The Art of the Personal Project: Flint Chaney

The Art of the Personal Project is a crucial element to let potential buyers see how you think creatively on your own.  I am drawn to personal projects that have an interesting vision or that show something I have never seen before.  In this thread, I’ll include a link to each personal project with the artist statement so you can see more of the project. Please note: This thread is not affiliated with any company; I’m just featuring projects that I find.  Please DO NOT send me your work.  I do not take submissions.

Today’s featured artist: Flint Chaney

One of the greatest things about photography is being in the right place at the right time. Sometimes that means chasing light, or waiting for a scene to reveal itself. And sometimes, it means noticing when something ordinary is about to turn into something unforgettable.

That morning in Chicago, I had no idea I was about to photograph a moment that would stay with me. I was staying at a friend’s place when I looked out and saw a crew of window washers making their way down the building across the parking lot. The scene grabbed me immediately. I’ve always wanted to photograph window washers, and this felt like one of those rare moments when timing hands you exactly what you’ve been hoping for.

I’ve always had a deep respect for window washers. They’re suspended high above the city, doing a job most of us wouldn’t dare attempt, just so the rest of us can enjoy the view from behind clean glass.

So I waited.

I told myself I wasn’t leaving that spot until they made their way to our side of the building. About an hour and a half later, the ropes finally dropped from the rooftop. That’s when I got pumped. As one of the workers lowered himself in front of my window, I asked through the glass if it was okay to photograph him. He looked over and gave me a thumbs up.

From that point on, I simply observed. I gave him no direction and just watched him do what he had clearly done thousands of times before. Fourteen stories above the ground, he moved with a kind of calm precision and confidence. It was remarkable to watch.

As he worked, the soap began creating these beautiful, almost abstract patterns across the glass. At times, it was hypnotic watching the suds slide and reshape themselves.

In the end, the whole moment lasted about five minutes. That’s how long it took him to clean the window. I hoped I made the most of those five minutes.

Photography often asks for patience. Sometimes you wait a long time for a single moment. But when it finally happens, when everything comes together, it’s one of the greatest feelings in the world.

Flint

To see more of this project, click here

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Suzanne Sease is a creative consultant and former ad-agency senior art buyer. She works with both emerging and established photographers and illustrators to create cohesive, persuasive presentations that clients can’t resist.

Suzanne offers something rare: an insider’s perspective on how client’s source creative talent. Her deep understanding of the industry is underscored by her impressive resume: 11 years as senior art buyer at The Martin Agency, seven years as an art producer for Capital One, and stints with the art-buying department at Kaplan-Thaler and the creative department at Best Buy, where she applied her expertise to reviewing bids to see which were most likely to come in on budget. Over the years, Suzanne has worked with a wildly diverse range of clients, including Seiko, Wrangler, Bank One, AFLAC, and Clairol Herbal Essence. Now, as a consultant, she is equipped to problem-solve for her clients from an unusually dynamic point of view.

As a longtime member of the photo community, Suzanne is also dedicated to giving back. Through her Art of the Personal Project column on the popular website aphotoeditor.com, she highlights notable personal projects by well-known and up-and-coming photographers. The column offers these artists excellent exposure while reflecting Suzanne’s passion for powerful imagery.

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