Chris Chu: Every Photograph is a Self-Portrait

E26 - Chris Chu: Every Photograph is a Self-Portrait

Published: October 20, 2026

Duration: 1:00:18

Photographer and filmmaker Chris Chu joins host Jack DeVanna to talk about finding stories and the people behind them. Chris reflects on moving from photography into documentary filmmaking, the lessons he learned from early projects, and why connecting with a subject matters more than the gear.

They also discuss photographing New York’s basketball and breakdancing scenes, using motion blur to capture energy, and why Chris believes every photograph is a kind of self-portrait. Chris shares the story of Ismael Ox, a taekwondo athlete with a goal of winning Olympic gold for the United States in 2028, and of...