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Learn From the Master: Jimmy Chin Launches Adventure Photography Course

Jimmy Chin Avani NunaPhoto by Brittany Mumma
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Jimmy Chin, a renowned National Geographic adventure photographer, unveiled his first-ever course for aspiring shutterbugs.

Look at some of the most iconic and stirring adventure images of the 21st century — from Alex Honnold’s remarkable free solo of El Cap to Conrad Anker’s harrowing adventure in “Meru” — and there’s a good chance Jimmy Chin captured them.

The famed photographer has accompanied many of the world’s most daring adventurers on epic journeys, and for good reason: He gets the shot. And now, for the first time, you can learn how from the man himself.

“Proud to introduce my first ever online class on adventure photography through MasterClass,” Chin tweeted this morning. “Over 20 video classes covering much of what I’ve learned over the last 20 years of my work.”

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Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography

Chin’s course will cover shooting on location, composition, gear and lenses, editing, commercial and editorial photography, and more. The class costs $90 for Chin’s instruction alone or is available as part of MasterClass’s $180/year subscription.

Alex Honnold Free Solo Jimmy Chin, E. Chai Vasarhelyi Interview
Directors E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Chin on the set of “Free Solo”

Enrollees will receive 20 video lessons hosted by Chin and a downloadable e-book with supplemental material. In addition, Chin will critique select students’ uploaded work.

Here’s a rundown of Chin’s classes:

Jimmy Chin Adventure Photography Classes

  • On Location: Climbing Photoshoot
  • On Location: Portraits and Natural Light
  • Capturing Your Passions
  • Principles of Narrative: Concept, Research, & Pitch
  • Principles of Narrative: The Shoot and the Edit
  • Photo Studies: Shooting at the Top
  • Commercial Work: Pitching and Working with Clients
  • Commercial Case Study: Canon Shoot
  • High-Stakes Photography
  • Photo Studies: Creative Partnerships
  • Building and Leading a Team
  • Photo Studies: Mountain Architecture
  • Editing
  • Post-Processing: Conrad On the Wall
  • Post-Processing: Portrait
  • Gear: Cameras, Lenses, Power & Storage
  • Settings: Modes, ISO, Focus & Depth of Field
  • Career Advice: Building a Body of Work
  • Becoming a Photographer: Jimmy’s Story
  • Conclusion: Be Present On Your Journey

To learn more about MasterClass or enroll in Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography, check out the course page.

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