C.C. Chapman's Blog, page 18

Snapchat FYI

When asked what you’d like to see me create in 2016 many of you answered with some version of more teaching items.

So, when I was asked why I thought Snapchat was going to have such a great year, I decided to make a video explaining how I use Snapchat.

Right now it is one of the more pure social networks where marketing and advertising hasn’t invaded too hard, but of course it is coming.

Watch this video if you’ve ever wondered “why would I ever use Snapchat?”

It has quickly become my mome...

NYC Creative Microadventure

Alastair Humphreys introduced me to the termMicroadventures in his latest book.

The concept is that people feel they need to go on a three month expedition to a far off land to have an adventure, when in fact a single overnight in the wild of your backyard can be just as stimulating.

This is a concept I embrace and try to practice, so when my friend Clarence asked if I wanted to take a day trip to New York City with him “for walking, talking, taking photos and eating a good steak” I instantl...

Forward, Purpose and Skies – My Three Words for 2016

Since April 2014 I’ve been lost.

The stories of the months since then are for another time, but needless to say there have been some dark days and lonely times.

2016 is all about putting those behind me finally and successfully moving forward.

Once I had determined that focus, going through my yearly three word exercise was easier than ever. I also changed it a bit by allowing myself to choose phrases instead of single words since everything that came to me was in that format.

As I sit here...

What I’d Love to See Announced at CES

This morning I was pondering ways that Verizon could improve their FiOS App by giving me the ability to download content I’ve recorded on my DVR to watch anytime I’m traveling.

They now allow you to stream DVR recorded shows, but I want to watch it without a WiFi connection.

If they really want to make it sweeter, they could make it a perk of being a Verizon Wireless customer or make it so that you could stream your recordings without it counting towards your data usage.

Yes, here in Boston...

2015 in Photos

The end of the year is always a powerful time for me to look back at the last twelve months and ponder where I’ve been and what I’ve seen.

Being a photographer means that I take photographs every single day and over the course of a year that means thousands of photos.

Thank you again to the team behind the Samsung Imagelogger program for having me as a proud member.The majority of these photos were taken with either my Samsung NX1 or NX500.

If you want to follow me around in 2016, my Instagr...

Another Trip Around the Sun

End of the year + Christmas + My Birthday = C.C. in a reflective mood.

This latest journey around the sun was better than the last one and yet I feel as if I have not accomplished much.

I spoke on stages from Seattle to The Netherlands, had my life outlook changed by attending my first Muster and visited family in Maryland and Arizona.

But, a lot of time was spent mentally digging out of the hole I found myself in last December and trying to lay the foundation for moving forward.

Truly, I sp...

My First Time Flying a Drone With the Chroma 4k

My grandfather designed, built and flew model airplanes. These were not from kits or out of a box.

I remember the first time he handed me the controls and asked if I wanted to land one for him. What little kid would say no? Of course, I ended up crashing it.

Fast forward to this morning when I found myself standing by second base on the baseball field and flying my first drone.

The team at Horizon Hobby sent me a Chroma 4k Drone to try out and review.

Drone photography and video is somethin...

Days of Giving – Wediko

Tonight I have the last Board meeting of the year for Wediko.

I’ve served on the Board for a number of years and am now the President of the Board.

Wediko Children’s Services is a non-profit organization committed to improving children’s lives. Using a strength-based approach, Wediko responds to the needs of children who face repeated obstacles to development due to emotional, behavioral, environmental, and learning issues. Through a continuum of flexible services and multi-disciplinary trai...

Days of Giving – Fisher House Foundation

Sadly, our country doesn’t treat those who fight wars for us very well.

All it takes is one look at the number of veteran focused charities to know that they exist to fill the gap left by our own government.

I’m blessed to have friends and family who have donned the uniform to protect our country and even wanted to wear one myself, but couldn’t.

For years, Laura and I have donated to the Fisher House Foundation.

They build houses next to VA hospitals where family members can stay for free wh...

Days of Giving – No Kid Hungry

With #GivingTuesday landing on the first day of December this year, I thought I would focus my writing for the next little while on charitable organizations that I love and that I hope you’ll take the time to find out more about and donate to if you have the means.

I’m starting today with No Kid Hungry.

No Kid Hungry wants to make sure that every child in the United States receives the daily nutrition they need to learn, grow and play.

In a country as rich as ours, we should not have the pro...