The film “Chasing No One” is a personal story. It is Anthony Riso’s story, capturing what was in his heart and his mind. And he’s found that those who view the film find it resonates with their own lives.

“Usually when I’m thinking about my own life and a struggle I’ve had to face, and I happen to be listening to music that provokes emotion, a scene starts to form in my head. If I can expand on that scene and create a story that will resonate with others, I hurry like a madman to get it out into the world.”

“I’m an emotional person, and I’m constantly reflecting on life. Sometimes I just let my emotions take the reins and hold on for dear life. So, I guess you could say my inspiration comes from being out in the world and being true to my emotions. Music is a catalyst for that inspiration while I’m out and about in the world.”

Anthony Riso walking along a path with mountains in the background
For this trip, Anthony used the time interval shooting tool in his Z6 camera a lot because he was by himself. His tripod was deep in the water for this shot, and his Z6 was touching the surface of the water.

Puzzle Pieces

“I think photography is interesting because it’s a medium that shows so much but tells very little. So much is left to the viewer’s interpretation. Video can at times be a more ‘in-your-face’ kind of storytelling where the meaning isn’t left to interpretation. That’s not to say video can’t also be subtle, but I think it’s maybe easier to be subtle when telling a story with photography than video..”

Anthony is always striving to become a better storyteller, especially since he’s made the move to video,

“Finding key clips to fit into a timeline for a video is like crafting my own jigsaw puzzle, a jigsaw puzzle that needs to come together to look like what I had pictured in my mind.“

The opening shot to Anthony’s short film, “Chasing No One,” taken on the road leading into Emerald Lake in British Columbia.

Make the Switch

The switch from stills to video can be daunting.

“In stills, you don’t have to worry about aspects like audio quality, continuity editing, and a whole host of video-specific details that can make or break a finished film. Video editing in itself is a major departure from still photography editing.”

You can spend hours upon hours learning a new editing technique and perfecting it, to be used on screen for mere seconds.

“A lot of the small editing tweaks in video (the most subtle and minute details that most people wouldn’t notice) are what make a film truly unique.”

Anthony’s advice to other still photographers longing to make the switch to video: watch hours and hours of YouTube tutorials.

“It sounds like trivial advice, but trust me, there are some incredibly talented people creating on YouTube, and they are willing to show their tricks to everyone wanting to learn. Watch what the other video creators are doing and try to emulate it.”

Photo taken on the shores of Vermilion Lakes in Alberta, Canada minutes after Anthony fell knee deep in thick mud to gain this perspective.

He also suggests taking the camera you do have and creating a video. Not sure what to shoot? Pick any subject and create a video.

“Create a 30 second Instagram story of yourself doing something during the day. Break that thing you’re doing into small clips and use the clips in your Instagram story as cuts to take the viewer on a journey. Pat yourself on the back for creating something instead of nothing. Rinse. Repeat.”

Don’t get caught up in all the gear either.

“I meet a lot of photographers and videographers just starting out who want the “latest and greatest” equipment and spend thousands of dollars, but what they don’t realize is that the finished product won’t be any different if you haven’t learned the medium in which you create art.”

Anthony’s first camera was a D5300 with the 18-55mm kit lens.

“When I was just starting out—it was about the satisfying “click” of the shutter and messing around with the camera in manual mode in order to really find my artistic voice. I didn’t really notice the constraints of equipment. I fell in love with the medium of photography first. I’m a complete geek about photography and video gear today, but that’s because I found my voice and know which tools I need to amplify that voice.”

Anthony spends a good deal of his free time caring for gray wolves at a local wolf sanctuary, which also happens to be the subject of a future project, so stay tuned…

BIO: Anthony Riso is a 25-year-old photographer and videographer living in the seacoast area of New Hampshire. His curiosity makes him a lifetime learner, and he has traveled down many rabbit holes to find new knowledge and friends along the way. Anthony can be found deep in thought sauntering through the woods with his camera and music in his mind or contentedly spending time caring for gray wolves at the wolf sanctuary he volunteers at. If you see him out and about, he only asks that you bring with you good conversation and an open heart.

View more of Anthony’s work on Instagram: www.instagram.com/arisophoto

Anthony Riso

Anthony Riso is a 26-year-old photographer and videographer living in the seacoast area of New Hampshire. His curiosity makes him a lifetime learner, and he has traveled down many rabbit holes to find new knowledge and friends along the way. Anthony can be found deep in thought sauntering through the woods with his camera and music in his mind or contentedly spending time caring for gray wolves at the wolf sanctuary he volunteers at. If you see him out and about, he only asks that you bring with you good conversation and an open heart.

View more of Anthony’s work on Instagram: www.instagram.com/arisophoto