On Point With: Photochase

One of NYC nightlife’s most sought after photographers, Glam nominee Photochase is the one to follow this holiday season! [Cover photo: Photochase]

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Thotyssey: Hi Chase, thanks for chatting today! How is the holiday season treating you so far… and how many slutty Santa looks have you shot so far, lol?

Photochase: Howdy Jim, thanks for having me! The holiday season is in full swing, and so are the gigs! As far as Santa goes, I’ve always got time to photograph the bears in nightlife!

Is it still fun to just go around and randomly take shots at parties and shows across the city, or do you prefer to keep your schedule more structured?

You know, I’ve grown to be much more structured over the years when it comes to my work. However, the magic behind some of my most iconic photos is that they were taken randomly in the wrong place at the right time. It takes a certain eye to know when to click the shutter; that’s a skill that can’t be taught. Anytime I’m behind the camera, I’m in my element — it’s always a good time. If I leave home without my camera and see something worth shooting, it kills me inside!

I bet! I finally had the pleasure of meeting you in person at the most recent installment of the “Queer Talent Show” competition at Metro, where I did a live Q&A session with the finalists. That was a fun night!

Oh honey, we had a ball! Seeing such a wide representation of queer talent was fierce. I mean, that’s what Brooklyn is all about, right? We are unapologetically queer, and the show was giving just that. Shoutout to Senerio for producing it and making a space for queer talent to blossom. I can’t wait for the next one.

Can you tell us a bit of your origin story: where are you from originally, and what sort of art and inspiration did you grow up with?

My origin? Ima southern boy down boots! I’m from Arkansas, but I’ve lived all through the south. My mom’s side of the family is Cherokee — from Tahlequah, OK which is the capital of the Cherokee Nation.

I grew up immersed in Native art. Everything had a dual purpose. Native art was used to tell a story, but also served as a reminder for a place or moment in time. It was also a tool used to combat cultural erasure. In many ways, I think this is why I was drawn to photography. It’s now a tool I use to tell a story, to raise awareness, or to commemorate our place in time as queer people.

How did you ultimately find yourself in NYC, photographing the creatures of the night?

My first night out in Brooklyn, I went to 3 Dollar Bill and saw Tiresias‘ “Underworld,” a truly next level production of the performance art side of drag. I was so moved by I what I saw, the next day I went out and spent all my rent money on a camera. I knew I had to share with the rest of the world what we have here. Everyone deserves a piece of the expression, support and chosen family we built here.

Do you think your photos have any “tells” that make them Photochase products as far as who the subjects are, what they are doing in the images, what angles they’re being shot from, etc.?

I love this question! Absolutely! What easily tells you a photo is mine is by looking at the subjects. I put a lot of thought and effort into that. I want variety and diversity in my subjects.

I’m not just shooting the celebrity guest or the “It Girl” of the evening. I shoot everybody. I’ll take a photo of the shy wallflower, or that one “weird” guy, the Doll running coat check, and the T-boy outside smoking a cigarette. I shoot the small shows that don’t even have a budget for a photographer. Everybody has a story to tell, and value to be seen. I give representation to everyone.

[All photos by Photochase]

Do you like shooting in studio editorial sessions as much as you do the on site “field work?”

No I don’t, haha. You clocked that, didn’t you? In a studio, I just feel so confined and limited with my creativity. On site is my favorite. I can take a subject on a walk around the block, and give you editorial photos. When I shoot nightlife, it’s an endless amount of backdrops, props and subjects at my fingertips. But… it is my New Year’s resolution to spend more time in the studio next year. So we’ll see!

On site photographers, especially the good ones, are so important! In these strange days, a lot of venues didn’t see them as necessary because patrons put out their social media for free. But you can’t always gage what a party is like from a bunch of narcissistic selfies and Boomerangs, lol! How important is it to have a good photog on site, in your POV?

Any good producer knows having a photographer in your pocket is priceless. I can make a party that’s a total flop in attendance look like it was the wildest party. A photographer curates a vibe and tells a story through a series of photos — a progression of how the night went. You can’t quite get that from selfies and Instagram stories.

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Congrats on your most recent Glam nomination for Best Photographer! You’re in a great company of fellow nominees!

Ah, thank you! And yes, my fellow nominees are so extremely talented. I’m grateful to even be in consideration among them. We all do such unique and individualized styles of photography, there really is no comparison. Being nominated again this year really means a lot, and it feels like a win itself! Remember, losing is the new winning (unless I win — then I never said that)!

Lol! So you have a recurring monthly presence as the house shutterbug at Club Cumming for a party called “The Jump Off” that returns this Saturday night! Tell us about it.

Alright, so picture it. Once a month, we put on our best jersey with the Timbs on — or perhaps our low rise jeans, baby tee, and bamboo hoops. Then we hop the turnstile and take the L to the East Village. We pack it out with all our Brooklyn girlies, and Club Cumming becomes an indoor block party for the night.

DJ Tokenblackfriend is spinning Y2K throwbacks, and and reggaeton all night. Matzah Belle Soup is working the door and [hostess] Penny Livonia turns out numbers with our guest this month, Soraya Sis! Trust, you don’t wanna miss Penny freestyling on the mic. In January it’ll be our one year anniversary, and the party has grown into something even the neighbors love. Come out on the 13th and carry with us.

You’re gonna shoot a Spice Girl after that!

YES! Jessee O is producing the “1st Annual GLITA Ball” at 3 Dollar Bill on Tuesday, December 16th. Melanie C in Brooklyn! Plus a full Spice Girls tribute performance by Brooklyn’s hottest drag talent… and more surprises! Get your tickets now, cuz they’re selling out fast.

You’ll be back at 3 Dollar Bill on December 18th for “LateXXXed!” There should be no shortage of interesting subjects to shoot there.

I must say, Pup Edu and Marck really did their big one when it came to producing “LateXXXed.” i describe it as a “kink social.” It’s low key enough that you can go to it with your friends. You can spectate a few of the live demonstrations of kink we have at every party from Shibari, wax play, pup play, spicy gogos, aerialists… the list goes on and on.

You can hit the dance floor and dance to our lineup of sickening DJ’s. But if you’re really feeling hot and bothered, you can slip away into the “Red Room” and have some fun of your own creation… or not! It really is a casual kink social with fantastic DJ’s. Unlike other parties, there is no requirement to check your clothing or expectation to participate in the events. It’s the perfect place to get out, dance and learn something new about the world of kink and maybe…? Only you know how deep the rabbit hole goes!

Congrats on a busy season, Chase! Thanks again for chatting with us!

Thank you for having me Jim, I appreciate the time!

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Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Photochase’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram.

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