For me, the meaning of life is like cultivating a vast amount of experiences in all of its forms.
Chase Guttman
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Chase Guttman’s career is a love story to boundless exploration and fearless creativity. From having a camera in his hands during childhood to traveling over 110 countries, Chase’s passion for storytelling has guided him on a remarkable photographic and cinematic journey.
Chase has made his mark on the world as a travel photographer, drone videographer, and educator. His work captures vibrant, abstract perspectives that reveal hidden geometries and unexpected beauty, often found in places most would overlook.
His adventurous spirit has also taken him to extraordinary heights—shark cage-diving in South Africa, capturing ethereal aerial views of vast landscapes, and even tasting the bizarre tradition of a Sourtoe cocktail in Canada (don’t ask, you’ll find out).
Chase’s ability to inspire others is rooted in his humility and unwavering curiosity. From his award-winning efforts as a young travel photographer to his innovative drone projects, Chase has shown that technology and art—when combined with a fearless drive to explore—can create magic that resonates deeply.
Here are three inspiring takeaways from our conversation:
- Chase shared his creative process, emphasizing the importance of blending meticulous planning with the openness to serendipitous discoveries.
- We explored how he elevates drone photography with bold perspectives and abstract stories that redefine traditional visuals.
- Chase reflected on his guiding philosophy that exploration—whether across continents or in your backyard—is the ultimate source of inspiration.
Listening to Chase reminds us to go beyond the ordinary, to see the hidden beauty in the world, and to use creativity as a means of connection and growth. We hope you enjoy this episode—cheers!
Q: If you could relive one of the craziest travel moments you had, what would it be and what made it unforgettable to you?
Chase: Shark cage diving in South Africa stands out as one of the most exhilarating experiences. Being so close to great white sharks, seeing their beauty and power as they clashed against the cage in freezing waters, was unforgettable. I’d love to relive that and also hope to try diving with whale sharks in the Indian Ocean someday.
Q: How did your passion for photography start? Was it coupled with travel?
Chase: My passion for photography began with my father, a travel journalist who hosted annual slide shows in our New York City apartment. Watching him tell stories through photos and analyzing the audience’s reactions inspired me. I started with toy cameras, moved to point-and-shoots, and eventually got into DSLRs. Photography became my way of storytelling and connecting with people.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to get into travel photography but feels it’s too complicated or overwhelming?
Chase: Start by exploring your own backyard. Travel can be expensive, but there’s so much inspiration in your local community. Engaging with your surroundings helps you hone your craft and develop your eye. It’s all about going out, experimenting, and finding what excites you.
Key Links and Mentions From the Episode
Connect with Chase
People Mentioned
- Peter Guttman – Chase’s father, a three-time Lowell Thomas Travel Journalist of the Year and author of nearly 10 books. His storytelling through photography inspired Chase’s career.
- Matthew Sullivan – Underwater wildlife photographer who swims with gators and captures stunning, anxiety-inducing images.
- Frank Capra – Director of It’s a Wonderful Life, whose work was inspired by the real-life town of Seneca Falls, where Chase worked on a PBS documentary.
Tools & Gear
- Nikon Z7 – Chase’s primary DSLR camera, known for its high-quality performance and versatility.
- DJI Mavic Pro 3 – Chase’s go-to drone for travel photography, featuring a compact design and a Hasselblad camera for stunning 4K visuals.
- Google Maps – A key tool Chase uses for planning drone shots, scouting locations, and visualizing perspectives.
- Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop – Essential tools Chase uses for post-production and editing his photography.
Projects & Opportunities
- Handbook of Drone Photography – Chase’s book, one of the first ever written on drone photography, offering insights into choosing, flying, and composing with drones. Found here.
- PBS Documentary on Seneca Falls – A project where Chase contributed drone cinematography, earning an Emmy for his work.
- Photo Workshop Adventures – A client Chase works with, leading photography workshops around the world to teach and inspire others.
Places and Locations
- South Africa – Where Chase experienced shark cage diving, one of his most exhilarating adventures.
- Seneca Falls, NY – The real-life town that inspired It’s a Wonderful Life, where Chase worked on a PBS documentary.
- Dawson City, Yukon – The location of the quirky Sour Toe Cocktail tradition, which Chase participated in during his travels.
- New York City – Chase’s hometown, where he finds inspiration in local characters and events.
- Los Angeles, CA – Chase’s upcoming new home, chosen for its proximity to national parks and opportunities in the film and television industry.
Key Themes Discussed
- The Power of Storytelling – Chase’s belief in photography as a vehicle for storytelling and inspiring others, a passion rooted in his upbringing.
- Drone Photography Evolution – How drones have transformed photography, offering unique perspectives and creative opportunities.
- Adventurous Spirit – Chase’s drive to explore the world, from shark diving to road trips, and how these experiences fuel his creativity.
- Teaching and Inspiring – Chase’s work as an educator, teaching photography and drone techniques at institutions like the School of the New York Times and international film festivals.
- Exploring Your Backyard – Chase’s advice to photographers to find inspiration locally, emphasizing that exploration doesn’t always require traveling far.
- Networking and Social Media – The importance of building connections and leveraging platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to grow as a photographer.
