The Paris Chong Show

Leica Gallery Curator Paris Chong. Hosts a talk show delivered by video + podcast talking with her artsy-fartsy friends...and don't forget Disco, her second son.

  1. Oct 7

    Stephen Vanasco, From 90s Skate Culture to LA Aerials: The Story of Van Styles

    Paris Chong sits down with photographer Stephen Vanasco, also known as Van Styles, to discuss his creative journey from '90s skate culture to fine art photography. Vanasco reflects on how his background in skateboarding instilled a strong "do-it-yourself" ethos, enabling him to build a successful career on his own terms without relying on traditional agencies or managers. He also breaks down his daily shooting approach, explaining why 99.9% of his current work is shot on film using his Leica MP cameras. The conversation delves into Vanasco's standout commercial and personal endeavors, including his permanent 25-print exhibit at the Kith store on Sunset Boulevard and his aerial workshops with Leica Academy USA. Stephen shares details about his main long-term project—a photo book cataloging over ten years of aerial flights above Los Angeles since 2014. Through these aerial views, he captures the changing face of LA’s architecture, landmarks, and urban development in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympic Games. Looking to the future, Chong and Vanasco explore ideas for upcoming exhibitions at Leica Gallery LA, brainstorming pairings between high-altitude aerial shots and ground-level street photography. Vanasco finishes with practical advice for emerging creators, encouraging young photographers to experiment with different mediums, avoid rigid routines, and utilize new digital tools to chart their own path. Show Notes: www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/stephen-vanasco-from-90s-skate-culture-to-la-aerials-the-story-of-van-styles Chapters: 00:00 Show Intro 01:09 Meet Stephen Vanasco 02:30 Film Leica Daily Carry 04:48 Aerial Work And LA Book 16:05 Leica Connections Worldwide 17:47 Pop Ups And Olympic Plans 18:34 Portraits Versus Landscapes 20:43 Zines DIY And The Book 25:35 Finding Your Voice And Wrap Up 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

    Stephen Vanasco, From 90s Skate Culture to LA Aerials: The Story of Van Styles

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Leica Gallery Curator Paris Chong. Hosts a talk show delivered by video + podcast talking with her artsy-fartsy friends...and don't forget Disco, her second son.

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