In the Lens of Uncertainty: My Leica's Fate

To sell or not to sell.

My Brain only shuts off when I am taking a photograph - capturing moments, freezing time, and preserving memories. Yet, in the midst of these still frames, a tumultuous tempest rages within me. An inner battle, stirred by the seductive whispers of a new muse: the Fujifilm GFX 100 II, a medium format dream machine.

most of these are shot with the Leica m240 and 28mm f5.6

Mao and Mo

As I contemplate this leap back into once-charted photographic territory, a sacrificial dilemma looms over my beloved Leica. A faithful companion, it has witnessed the world through my eyes, immortalizing fragments of existence with its precise lens and soul-stirring clarity. But now, to fund my Fujifilm fantasy, the prospect of parting ways with my trusted companion beckons.

Celebrating Vince on his birthday and pushing the low light limits.

In the dim glow of nostalgia, I found myself delving into the archives, sifting through the digital remnants of summers past. Among the myriad of images, a collection of random shots taken with my Leica M240 surfaced. Each frame, a whisper of memories etched in pixels, evoking a cocktail of emotions - joy, melancholy, and an unshakable attachment.

My favorite aspect of the M240 is how it treats the blues.

But as I endeavored to empty out the memory cards, hesitation gripped me like a vice. How could I let go of a tool that has been an extension of my creative soul? The weight of this decision hung heavily in the air, as tangible as the aroma of vapor from a desktop dry herb ball vape.

Jordan Gross Married Jordan Gross

Audrey and her griii

Austin and Dozer at the farm

Perhaps, amidst this whirlwind of uncertainty, there lies a truth waiting to be unveiled. I find solace in the notion that I need another week, an additional sip of life's experiences, to unravel the enigma shrouding my Leica's fate. For now, the camera remains my faithful companion, patiently awaiting the verdict of my unending quest through the realms of doubt and desire.

testing out a summilux 50mm f1.4

Rest easy, my dear Leica. Our adventure together may find its continuation, or perhaps, a bittersweet adieu. Only time will reveal our fate together.

MISS SOUTH DAKOTA UPDATES CHAM ON MISS AMERICA

MISS conceptions we all have em. When you realize that you had something all wrong in your head all along it forces you to reflect.

Thanks MISS SOUTH DAKOTA AMBER HULSE for spending time just chatting and being yourself. It was an eye opening experience for everyone involved.

peep www.cham.life to watch the VOD of this POD

SHAINE SCHROEDER RETURNS

Shaine is back, and this time we have video yall. peep www.cham.life to watch the VOD of this POD

TOPICS INCLUDE:

SHAINES BACK

SAMS CATARACTS

ROLE REVERSAL

FRIEND PRICING

follow shaine here.

ANGELICA MERCADO PODCAST

Angelica stopped by the studio to discuss what it means to be an artist and her story. We took a digital trip to cancun for this one.

Follow her here.

Conversations Episode 18: LAM PHAN my brother triggers my dogs

LAM IS MY BROTHER.

HE WAS A BUTTHOLE TO ME MOST OF MY LIFE.

THEN SOME TRAGIC STUFF HAPPENED

WE ENDURED AND NOW WE COOL

THE END.

HE HAS NO SOCIAL MEDIA LEAVE HIM ALONE. TY FOR ENJOYING ANOTHER CHAM LIFE TING.

LT and OLOGY live at KaiZen

LT is a local Native American business owner who has overcome the odds and now on the path of redemption. After a string of life changing events and health issues LT has found his focus in empowering the next generation of Native youth. He brought one of his new artists to do a live performance, peep it below.

Shout out to LT for being an open book.

GOD MOB MUSIC RECORDING ARTIST OLOGY DA LONEWOLF

Contact LT here.

Soleil Live set at KaiZen

We had Soleil pop by the studio to record a live set before his big performance for the 605 Classic. I keep being surprised by the talent we have here in our city. Stay tuned for more content from the CHAMLIFE team.

xo

CHAM

Conversations Episode 17: Myles Ching confuses Cham about chinese surnames

i knew nothing of myles before this podcast and if you were like me you will be in for quite the surprise when you find out that hes not chinese. Man sometimes ASSuming and really make you an ass. Anyways Myles and I discuss music and be confused for chinese. something both of us have to live with on a daily basis.

i mean look how fucking chinese he looks tho

follow myles here.

Conversations Episode 16: Chelsea like THE Chelsea teaches CHAM how to relax

Huge Huge Huge shoutout to Chelsea and Thad. These two getting married in less than a month so Chelsea popped by to talk to me about all the ways she decompresses.

You know i think im starting to get the hang of this chatting to women thing.

if only invisibras made everyone this happy

Give Chelsea a follow here.

Conversations Episode 15: Audrey the first woman guest talks what women want.

UPDATE!!!

Well after a month hiatus we are back.

Things that are new:

• studio

• guests

• lack of dogs

• homeless people

Shout out to Audrey for popping by and chatting it up and also for being the first femaie guest on the podcast. Here is a meme.

she said she looks like a stick bug not me ok

here she is in her element

Conversation Episode 14: Gustavo the guy behind the theme song talks music

This by far has to be the funniest podcast yet.

What an honor it was to spend time with Gus.

I love his music and you should to check it out here.

LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFUL BABY

LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN

Conversations Episode 13: Ryan from T.H.E. Honoroll talks beer butt lacroix

IVE KNOWN RYAN FOR A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME but i always knew someting was wrong. its like the uneasy smell of rusted iron, the familiarity of dried blood.

what was it

idk

my whole life i have always been able to sense the “inner” personhood of a guy. With Ryan i knew something was below the surface. I could tell from the way his face was weathered. This man has seen tings.

• 2 green onions, chopped, dark green parts separated from white and light green parts

• 1/3 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 yellow onion

• 3 tablespoons white sugar

• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1/4 teaspoon Korean red pepper flakes

• 1/4 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin steak, cut very thin using kitchen shears

• 1 teaspoon honey, or to taste

follow the enigma that is ryan here

Conversations Episode 12: Jordan Gross shows us how to Pay it Forward

We had a simple idea. I watch his favorite movie and he watches mine then we talk about it. That is what this episode is supposed to be about. Little did Jordan know.. his favorite movie of all time was one I had a small role in (that was removed in the theatrical release). so I had to dig up the old vcd and pull this clip for yall.

love ya tons buddy thanks for being a real one and supporting me this whole time.

FOLLOW HIM HERE

Conversations Episode 11: Dan Thorson talks weddings, photography, and video games

Never meet you heroes thats what they say. Unless it’s Dan Thorson. When i first moved back downtown Dan had a studio and office on the same block so it was very easy for me to stalk him.

Thanks for always being open and willing to share your knowledge.

OH YEAH LOOK AT THIS PHOTO FROM 2015 TALK ABOUT THROWBACK

Conversations Episode 10: Denham runs a marathon for the one for him

Man Denham is on fire lately. I have been very lucky to be able to work with Denham and produce three of his videos for him. We discussed smash bros, writing music and his approach to everything. His music is filled with passion and I love that shit.

Peep his newest single with P.O.S. and other videos below.

Conversations Episode 9: Shaine Schroeder paints a picture of what its like to paint pictures.

SHAINE SCHROEDER

a Haiku

by CHAM

Shaine likes to paint things

things that i really enjoy

please paint my mural

Man Shaine is a funny ass guy and likes dogs plus he is a super dope artist. AND THEY SAY THE PERFECT MAN DOESNT EXIST///

Thanks for tuning in yall.
Support Shaine here.

Conversations Episode 8: TommyTrvn gets cooked live.

Tommy and I have a surprisingly sober discussion. This is one of them good ones to fall #asleep to. Here is a list of topics covered in this episode.

the way tommy says “family photos”

planning his own wedding

why Kevin was so pissed at him

dissecting the Asian aspect of each of our Asian friends

How I was almost his uncle

when people get us mixed irl

I hope yall enjoy this one.

Conversations Episode 7: Statik of Elevated Rebellion freestyles for an hour straight

Elevated Rebellion is going out on tour soon so Statik dropped by the studio to have a chat about what its like to be a rapper in our current (what i think is) over saturated rap scene right now and what it takes to be consistent enough to build a fan base and balancing that with exploring new sounds.

Peep there music here and watch the ZOSS directed video below for “ENERGY”

Conversations Episode 6: James1stgen talks about moving to LA for music and why he wants to grow the scene in Sioux Falls

James1stgen is a musician that I listen to heavy. If you are a huge R&B fan like me then you will want to tune into this one. In this conversation we talk about moving to LA to join the Marines, making music and how he wants to rep Sioux Falls and grow the music scene.

Check out his music on Spotify here and watch the video below produced by Johnny below.

Conversations Episode 5: Josh Novak talks plants rights, balancing sketchy clients and TOBIAAAASSS!!!???

JOSH NOVAK AKA MR. DTSF AKA MR #PHOTOCRED AKA BANGSTREET MEDIA.

I honestly have no idea what we discussed in this episode all I know is we go on a tangent about how downtown is better than anywhere else in town. Josh is always juggling a couple things so go follow him. But do it the old school way, find out where he hangs out and follow him.