Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Stroud.
Brandi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started studying photography in my 12th grade year of high school. I went on to pursue photography in college and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Photo Imaging. Learning under the darkroom technique really made me appreciate the true art of photography. I received my first film camera from a family friend and now realize that giving away a camera is a big deal for a true photographer. You have a connection to your camera and who you pass it on to is someone you believe in. I owe a lot of my story to that kind gesture.
I’m in love with Fashion photography and being near the water fuels my creativity. I studied abroad in Florence, Italy and really grew into loving fashion, models, runway, and the energy of the images associated with them while being exposed to my short-lived Italian life. I returned to the states and started traveling to New York during fashion week seasons to take street style photos and also volunteering for the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) – however I was not shooting in the pits yet. Volunteering then led to me going out on faith and applying for a press pass. Well, I got accepted! I’ve since photographed runway and backstage at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), NYFW: Mens, Los Angeles Fashion Week (LAFW), and Mercedez Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA). My work has since been published in Harpers Bazaar China, Glamour Italia, and local publications in my hometown. Currently, I balance my photography with a federal career in graphic design and visual information.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s not been a smooth road but I’ve been thankful for the opportunities I’ve been able to experience. I’ve struggled with finding agency models to shoot, being denied from publications and most recently adjusting to a new city.
Please tell us about PortB Studio.
PortB partners with Fashion and Beauty brands to create powerful imagery and branded content through finding the connection between authenticity, inspiration, and values.
Imagery services range from editorial, campaigns, product, e-commerce, high fashion runway, lookbook, and personal branding (models, actors, stylists, and influencers).
What I am most proud of is being able to create from a place of authenticity.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Having a strong support system is my favorite memory from childhood. Having the freedom to be imaginative and supported with my dreams has been my foundation.
Contact Info:
- Website: portbstudio.com
- Instagram: @portbstudio
- Other: @brandinicolina
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