JEAN: Hello? MARIA: Hi Jean! It's Maria from B&H.
Oh hey, Maria! How are you?
MARIA: Good! I'm good. I heard you were getting ready for a road trip and some shoots.
So, I figured I'd call you up and ask you 21 questions. Is that okay?
Oh how fun! Yeah, actually your timing is great. Hold on one moment, and I'll get my earpiece in.
MARIA: Awesome
[upbeat pop music]
JEAN: Alright, can you hear me now?
MARIA: Yep, you sound great! JEAN: Terrific
JEAN: Well, great. Yeah so, I'm just getting ready to, um
I'm packing up for my first road trip since spring training, February.
So I'm very excited to say the least.
MARIA: Wow that's amazing! Uh, what's this road trip for?
JEAN: So it's for grassroots baseball.
It's, uh, Route 66, the next leg of the journey.
So I'll be doing all kinds of different shoots with baseball and um...
Mostly amateur baseball.
Also some landscape photography and some of the Americana along Route 66.
MARIA: Cool! So can you tell the audience about what type of photographer you are?
Yeah, I'm a sports photographer, and I specialize in the game of baseball.
And I document everything from the grassroots up to the major leagues and all the cultures that surround it.
MARIA: Amazing! And sports photography is a little bit different than say...
Portrait photography or landscape photography. So what's your go-to camera and lens for this?
So, my go-to camera and lens, uh, for this...
Well my go-to camera most of the time is right here in my hand.
It's the a9 II and the a9.
And go-to lenses. My three workhorses are...
The 16 to 35... Uh, yeah. 16 to 35 2.8.
And my 70 to 200.
And then my 400 2.8. This big boy right here.
MARIA: Wow JEAN: I'm packing it all up.
For this trip, um, I'm also going to be taking portraits.
I have a few portrait sessions scheduled.
And some landscape, as I talked about for just the Americana along Route 66,
um toward the end of the route.
So, I'm going to be using the a7r IV for that.
And then for the portraits, for the lenses, this is my new favorite lens.
This 135 1.8 Sony is just... really makes really pretty portrait lenses, so.
I've also been using it for pre-game for kind of a different look but, um, I'm loving this one.
MARIA: Cool, and so, I hear you're really involved with Sony as well.
Can you tell me more about your role associated with them?
Yeah, uh. So, I'm a Sony Artisan.
Um... And what that means is we're ambassadors to the brand.
And, which is, uh, it's really fun, and it's also an honor.
It's fun because the gear and the technology really speaks for itself.
So that makes our job very easy.
And then, why is it an honor, well...
It's an honor because I really think the brand, for me,
aligns with, you know, my values as a person and as a photographer.
And I really like the things that they do. The outreach that they do.
The Sony Alpha Female program has been just terrific.
And they have a new program they just started. The Sony Relief COVID-19 fund,
which is helping out photographers, creators who are in need because of the virus
and haven't been able to get work or have hardships.
So, um, I'm just really, really pleased with what Sony's doing as a brand.
MARIA: That's great! And did the quarantine affect your workflow at all?
JEAN: It sure did, yeah. My workflow went sideways.
Um, but some good things came out of it. I worked on my archives quite a bit.
My website, um, a lot of archive work which was just terrific for me.
And then, working on this new project, Grassroots Baseball Route 66,
got a lot of the writing done for the book.
[stammers] the book that's coming, that's part of the project.
And so, I certainly kept busy and, you know, doing the things that we can control
instead of the things we can't control, like going out and shooting during this time, so.
But, um, soon I'll be on the road doing a little bit of that as well.
MARIA: That's awesome, and so, what got you into sports photography to begin with?
Um, I was actually a portrait photographer, Maria.
I started off in portraiture, in northern California.
And then I started shooting for local newspapers there. Sports, high school sports, college sports.
And then met Michael Zagaris, the team photographer for the 49ers and Oakland A's.
[plastic bag rustling] Um, and, uh...
And he became my mentor, and I was able to shoot
49ers, A's, and started shooting Bay Area sports.
And I just really never looked back. It was absolutely my calling.
Every, every moment, uh, out there shooting a game was just...
I knew this is what I wanted to do. This is the type of photography that
I was going to be pursuing for my career.
MARIA: And, so, is it tough sometimes being maybe one of the only females on the field?
You know, um, it's really it's really not...
It hasn't been tough for me, uh, being the only woman on the field.
You know, early in my career, starting off, especially in the Bay Area, the photographers.
Bay area sports photographers have been a very inclusive group with me, and really
have helped me all through my career.
And a few of them are my mentors, and best friends now.
And really, it's just a great group.
And then, now today there's so many more female photographers that are out there
shooting and you know really talented sport shooters, um...
So, it's really nice to see the progress
and seeing more women out shooting sports and doing a fantastic job.
MARIA: Yeah, that's for sure. And so, what's your favorite part of your work?
Favorite part of my work, I would say,
is the first time I'm going to a new place, a new field, a new sandlot, a new stadium.
I love that moment of "okay, what's this going to be like?"
"What are my backgrounds? Who am i shooting?"
"What am I shooting? What's happening?"
That feeling. It's kind of like a ship pulling into a new port.
You know, and "what's going to be there?" And then, of course, "who's going to be there?"
"What's the culture of what I'm shooting?"
And because I'm traveling to so many different places, you know.
Baseball is different in cultures, is different in all of these places.
And the new is very exciting for me and learning.
MARIA: And so, you mentioned you photograph a lot in the Bay Area.
Are you... Have you always lived in San Francisco?
Uh, no. I grew up in New York City, and I moved to San Francisco in the 90s.
MARIA: What brought you there?
A love story brought me here, Maria. [Maria laughs]
A lot many things have kept me here.
[Both laugh]
MARIA: And so, do you shoot other styles aside from sports? You mentioned portraits.
Um, well you know, other styles. That's interesting that you say that I mean I...
I guess you can label me as a sports photographer.
But it's almost like it's kind of even not really a fair label
because I do... To me, when you hear sports photography,
you think of the long lenses and you think of cargo shorts.
[stammering] For me, it's really what I'm doing is... I'm a storyteller.
So, I'm doing portrait photography.
I'm showing the cultural side of baseball.
Baseball, sure, is the entree.
But it's the entree into the culture, so. Action is exciting, but it's really not
about a play at the plate or play it second. Those are fun,
and that's exhilarating, but what i'm looking to do is tell the story
around the baseball and, you know, where are we and give it a
sense of place. And there's so many wonderful stories
and so many interesting people that surround the sport, so.
Um, it's hard to really label me as a sports photographer. I would say
portraits and landscape are just as important to me as the action.
MARIA: That's great. And you mentioned your route 66 your grassroots baseball project.
Can you tell us a little bit about the projects you're working on right now?
Yeah, uh, so Route 66. I had my first book come out
Grassroots Baseball: Where Legends Begin, which is showing baseball all
around the world and the different cultures.
This is a different project. You know, we've grown grassroots baseball now into
a not-for-profit, and we're giving out equipment and doing
clinics, um, and so Grassroots Baseball is growing.
[stammering] It's probably what I'm most proud of in my career is Grassroots Baseball.
So this next project is Grassroots Baseball Route 66.
Starting in Chicago, ending in Santa Monica, and I did the
first pass through last season, and now I'm going back to shoot more
because the project will also be complete with a book, Grassroots Baseball Route 66, so.
It's--it's the mother road.
MARIA: Okay so, let's switch it up a little bit. What are a couple tips for somebody
looking to up their sports photography game?
Um, tips.
Well, you know, it's a very tough climate out there for sports photography.
As you know. I mean, it was tough before all this happened. Now it's even more difficult.
So, um, you know. You have to... It's kind of
going back to what can you control and what you can't control.
So I would say upping your game. Have a great website. There's so many
platforms out there that you can, um, create websites. Not expensive and
you can put a website together in a day.
And when you do put your website together, you know, show that range of work
that shows you can handle, you know, any
any assignment that's coming your way. Make sure you show the range on your website.
And only show your best work. Uh, and some other tips. I would say would
be to get out there and shoot. It's really
not about shooting on a professional field. Go out there and experiment.
It doesn't need to be, um, at the Oakland A's.
It can be on a little league field, it could be on a kid's soccer game. It's really not
the who that's important. It's the what. So create.
Try new lenses. Try a new portrait lens and get out there.
And you know shoot with something different and see
what that gives you. What're your angles. Chase the light.
And I think experimenting on a not professional field
for a sports photographer can really yield exciting results.
And maybe, you know, create something new.
I mean, you do the same old thing, you get the same old results.
So last tip, I would say--I don't know if that's five, but.
My last tip would be find your mentors. I mean my mentors have
been just so important in my career and
I'm grateful to them they're my best friends today, still today. And if you can find a
good editor as one of your mentors. And I think it could really help your
career and move you forward quickly.
MARIA: Yeah that's a great tip. And so, let's get
into some social fun questions, um, so what do you do for fun
aside from photography? I know you've been home because of the quarantine.
Well let me show you what I do for fun. [both laugh]
[footsteps, door opens]
[Jean mumbling under her breath]
I'm, uh, going to be cooking my son's lunch.
Not that cooking for my son is fun. It is a little fun, but...
Um, I cook pizza for fun.
MARIA: Cool! JEAN: Yeah!
So I'm going to cook a pizza for you. How about that? [Maria laughs]
Well actually, I'm cooking it for Simon.
But, if you were here, I'd cook one for you!
MARIA: I know!
JEAN: Um, so can we talk while I cook?
Or can I talk while I cook MARIA: Oh yes, of course!
JEAN: Alright, here I go!
MARIA: And so, if you could photograph only one,
either baseball or football--I know you photograph both.
If I could photograph only one, baseball or football...
I'm getting flower all over my shirt, Maria. [Maria laughs]
Baseball! MARIA: Yeah
And, East Coast food or West Coast food?
JEAN: Oh, now you're going to get me in trouble with my, my
East Coast friends. That's going to be a problem. Well!
I like to choose sides, so I'm going to have to say West Coast food.
MARIA: What's your favorite?
Pizza! [both laugh]
MARIA: Now you're really going to make your New York friends upset!
JEAN: I know, I know! But I have to say there's
great pizza on the West Coast! It's pretty amazing what they have out here.
And I'm an East Coast girl still, but
maybe after this video I'm not going to be because I might be losing a few friends.
[Maria laughs]
MARIA: And what's your favorite stadium you photographed at?
JEAN: Favorite stadium I photographed at?
That's a good question. I mean, there's some great ones, and I have some...
I would say Wrigley Field.
Wrigley Field is my favorite because
not only because it's obviously one of the most historic stadiums in our country, but
I had the opportunity to shoot the most historic World Series,
modern World Series the Cubs and Indians in 2016.
And that was just an incredible experience to document, so.
Because of that I will, my answer is going to be Wrigley.
MARIA: And, do you have a favorite photographer that you look up to?
JEAN: Favorite photographer?
Michael Zagaris because, why?
He's a legend. He's a revolutionary.
And he's one of my best friends.
[metal spatula scraping]
MARIA: You do a lot of portraits of players and legends,
is there somebody you haven't photographed that you're dying to?
Um, I guess I'm not dying to photograph anybody.
There's some young players, Maria, that I'd like to get that I didn't get last season.
One that comes to mind would be Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
I photographed his dad, who's a hall of famer.
Vladimir Guerrero, I photographed him both in the United States and the Dominican Republic.
And his son is now on the blue jays, and
he's just a powerhouse. And so I would love to document him early in his career.
I did get him in the futures game, which is a game that showcases young players.
But I don't have him in a Blue Jays uniform yet. He did come through San Francisco.
I missed him. So, Vlady Jr, is on my list. And, oh!
If I could go back in time, since I guess I could answer. I would--
MARIA: Yeah, why not!
like to be standing on a field with one of those fedora hats,
like the photographers used to be able to stand right on the field.
And have Jackie Robinson, like, sliding into home.
Yogi Berra at the plate. That's probably not going to happen.
But, that would be something I'd like to do. [Maria laughing in the background]
MARIA: And if you weren't a photographer, what would you be?
If i wasn't a photographer what would i be?
Well, I would be a pizzaiola.
A pizzaiola is a woman who makes pizza.
MARIA: Cool JEAN: And this one could use another minute.
But Simon's not going to mind it like this.
Um, so a pizzaiola I'd like to do it in Italy too, since this is my fantasy.
Uh yeah so a pizzaiola in Italy.
MARIA: That's great!
And what's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
JEAN: The best piece of advice I ever received. I'm gonna bring you back inside now.
Tell Simon his lunch is ready. Uh, best piece of advice I ever received
would be to always have a plan.
Brad Mansion, photographer. Always have a plan.
You go to a shoot, be prepared.
MARIA: And aside from your camera, what's the best piece of gear?
Um...
Besides from my camera my best piece of gear would be.
[door clicks shut]
Sorry about that!
Besides my camera, my best piece of gear would be...
Uh, my Gitzo monopod, um...
And the reason this is important to me is...
Uh... lightweight. The Sony's equipment is very lightweight, which is important to me being my size.
And weight becomes more and more of a factor each year for me.
Going on planes, putting in overhead bins, so.
Everything lightweight is important, and this monopod is just terrific because
it's sturdy. It's lightweight. It does the job. So I'm holding my 400 on this and
It's just--everything is made from carbon fiber, so it's just, uh...
It's an important piece of equipment for me.
MARIA: Mhm. And okay, hard question.
If there were to be a movie about your life, who would play you?
[zipper zips]
JEAN: Ha!
If there was a movie about my life, who would play me?...
Well [zipper zips]
I'm gonna say Michelle Pfeiffer!
MARIA: Cool! JEAN: How's that? But also--
Have you seen Money Heist on Netflix?
MARIA: Yes!
JEAN: Okay so, you know. I want to be Tokyo.
I don't know what that says about me [Maria laughs]
Probably not, not so good.
MARIA: She's, uh, really tough, so I like her.
JEAN: No, I know. Like I want to be Tokyo.
[Maria laughs] JEAN: I'm taking you outside now.
MARIA: And, last question: who should we interview next?
Last question: who should we interview next? Okay...
I would say interview Andy Kuno. He's the one of the Giants team photographers.
A really interesting guy.
Photographs a lot of other things besides baseball.
His father, um, his parents had a photo lab back in the day in San Francisco.
So everybody brought their film to his parents.
And he's been shooting, um, the Giants since the mid-90s, I think.
And he still takes a skateboard to work.
That's his mode of transportation and-- MARIA: Wow
He's, yeah. I say Andy Kuno.
MARIA: Cool, alright we'll definitely call him up.
JEAN: Alright well, I'm taking you outside now!
[pop music]
JEAN: Okay Maria, well, this has been great. I really appreciate you calling!
Thanks so much!
So fun! I will absolutely give you a call on Route 66.
MARIA: Okay, awesome. I can't wait to hear all about it!
Thanks so much for answering all my questions!
[pop music continues]