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. Ray Barbee on Skateboarding, Photography, and a Life of Gratitude

    FEB 4

    Ray Barbee on Skateboarding, Photography, and a Life of Gratitude

    Paris Chong sits down with her good friend, the multi-talented Ray Barbee, to discuss his new book, “The Joy is Capturing the Journey.” Ray, renowned for his legendary career as a professional skateboarder and a gifted photographer, explains how the book's title reflects his passion for documenting his blessed life and the sheer fun he finds in the process, from shooting to printing in the darkroom. The conversation also touches on his enduring career in skateboarding, including his long-standing sponsorships with brands like Vans and Crooked Skateboards, and a look back at his most significant skateboarding injury—a broken scaphoid bone that kept his wrist in a cast for nine months. Ray shares details about his family and musical roots, noting that his two sons are both skateboarders, with Max recently earning a full-ride football scholarship. He recalls growing up with jazz and soul music in the house, thanks to his parents, but notes that MTV introduced him to rock and roll, sparking his desire to play guitar. He shares a charming story of performing an air-broom guitar solo to AC/DC’s "For Those About to Rock" at a fifth-grade talent show. This early passion for music, combined with a fortuitous gift of an old-school skateboard, laid the foundation for his professional life. The discussion highlights the beautiful connection between Ray's skateboarding and photography styles, describing both as an improvisational act of "documenting moments" and "being surprised by something and hitting it... in the moment." An accomplished musician as well, Ray discusses how technology allows him to be a "one-man band" using a pedal to turn his guitar into a bass. Wrapping up, he mentions his newly released EP, “Little Postcard,” and his upcoming plans to support both the book and the album with a photo exhibition and performance at the Moments Festival in Spain. Ray attributes his famously cheerful demeanor to his faith, quoting the proverb, "A happy heart makes the face cheerful," and expressing deep gratitude for his journey. Show Notes: www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/ray-barbee-on-skateboarding-photography-and-a-life-of-gratitude Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:34 Meet Ray Barbie: Skateboarder and Photographer 00:46 Ray Barbie's New Book 02:33 The Joy of Skateboarding 05:16 Family and Parenting 08:08 Growing Up with Music 18:48 Discovering Skateboarding 24:43 From Skateboarding to Street Photography 25:50 The Parallels Between Music and Photography 26:17 Skateboarding and Rhythm 26:59 Desiree and Photography 27:36 Transitioning to Podcasts 30:37 Faith and Spirituality 38:29 Seeking Truth and Finding Peace 48:44 Upcoming Projects and Travels 51:19 Conclusion and Farewell 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

    52 min
  2. Dennys Ilic, From Hollywood Headshots to Marvel Stills and London Dreams

    JAN 7

    Dennys Ilic, From Hollywood Headshots to Marvel Stills and London Dreams

    The incredibly talented and generous photographer ****Dennys Ilic joins host Paris Chong. Dennys shares insights into his world, from his passion for charity work—including an upcoming event for Heal the Bay with the Property Brothers' Drew and Linda Scott—to his history with the famous TV personality, whom he first met doing headshots before the show even existed. He also opens up about his personal 'exotic location only' rule for shooting weddings, a policy that has taken him to Italy and the Amalfi Coast for past clients, including Drew Scott. Dennys dives into his recent six-month experience working as a stills photographer on a top-secret Marvel project, the *Vision* limited series, at the legendary Pinewood Studios in London. He reveals the striking contrast between the bustling film industry in the UK, where work is abundant, and the fiercely competitive market back in LA. This eye-opening difference has him seriously contemplating a permanent move to London, despite the challenges of immigration and the unexpected hot, humid weather—and the notable lack of air conditioning. Hear his take on the future of film production and why the grass might be greener across the pond. The conversation wraps up with exciting news about Dennys's upcoming joint gallery show with actor Billy Zane, a reunion event that promises to be just as massive as their last, fire-hazard-inducing exhibition. Dennys discusses his creative pivot for the new show, moving away from commercial portraiture to a mix of striking landscape and architectural work. And, as always, he brings gifts, presenting Paris with beautiful prints of Alanis Morissette and Liv Tyler. Plus, don't miss the details on his unexpected side hustle: the unique and highly-demanded sourdough "Den Bread" that has friends and even Australian entrepreneurs urging him to turn it into a commercial business! Show Notes: www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/dennys-ilic-from-hollywood-headshots-to-marvel-stills-and-london-dreams Chapters: (00:00:00) Intro (00:00:33) Dennys Ilic (00:01:28) Property Brother (00:06:20) London's Calling (00:10:49) Double Show 2 @ Leica Gallery (00:15:55) Brought you a Present (00:18:55) Moving is Hard (00:23:12) Photo Subjects of Choice (00:28:32) Dennys' Dream Job (00:32:59) Revisiting (00:36:00) Photos of Alanis (00:40:28) Where to see more Dennys (00:43:53) Outro 🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/ 📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com

    45 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 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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