Carmen Chan

On this episode of What Makes You Click, Kelvin welcomes Carmen Chan, an editorial and commercial photographer who has taken a unique and unconventional route to the photography industry. 

 Carmen and Kelvin discuss why she pivoted from the taxing industry of film production, after learning how to use a point and shoot camera, to a more liberating career in photography. She sheds light on the highs and lows of pursuing a creative career, the uncertainty of the photography industry, and what keeps her motivated and dedicated to her art. 

 Carmen talks about her immigrant parents’ thoughts on her career path, how she transitioned from assisting in LA to working full-time in China, and what it’s like to land jobs and build a professional network in a country you just moved to. Kelvin and Carmen also share their thoughts on how race and gender have impacted their growth and their journeys in the photography industry. 

Curious what it’s like to be represented by an agency?

Carmen shares what it’s really like to work with an agency as a photographer, when the right time to be represented by an agency is, and why she chose to work with Redeye Reps.

“I think the expectation is like, “When I get an agent, I’m gonna get all these jobs,” but it’s actually the opposite. You need to be getting enough jobs, you need to be getting your own jobs, building up your portfolio, working on bigger and bigger jobs, and then bring that to an agent to prove to them what you’re able to do on your own and what you’re capable of.”                                                                                                                                                                        -   Carmen Chan

 Tune in to learn Carmen’s experience with imposter syndrome as a growing photographer and what she does to help relieve the feelings of imposter syndrome. 

About the Guest:

Carmen Chan is a Los Angeles-based photographer and director who is passionate about supporting talent from underrepresented communities in art, culture, and design. 

Connect with Carmen Chan:

Visit her website: www.carmen-chan.com 

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/carmenchan

Her book, Exposure: www.carmen-chan.com/books 

Connect with What Makes You Click:

Visit our website: www.whatmakesyouclick.com 

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatmakesyouclickpodcast 

Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatmakesyouclick 

People + Resources Mentioned:

Photoville: www.photoville.com 

Diversify Photo: www.diversify.photo

Colette de Barros: www.colettedebarros.com 

Erik Asla: www.instagram.com/erikasla 

Herb Ritts: www.herbritts.com 

Redeye Reps: www.redeyereps.com