Jordan McChesney
Photography
I picked up my first digital camera in 2008 as a dirt poor college student, and upgraded to a Nikon D5000 the following year, using my entire tax return in the process. From there, my passion for taking pictures grew until I finally decided to get serious in 2016. I upgraded yet again in 2017, to a D5500, and continued to hone my understanding of photography basics. I didn’t limit myself to any specific subject, I photographed everything from flowers, to landscapes, to fireworks festivals. In late 2018 and early 2019 I upgraded all of my gear to Nikkor lenses and a Nikon D850. Gear doesn’t make the photographer, but I’ve never been happier with the quality of my images. In the years since, my work has received international recognition and I’ve had my write-ups published by major photography outlets. Accolades and honours are always nice, but the thing I love most about photography is how it allows me to see the world in new and interesting ways. Photography has changed my life for the better and has inspired me to capture the beauty our little planet has to offer.
Japan
I was born and raised Maple Ridge, on the eastern most edge of Vancouver, Canada, so I never imagined I would be living in Japan. I took my first trip to Japan in 2013 and immediately fell in love with the people, the nature, the reliable public transportation, the opportunities it opened for my photography, and eventually the canned coffee. I moved to Japan in 2014 with about 2000 Canadian dollars and a dream (mostly to have more than 2000 dollars). I was finally able to find a job in Kawasaki with 9000 yen to my name (about 90 Canadian dollars), and with the help of my wife, I was able to build a life here. From there my life has only gotten more interesting and more rewarding. In 2018, we welcomed our daughter into the world, so I even have my very own protégé. The remarkable beauty of Japan is one of the major reasons I decided to focus on improving as a photographer. I’ve made it my personal goal to travel to each of Japan’s 47 prefectures to capture the beauty this amazing country has to offer.
Awards/Prizes/Exhibitions:
Award/Prize: Tokyo Foto Awards 2023 - Architecture/Buildings Bronze Prize (non-professional) - “Tokyo in Abstract”
Shortlist: Sony World Photography Awards 2021 - Open Competition - Architecture - “Orange on White”
Exhibition: Chigasaki People’s Museum - 2021 - “First Light Over Chigasaki”
Exhibition: Chigasaki City Hall - 2021 - “First Light Over Chigasaki”
Honorable Mention: Tokyo Foto Awards 2020 - Fine Art/ Landscape (non-professional) - “The Trees of Lake Biwa”
Award/Prize: Tokyo Foto Awards 2019 - Architecture/Buildings Gold Prize (non-professional) - “United We Stand”
In the media
2024
Publication: Discovering Japan’s Secrets - Evening Standard (May 20th, 2024)
Publication: Discovering Japan’s Secrets -The Guardian (May 18th, 2024)
2023
Article: I Picked Up My First Camera in 2008, and It Has Changed My Life - PetaPixel
Article: The Dos and Don’ts of Giving Photography Criticism - PetaPixel
Article: The Dos and Don’ts of Taking Photography Criticism - PetaPixel
Article: How to Ask for Photography Feedback: A Guide to Seeking Self-improvement - PetaPixel
Article: The Dos and Don’ts of Photography Criticism, Part 1: How to Take it - DIY Photography
Article: The Dos and Don’ts of Photography Criticism, Part 2: How to Give it - DIY Photography
Article: The Importance of Shooting and Editing With Intent in Photography - PetaPixel
Article: How to Use People to Enhance your Photography - PetaPixel
Article about me: Yokohama After Dark — A New Photo Adventure! - Eyexplore
Article: Why You Should Follow Lesser-known and Local Photographers - Petapixel
2022
Recognition: 10 Best Architectural Photos of 2021 - Rethinking the Future
Article: 8 Signs I’ve Used to Track My Growth as a Photographer - PetaPixel
Article: How Fear Holds Your Photography Back - PetaPixel
2021
Article: I Stopped Trying to Impress Other Photographers, and I’ve Never Been Happier - PetaPixel
Other stuff you might want to know (other than photography)
As a Canadian, passion for hockey runs deep within my blood. Almost as deep as photography... almost.
When I’m not spending all of my money on traveling and photography, I’m spending it on my vinyl record collection. It was one of the few things I brought with me to Japan.
Before I took up photography, I was a stage actor and writer. I wasn’t spectacular, but I did win an improv championship. I also co-wrote, co-directed, and performed in a production for a directors’ festival with a talented team of classmates.
