2024 03 13
Recently, I came across a new-to-me photography podcast titled Visual Revolutionary and gave an episode a listen. This episode was a thought-provoking one with an interview of Jason Peterson in which they discussed is new agency The Times. I’m not going to dive deep into my take on what they discussed in this blog (maybe another day? Definitely a topic I’ve been stewing on a lot lately), but I did want to pass it along in case any of y’all were interested in the topic. To summarize: Jason is an Instagram-famous photographer and ad agency-executive who left the more traditional agency world to start a new leaner take on how to be a content-producing agency, which largely boils down to hiring less people, younger people, cheaper people, leaning into AI, working cheap and fast, using social media and all things digital to execute the work quicker while it’s still topical.
In keeping with the theme of The Times, I jotted down some notes as I listened to the podcast, which were then fed into ChatGPT and summarized below, for your my convenience.
The conversation delves into the operational dynamics of an agency, shedding light on its revenue model, organizational structure, and adaptation to contemporary trends. It's noted that agencies, much like lawyers, often prioritize elongating processes and expanding their workforce for financial gain, rather than solely focusing on client needs. In this particular agency, most team members, aside from one or two, are involved in production and creative tasks. The agency boasts significant assets, including a spacious production facility with comprehensive equipment, enabling agile responses to topical narratives. Notably, the speaker, Jason, previously associated with Havas, implemented a strategy of recruiting young talent from platforms like Instagram and TikTok, contributing to substantial growth. Despite resistance from traditional practitioners, Jason emphasizes the need for adaptation or replacement to remain competitive. With a relatively small team of 25 employees, the agency leverages digital platforms to reach a broader audience and emphasizes the importance of innovation over entrenched practices. Additionally, the discussion highlights the agency's integration of AI technology, such as ChatGPT for copywriting, and its exploration of AI applications in video production. Referred to as the "Content Playhouse," the agency showcases a commitment to content creation and innovation in storytelling. Overall, the conversation underscores the agency's modern, technology-driven approach to content creation and its proactive stance towards industry evolution.
-Clayton
Lone Wolf bar patrons Haley and Allison. Chicago, Illinois. January, 2024. © Clayton Hauck
Recently, I came across a new-to-me photography podcast titled Visual Revolutionary and gave an episode a listen. This episode was a thought-provoking one with an interview of Jason Peterson in which they discussed his new agency The Times. I’m not going to dive deep into my take on what they discussed in this blog (maybe another day? Definitely a topic I’ve been stewing on a lot lately which basically is boiled down to everyone now needing to do more work with less resources and compensation), but I did want to pass it along in case any of y’all were interested in the topic. To summarize: Jason is a(n Instagram-famous) photographer and ad agency-executive who left the more traditional agency world to start a new leaner take on how to be a content-producing agency, which largely boils down to hiring less people, younger people, cheaper people, leaning into AI, working cheap and fast, using social media and all things digital to execute the work quicker while it’s still topical.
In keeping with the theme of The Times, I jotted down some notes as I listened to the podcast, which were then fed into ChatGPT and summarized below, for your my convenience.
The conversation delves into the operational dynamics of an agency, shedding light on its revenue model, organizational structure, and adaptation to contemporary trends. It's noted that agencies, much like lawyers, often prioritize elongating processes and expanding their workforce for financial gain, rather than solely focusing on client needs. In this particular agency, most team members, aside from one or two, are involved in production and creative tasks. The agency boasts significant assets, including a spacious production facility with comprehensive equipment, enabling agile responses to topical narratives. Notably, the speaker, Jason, previously associated with Havas, implemented a strategy of recruiting young talent from platforms like Instagram and TikTok, contributing to substantial growth. Despite resistance from traditional practitioners, Jason emphasizes the need for adaptation or replacement to remain competitive. With a relatively small team of 25 employees, the agency leverages digital platforms to reach a broader audience and emphasizes the importance of innovation over entrenched practices. Additionally, the discussion highlights the agency's integration of AI technology, such as ChatGPT for copywriting, and its exploration of AI applications in video production. Referred to as the "Content Playhouse," the agency showcases a commitment to content creation and innovation in storytelling. Overall, the conversation underscores the agency's modern, technology-driven approach to content creation and its proactive stance towards industry evolution.
-Clayton
2024 03 12
Recently, I asked ChatGPT if it knew me and its reply made me wonder if it perhaps has access to alternate universe. It told me:
Clayton Hauck is a photographer based in Chicago known for his documentary-style photography and his work capturing the city's culture, events, and everyday life. He has contributed to various publications and projects, showcasing his unique perspective on Chicago's urban landscape. Additionally, Hauck is the co-founder of the popular photography project and blog, "Everybody Street Chicago," which celebrates the diverse street photography scene in the city.
My follow-up: What is Everybody Street Chicago?
My apologies for the typo. "Everybody Street Chicago" is a photography project and blog founded by Clayton Hauck and others. The project aims to showcase the diverse street photography scene in Chicago by featuring the work of various photographers who capture candid moments, scenes, and characters encountered on the city streets. It serves as a platform for photographers to share their perspectives and stories through their images, offering a unique glimpse into the vibrant urban life of Chicago.
Me again: That’s cool! When was this project founded?
The "Everybody Street Chicago" project was founded in 2010. Since then, it has grown to become a prominent platform for street photographers to share their work and perspectives on the dynamic urban landscape of Chicago.
None of this is true but my hunch is the AI dataset has some fragmented information about my past, including both that I have been a street photographer and that I started a website called EveryoneisFamous.com. The website was essentially how I self-taught myself photography and where I regularly posted my photos which mostly consisted of nightlife, parties, and music scenes, but not street photography.
This simple inaccuracy got me thinking about what my life could have been if instead of focusing on the party scene I instead focused on street photography and started a website revolving around that. It’s a fairly common consideration I’ve been having lately—choosing between art photography and commercial photography—so when AI suggested I perhaps lived an alternate timeline, it seemed both relevant and plausible!
Perhaps there’s still time for me to get that popular street photography project up and running.
-Clayton
Two people walk down a street in Grand Detour, Illinois. February, 2024. © Clayton Hauck
Recently, I asked ChatGPT if it knew me and its reply made me wonder if it perhaps has access to alternate universe. It told me:
Clayton Hauck is a photographer based in Chicago known for his documentary-style photography and his work capturing the city's culture, events, and everyday life. He has contributed to various publications and projects, showcasing his unique perspective on Chicago's urban landscape. Additionally, Hauck is the co-founder of the popular photography project and blog, "Everybody Street Chicago," which celebrates the diverse street photography scene in the city.
My follow-up: What is Everybody Street Chicago?
My apologies for the typo. "Everybody Street Chicago" is a photography project and blog founded by Clayton Hauck and others. The project aims to showcase the diverse street photography scene in Chicago by featuring the work of various photographers who capture candid moments, scenes, and characters encountered on the city streets. It serves as a platform for photographers to share their perspectives and stories through their images, offering a unique glimpse into the vibrant urban life of Chicago.
Me again: That’s cool! When was this project founded?
The "Everybody Street Chicago" project was founded in 2010. Since then, it has grown to become a prominent platform for street photographers to share their work and perspectives on the dynamic urban landscape of Chicago.
None of this is true but my hunch is the AI dataset has some fragmented information about my past, including both that I have been a street photographer and that I started a website called EveryoneisFamous.com. The website was essentially how I self-taught myself photography and where I regularly posted my photos which mostly consisted of nightlife, parties, and music scenes, but not street photography.
This simple inaccuracy got me thinking about what my life could have been if instead of focusing on the party scene I’d focused on street photography and started a website revolving around that. It’s a fairly common consideration I’ve been having lately—between art photography and commercial photography—so when AI suggested I perhaps lived an alternate timeline, it seemed both relevant and plausible!
Perhaps there’s still time for me to get that popular street photography project up and running.
-Clayton