Nov 3, 2017
Chase Stevens, staff photographer for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins the StreetPX crew to discuss his experience documenting the active Las Vegas Mass Shooting, the Oregon Stand-Off, Burning Man, the Mayweather v. McGregor match and much more.
On the night of October 1, 2017, a gunman opened fire on a crowd of more than 20,000 attendees at the Route 91 Harvest music festival on the Las Vegas Strip. The massacre left 58 people dead, 546 wounded and ranked as the worst mass shooting in US History.
While Chase is usually off the clock on Sundays, he had volunteered to cover the preseason game with the new Las Vegas Knights NHL team. Shortly after arriving home, he received a call from his editor and quickly leapt back into the field. Making us of only his sports kit - the 400mm on his Canon and a 28mm on his Leica - he spent the evening documenting the chaos, victims and aftermath.... and today, he shares his experience and sheds a great deal more light on this tragic event.
I was using my street instincts really, because you don’t really want to be seen during situations like this.
- Chase Stevens, speaking on photographing the Vegas shooting
Additionally, we discuss his coverage of the Oregon Standoff between federal authorities and the armed militia group that took over the headquarters of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in early 2016. With complete access to the facility, Chase spent more than two weeks between two separate visits, documenting the tension and community reaction to the event.
We were all wondering... all the journalists... when was law enforcement gonna do anything? They waited a long time and I definitely understand why. But on the other hand, its sort of... there is such a probelm when you see the way they respond to something like Ferguson and they just come in and cracked down on everyone... and with this, you have these armed white guys and they're not doing anything... It's interesting to see up close.
- Chase Stevens, speaking on documenting the Oregon Standoff in 2016
We also expand on his WBO boxing assignments, his excitement in stealing away our Oakland Raiders and his street photography.
Tune in today!
Oh and if you're in the Bay Area this month, join us for the Glass Key Photo Grand Reopening, on November 16th.
Chase Stevens Links
Artists Mentioned
This episode brought to you by Glass Key Photo in San Francisco – Get your analog gear, film, repairs, local artists zines and meet the most welcoming camera junkies you'll find in the Bay Area. Join us November 16th, as they host their Grand Reopening at 1230 Sutter Street, just off Van Ness Avenue in mid-town San Francisco.
Don't miss our last show, a special 50th episode with veteran Rock & Roll photographer, Jay Blakesberg.