Chase Hart is a Portland-based photographer, who has bewitched his followers through dreamy aesthetics. Soft, yet intentional color palettes, multiple exposures and a strong adventurous narrative dominate Hart’s body of work. For a while, we’ve all been wondering... who is the man behind it all? Clone-a-Willy was determined to find out.

First things first, how did you get into photography?

Photography has been in my life [for] such a long time that I don't even remember how it happened. I grew up in a small town with a really awesome art community. There was a large group of filmmakers and photographers that were intertwined with the snowboarding world I was apart of. These guys were making super 8 films and using film cameras for all of their projects. I was snowboarding 150+ times a year by the time I was 5, so this was my world. Highly influenced by these people who are still creating and trendsetting in the world now, I started using my community college darkroom and lab when I was 12. At this point I was only focusing on black and white process because the color wheel enlargers were too tedious for me.

What was it exactly about your first inspirations in the snowboarding world that made you want to create?

Snowboarding motivated me to pick up a camera, but it wasn't the snowboarding part that made me want to create. All the guys in the snowboarding world doing creative stuff made me want to do more art. There wasn't one ‘ah ha’ moment, it was just being surrounded by a lot people who I admired.

What motivates you to continue using analog film?

With film, I feel like I have more creative control. I’m able to manipulate so many things. I really enjoy the process of soaking film, doing multiple exposures, painting with dye.

Where did your statement, "I'm only a love letter away" come from?

I'm obsessed with Robert Smith (“Friday I'm in Love”).

"I'm only a love letter away" comes from one of my favorite songs from my youth Voxtrot.

Besides the obvious, what draws you into often photographing the female form? What else are you attracted to aesthetically?

To be honest, I'm not sure what deeply draws me into shooting the female form. I've had a progression in my photo-taking career that started with just black and white shapes and basic things. That eventually turned into traveling photos and lots of people stuff, [a] decisive moment influenced by Henri Cartier Bresson. Shooting friends and mostly girlfriends just organically happened. It wasn't something I was looking for to begin with it. It feels right. I think I’m naturally into [a more] feminine, softer feel. I'm really attracted to colors and open spaces.

How do you believe you can photograph women in a way that's empowering for women?

Everyone I shoot gets something different from it. I grew up with a single mom, who is a badass. I [think I] don't see things the same way as maybe other people do?

I shoot photos of people that are my equals. I treat them with respect and I don't sexualize any situation. It’s about the art for me. If my style feels empowering and motivates more people to go shoot or allows someone to feel more comfortable about themselves then that’s awesome.

How does your day job affect your photography work?

It doesn't. Photography is my favorite thing to do. I’ll always find the time I need for it.

Favorite spot you've found while traveling on photo adventures so far?

I prefer being in big open spaces, like Death Valley. I’ve also really enjoyed shooting in charming cities like Tallinn and Prague. I know I'd like to get to Havana because I'm really into colorful places. Locally (Pacific Northwest), I love going to Florence (sand dunes) and the Painted Hills.

Next projects? Future events?

More traveling with my best friend Abby, who I'm obsessed with and love shooting photos of. If that's a project, we sure create at a crazy pace. I’m also very close to opening a boutique in Portland that should be going by August. It's called Maripoll. It's going to eat a lot of my time but should be a fun adventure.

Are you opening Maripoll alone? What's the story behind the boutique?

I’ve recruited a good friend of mine who's more fashion savvy than myself to team up with me. So [I won’t be] starting this store all by myself. I also have a lot of good friends that are helping out in small ways. No real story... just excited to put energy into building something for myself.

To find out more about Chase Hart / My Friday Films:

http://www.myfridayfilms.com/

https://www.instagram.com/myfridayfilms/

Follow his muse/ queen-babe:  https://www.instagram.com/arosevan/