

2009-08-16T13:32:00.003-05:00

Since the time I completed my Grandfather Project, Papa suffered a stroke, and has moved in with my mom. It's been a very trying time for everyone, especially Papa.

So, here's an opportunity for you to help.

Papa would like to hear from you.

If you would, take some time today and watch "The Grandfather Project", and look through the pictures in it's Flickr Album.

Then, write to my grandfather.

(If you would like to e-mail, you can e-mail me: caleb@calebchancey.com and I'll pass it on to him.)

However, if you would like to write him a letter, you can send it to:

Bill Snead
2804 Peachtree Drive
Dothan, AL 36303

If you could do this, I know this would literally make his month!

Thank you!

The Grandfather Project from Caleb Chancey on Vimeo.

P.S. For those of you who write him a letter, make sure to have your return address on the envolope, because you'll be getting something special in the mail!

Allison Miller

2009-08-13T09:40:00.001-05:00

The Most Beautiful Girl in the World

2009-08-12T10:01:00.002-05:00

24 days and counting....

Storm in Manuel Antonio

2009-08-11T17:21:00.002-05:00

Click Here if you would like to purchase this print!

On White - Amelia Strauss

2009-08-10T08:26:00.002-05:00

The great Amelia Strauss stopped by the studio last week to get a couple On White shots for her upcoming site! Make sure to check out Amelia's Current Site and look for the new one in the next month.

Something pretty...

2009-08-07T08:36:00.001-05:00

Just a little something from my visit to the Blumberg's house.

Polaroids: Jen Blumberg

2009-08-06T11:30:00.002-05:00

Jen Blumberg is awesome.

Big things are happening...

2009-08-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

sfgirlbybay feature - [taking pictures]

2009-08-05T15:24:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Victoria over at sfgirlbybay for featuring one of my Romania pictures in their [taking pictures] post!

Everyone should stop what you're doing right now and GO CHECK OUT HER SITE!!!

The Crum Family - 2009

2009-08-03T11:10:00.003-05:00

Favorite family shoot, ever.

Great thing about old polaroid cameras and old metal film cameras: Kids love them, and they can drop with on the grass with no worries.

Make sure to check out their 8mm:

The Crum Family - 2009 from Caleb Chancey on Vimeo.

Back from Costa Rica!

2009-08-01T12:33:00.002-05:00

Sending the film off on Monday, along with the 8mm....

SO PUMPED!

More updates next week! Enjoy your weekend.

4th of July 8mm, 2009

2009-07-31T08:45:00.001-05:00

4th of July - 2009 from Caleb Chancey on Vimeo.

Crazy Cool Storm!

2009-07-30T02:48:00.002-05:00

In Manuel Antonio. Amazing.

San Jose - Hotel

2009-07-28T13:46:00.002-05:00

Lab Love - Southtown

2009-07-22T10:56:00.002-05:00

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity of teaching photography to a group of kids in the Southtown area. By "teaching" I mean they said, "You have thirty minutes. Here are the kids. Here's the project."

It was awesome. The kids had a lot of fun with there disposable cameras, and it really let me just get out and shoot some really cool subject matter.

*Technically this area of Birmingham is called Southside. But I like the name Southtown better.

In the Studio - Marriages

2009-07-21T11:04:00.003-05:00

This week is all about the Marriages of Branden Lower and Bob Miller....not to each other (damn prop 8), but to two very wonderful women.

This Sunday, Mr. Branden Lower and Ms. Lindsey Fine will become, Mr. & Mrs. Lower.

Then, a 4 hour plane ride and four days later, and Mr. Bob Miller and Miss Allison Thornhill, will also join the ranks of husband and wife.

Just thought you guys should know.

I'm pretty pumped.

On White - Jeremy Carter & David Blumberg

2009-07-17T09:32:00.002-05:00

You need to see this... - Rodney Smith

2009-07-16T07:41:00.000-05:00

Rodney Smith is one of my favorite photographers ever. Fact.

You should do yourself a favor and:

1) Check out his work

and

2) Buy This Book

On White - Jimmy Hrom

2009-07-15T16:25:00.003-05:00

I have film coming in tomorrow, so Lab Love will be pushed until then.

For now, enjoy this shot of Jimmy. He does 8-bit Nintendo DeeJaying!

Check it out!

In The Studio - Harry Potter

2009-07-14T14:41:00.001-05:00

Midnight showing....so excited.

Weekly Nostalgia - Slide - Birthday

2009-07-13T13:54:00.001-05:00

Love this image.

Rest Your Eyes - Horse Feathers

2009-07-12T12:18:00.003-05:00

We just purchased the Horse Feathers vinyl yesterday....you need to listen to this.

On White - Rob Culpepper

2009-07-10T09:18:00.002-05:00

I really like this guy.

You need to see this... - Joshua Longbrake

2009-07-09T14:31:00.005-05:00

I've known Josh "The" Longbrake's work for about 2 years now. It's safe to say, I like everything about it. Ever images seems to carry a dark feeling that is close to cold, but slightly warm. Dusk, with a hint of dawn.

Check out his site HERE.

On White - Chase Kuhn

2009-07-08T16:25:00.003-05:00

I know it's not Friday, but I really like these shots of Mr. Chase, so i thought I would go ahead and post them.

Lab Love - Feature

2009-07-08T10:32:00.002-05:00

My Lovely Lab featured the film from Amy & Chad's wedding on their blog today! Thanks for the shout out you guys.

In the Studio - Random Portraits

2009-07-07T11:16:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I put out a call on Twitter to come by the studio if you wanted a Portrait. To my surprise, two pretty awesome people showed up around lunch:

Whitney -

and

Jeff -

Weekly Nostalgia - Roger Fenton

2009-07-06T11:45:00.001-05:00

This is PDN's Photo of the day. So amazing!

For the full story, click HERE.

Rest Your Eyes - Laura Gibson

2009-07-05T11:22:00.002-05:00

Laura and I got to see Laura Gibson when she opened for Damien Jurado a few months back. Her music is simply fantastic.

Today, sit back and enjoy some music that will make you wish it was raining (if it already isn't).

Click HERE.

Memories - July 4th, 2008

2009-07-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

4th of July 8mm from Caleb Chancey on Vimeo.

I'm shooting 8mm of my family today! Look for it later in the month!

Wedding Days - Amy & Chad

2009-07-04T07:35:00.000-05:00

This specific wedding took me all the way to the Great State of Texas!

Amy and Chad are incredible! How so? The day started off like this:

The images I captured from this wedding are some of my favorites all year, no doubt.

Notes from the day: If it looks like the bottom is about to drop out of the sky, that can be a great thing! Clouds make rain, and I love me some even cloud cover!

To see the rest of the wedding, head on over to A Bryan Photo!

Happy 4th!

On White - Jon Black

2009-07-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

As promised, here's a couple shots On White from the most recent Jon Black shoot. I hope you enjoy, and have an enjoyable day.

You need to see this... - Cary Norton

2009-07-02T09:38:00.002-05:00

Over the last year and a half, my good friend Cary has shot something every day, and posted a picture ever day on a site called Electric Lion.

His work is pretty fantastic, so if you haven't taken a look yet, YOU NEED TO!

Check out Electric Lion - Electric Lion!