I was only going to check out the introduction to the Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography MasterClass before bed, something quick to watch.
I hit ‘play’ but noticed the very first video was over 17 minutes long. I didn’t have time for that. Too tired.
I went to exit out of the screen but in the first few seconds of play time I was… captivated.
I couldn’t look away. I certainly couldn’t even dream of exiting out of the screen.
And that’s how I ended up binging the Jimmy Chin MasterClass and furiously scribbling notes and making plans for my own travel photography shoots long into the night.
The music, stunning photography, choreography, cinematography, the story Jimmy is telling, sweeps you along and you’re sucked right in.
According to Jimmy, we’re about to learn about photography that is a way of life and a vehicle for you to explore the world, a process of internal and external self-discovery, bigger than images, bigger than a career.
This MasterClass is all about Jimmy’s world of photography. We’re being invited into his process and how he works along with technical aspects of photography, his ethos, and some practical skills to think about.
Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography MasterClass Review
The Jimmy Chin MasterClass is superb right from the start.
Things kick of immediately with an on-location climbing photoshoot.
It’s not just theory here.
We get right into seeing how Jimmy actually shoots, with the reasoning behind everything right in front of your eyes. Everything from preparation and preproduction, the workflow (e.g. Working backwards from the hardest or hero shots), how to give yourself options, and how to communicate clearly.
And for those still in the beginner stages of their photography habit or career, we even get insight into the basics of depth and photographic composition and all about Jimmy Chin’s go-to lenses and what he brings on a commercial climbing shoot (the aim of which is more about the image than the story).
Barely half way through the first lesson and I can already tell this is how a photography masterclass is done.
The Annie Leibowitz MasterClass was okay (my review here), but I could tell right away that this was going to be so much better. And I was right.
Although, to be fair, if you’re into photography, I still recommend getting the All Access Pass so you can grab both photography masterclasses.
What you get in the Jimmy Chin Photography MasterClass
You get 20 modules and over four hours with each module being close to the 20-minute mark.
You also get a workbook crammed with in-depth information and exercises designed to get you deliberately practicing the craft of photography.
Plus there’s the student community and the Office Hours section where you can ask Jimmy questions.
It’s extraordinary how much information is packed into each module.
What’s even cooler is the fact that I’m not the only one who is blown away.
Look at the student community section and you’ll see people are thoroughly enthused and learning a lot in this MasterClass.
The comment sections are pretty much always incredibly positive in these masterclasses but I think the Jimmy Chin MasterClass has particularly enthusiastic students – I’m not surprised. I would be surprised if someone wasn’t enthused after watching these classes.
I love how we can see the different ways Jimmy is shooting (feels like in real time) and then we get to see the result of the shot and the comparison with other shots and how they differ.
I’m not much of a photographer, but I’m sure this will be immensely valuable to any real serious photographers taking this course.
After the breathtaking first module, the next module is another on-location, this time showing you how to deal with portraits and natural light.
Light is everything. If you can’t control it, you really have to be able to anticipate it and know what you want from it.
In this module, we watch as Jimmy uses climber Conrad Anker as his model with Grand Teton National Park just after sunset as the background and, with soft indirect lighting, we learn the importance of light, focus, and creating harmony between subject and background.
What’s just as exciting as the modules for the intrepid photographer is the work book crammed with exercises to direct you very specifically towards mastering the principles Jimmy demonstrates.
In the second module, for example, the exercises will get you playing with shadows, colour temperatures, light direction, and how to focus with your body.
You’ll definitely want to follow along with these exercises because all the other students are and you can see them positing their pictures and the results of the homework.
Really motivating stuff and such a nice atmosphere to the community.
I’m sure those who are on the lookout for photography companions will be able to find them here too.
As a photographer you’re setting your own standards. And I personally think you should set them very high.
Can we take a second to appreciate the syllabus in the Jimmy Chin MasterClass?
The class syllabus is laid out perfectly.
We dive straight in with the on-location shooting and then transition into a gorgeous module about capturing your passions.
It’s a great structure because after we get hands-on, theory, and a glimpse behind the scenes of a master photographer, then we move back a bit to become more introspective.
- Check out the Jimmy Chin MasterClass here.
Move away from the technical stuff and into how to mold your own photographic style. The third module is all about figuring out what kind of photographer you want to be – getting to the core of your motivation and inspiration, finding out what’s unique about your point of view, and the extent to which you’re willing to take risks and accept the consequences of those risks.
This is a tour-de-force of creative goal setting with a ton of practical tips for finding your own artistic voice.
Another module (actually a two-part module) I really loved was all about the principles of narrative, from concept and research to pitching. And also an analysis of the shooting and editing process.
Here we learn the four-step process for magazine shooting – a very comprehensive fascinating module covering everything from portfolio prep and budget to how to hook an editor.
Another module that was perfect – the only thing that would have made this module better was seeing one of Jimmy’s own pitches. There’s still probably a chance to see that though because of the Office Hours where you can ask questions to Jimmy and get a video response.
Jimmy actually does show his method in a later module and gives an in-depth strategy for winning commercial clients and how to put your voice into brand campaigns.
We then are treated to a wonderful deep dive case study into a high-alpine canon shoot. This case study was immersive and fascinating, with Jimmy demonstrating as always great teaching, storytelling, and problem solving skills.
There are things I’m constantly telling myself. Change the focal length. Take a look at something different. Don’t get trapped in one lens or one focal length. Don’t get trapped into this one shot that you’re trying to get.
This part of the Jimmy Chin Photography MasterClass will be gold to any photographer trying to get into the magazine scene (e.g. National Geographic).
This is some real inside baseball stuff and you learn all about the things you should do and the things you shouldn’t do.
For example, if you come to National Geographic with a bunch of really awesome beautiful mountain shots, they probably won’t hire you.
Jimmy outlines what you should do instead – it’s much more nuanced and not just about having great photographs.
I also have to comment about Jimmy’s teaching style.
Jimmy Chin is an extremely engaging teacher.
He’s a methodical and entertaining speaker who knows exactly how to communicate the uncommunicable aspects of his craft.
Another thing I love about this MasterClass is the variability in how the lessons are presented.
One minute we’re on location, the next we have Jimmy talking directly to us (it feels like he’s sitting right across from us), and the next we have him analysing shoots from his career.
I loved every module but I particularly got excited about Jimmy’s in-depth analysis of his own shoots.
We learn how Jimmy had to go against his photographer instincts and do a lot of things that weren’t normal because of the situations he was in.
This in-depth analysis reveals all the logistical hurdles that will come your way in this line of work and the thing that will help you vault over them.
Then once the module is finished, you’re set up with tons of exercises that will help you practice thinking creatively under pressure.
Some very cool exercises here which will stretch you and get you into the zone of deliberate practice forcing you to improve your craft.
Another great thing about this masterclass is its durability – how long this course can be your companion.
Of course, if you have any interest in photography, even just starting out, you’ll want to binge the whole thing and you’ll want to do all of the exercises and rewatch modules.
But the really awesome thing is this masterclass is set up to serve you at any point in your photography career.
So when Jimmy talks about high-stakes photography and managing risk, or when he goes deep in the module on building and leading a team, you’ll pick up great advice and find it all fascinating but you’ll actually apply it if you’re at that point in your career.
Whereas if you’re still building yourself up, all of the photo case studies (and there are a ton) and talk about creative partnerships and editing might be more your thing now.
Maybe you’re not ready to scale a mountain with your camera, but when you are ready, there’s a ton of information all about mountain architecture to make sure you get a right.
I’m currently around halfway into the Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography MasterClass and already am stunned by how comprehensive this is.
The Jimmy Chin MasterClass is absolutely crammed with value.
Peeking ahead, I can see there are a lot more goodies waiting for me.
You’ll be happy to know that Jimmy goes deep into gear, everything from cameras, lenses, power, and storage, and also settings, modes, iso, focus, depth of field, as well as editing, post-processing, and career advice to name just a few.
Granted I’m not a professional photographer.
It’s a small hobby that I have a great deal of interest in.
And I also haven’t taken a ton of photography courses.
I took the Annie Leibowitz one and I also took some CreativeLive ones and read a couple of highly recommended books.
But I’d place the Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photograph MasterClass at the top.
I place it there for it’s comprehensiveness, motivation value, the amount of practical hands-on advice bursting throughout, the booklet crammed with lessons and exercises, Jimmy’s teaching ability and engaging personality, and just how beautiful the course is as a finished product that has the power to make you want to take action.
If you have even a passing interest in photography of any kind, I highly recommend you check out the Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography MasterClass.
You can check out the Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography MasterClass here.
