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Last year, Georgia College & State University (GCSU) professor Dr. Chris Greer premiered his television show “View Finders” on GPTV.
This spring, the show is debuting its second season. Greer is a professor in Georgia College & State University’s Department of Education. He teaches instructional technology to undergraduate and graduate students. Greer has been at GCSU for 17 years and expressed that GCSU has been a big supporter of his journey through establishing and publishing his show, “View Finders.”
“I have been a photographer since I was young. It’s been a constant passion in my life,” said Greer.
“Outside of my work with GCSU, I was working with a friend on a YouTube channel to create video content related to photography. That was the sort of starting inspiration for ‘View Finders’ debut.”
According to Greer, when on one of these YouTube excursions, he and his channel partner were on the Appalachian Trail filming an episode.
While taking a break, Greer stumbled upon Georgia Outdoors on the television in their cabin.
“I was just sitting there and watching the show and I started to think about what was on the screen and what we were doing. I realized that I could do something like Georgia Outdoors but modernize it by framing the show through photography,” said Greer. “So, during COVID, I reached out to a contact at GPB and eventually gave a pitch to them via Zoom.”
Greer would pitch a show about two photographers exploring beautiful locations in Georgia to capture photographs and learn about the historic, cultural, and ecological significance of these areas by meeting with experts and exploring along the way. But rather than focusing solely on Georgia, GPB broadened the pitch to open travel around the country. And from this pitch, season one would eventually debut.
“The educational aspect is important to the show because it shows why the location featured in the episode should be preserved for future generations,” said Greer. “And alongside that educational component, the stunning footage of the locations alongside the laid-back attitude and music are what compel the audience into the rich environment.” Season one of “View Finders” first aired in April of 2022 and in its run had a total of five episodes focused on Cumberland Island, Blood Mountain, Southern Chattahoochee, Northern Chattahoochee, and the Okefenokee Swamp. During this season, Greer traveled with fellow photographer and close friend, Jason Clemmons.
“One of the most unique parts of ‘View Finders’ is the music featured in each episode. It drives the feeling for the show,” said Greer. “We have a feeling for what we experienced and what we saw so I take a catalog of music and build the episode around these emotions. The songs are the foundation of the show, and the episodes are built on top of that music.”
According to Greer, the music featured in seasons one and two are from Georgia musicians. Using a submission call on social media, he allows artists to submit songs or albums for him to personally listen to and select from.
He picks the music that may work for different moods, types of shots, and types of nature to create a catalog. From that catalog, he selects music fitting of what he and his co-host felt during their excursion and builds the episode from the music.
“I want ‘View Finders’ to be a multi-beneficial platform. It’s an outlet to show our photography, to share music and to educate the public,” said Greer.
“Season one received a lot of support for this unique focus and season two is only going to take it to the next level.”
Season two premiered on GPTV on April 1.
Unlike the prior season, viewers were introduced to new co-host Paul Daniel, an Atlanta-based freelance photographer, known for his city and landscape images. Daniel is another close friend of Greer’s and happily accepted the opportunity to go on an adventure.
Five episodes will air in the spring and five in the fall. Episode one of season two featured the co-hosts exploring Amicalola Falls before hiking up to stay at the Len Foote Hike Inn. Following the spring season, the show will also explore Cloudland Canyon, the city of Savannah, and feature a two-part series on Georgia’s hidden coast. Filming for the fall installation of the season will begin this summer.
“This season we are expanding outside of Georgia. We will likely be exploring some of the Carolinas later this season,” said Greer. “And just as our exploration continues to expand, our episodes are improving as well. I’m excited to say we have a full-time cameraman this season who has created phenomenal shots for the first half of season.”
While his full-time job is being a professor, Greer’s passion for “View Finders” and his hope for its future continues to grow. He sees the show as a powerful educational tool and showcase of talent from the cinematography to the music that guides the episodes.
“I am first an educator and using this series to educate others on the ecological and historical significance of these locations is very important to me alongside showing the power and creativity of musicians, photographers, cinematographers and more. Education and art are both a very powerful tool,” said Greer. “I hope everyone thoroughly enjoys season two.”
Viewers can stream any past or new episodes on the PBS app. To learn more about “View Finders” visit viewfindersontv.com.