Meet Mychal Brandon of Mykesoulo Photography and Media in Van Nuys

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mychal Brandon.

Mychal, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was the kid in the corner reading goosebumps books and writing pseudo novels based on my ideas for movies. I was also the kid singing at the top of his lungs, much to my sibling’s dismay. I had an active imagination but not the most room to express it. I spent part of my childhood in an area considered “the hood.” We didn’t have a ton of money at the time, but what we lacked in materialism my parents made up for by keeping us busy in the arts, church, boy scouts, singing chorales, college prep, etc. We didn’t have time to run the streets. It was in these years my love for film and singing was born.

Fast forward through years of wandering, trial and error, and sometimes total disconnect from my childhood dreams, I decided to go back to school. By this time, I’d been cultivating my singing in church and groups, but creativity in the visual arts started to creep back in through my new hobby of photography. I picked up a camera, following my brother’s lead and the rest is history. I was able to build a photography business with a solid client base and prospects.

I went back to school in 2014 to finish my bachelor’s in film, after ten years out of high school. I graduated in 2016 and six months later, I moved to LA to start from scratch. Starting from a mattress in friends living room my first year to being able to support myself through my singing and media business. I built a network of production and film contacts that have led to some amazing projects that I have had the opportunity to direct and collaborate on. I’ve worked on sets and closely with a few of the Hollywood elite I grew up watching on film. I’ve been able to sing on stages at Disney and rock the mic at Spotify parties. I’ve also had the wonderful opportunity to be a choir member in Kanye West’s Sunday Service and travel for a year.

Has it been a smooth road?
Los Angeles is one of the most expensive places to live in the world. I’ve had my share of financial woes, setbacks, and rejections. By far, to date, my biggest obstacle was coming into the knowledge that I had suffered from a Generalized Anxiety Disorder most of my life, and that didn’t come to light until my move to LA. I’ve had many breakdowns and bouts of depression and even developed a degree of social anxiety despite having a business in engaging with… people. Developing strategies and receiving treatment have been essential in trying to get healthy. I didn’t fully understand mental health until I came here, but I don’t regret the migration. I’m not sure I would have ever started to heal and come into the knowledge that I was living beneath my potential for years. As I continue getting better, it makes me wonder what more I’m capable of, equipped with the right tools and not fighting with my hands tied.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
My parent company is Nolamar Media, but most would know my business by Mykesoulo Photography. Although that moniker only expresses one of my outlets, it blankets the other industries I major in as well. I am a portrait photographer and filmmaker, I direct film and music videos, I also shoot portrait photography for weddings, entertainers, artists, events, senior portraits (high school contracts), etc. I’m also a professional background vocalist. I’m most proud of the diversity I’m able to have in my business. I recorded background music for an up and coming Jewish artist, who in turn reached out to me to inquire about directing his music video. Who says your gifts won’t make room for you.

Aside from getting to bump shoulders with music industry greats in Sunday service, I think what sets me apart is uniquely my disability. It allows me to see people when they step in front of the camera. I connect with my clients on a personal level in helping them feel comfortable in their own skin. Anyone can look smashing, they just have to be shown. I don’t walk away from shoots with just clients, but with friends. In front of my camera, you get more than just a pretty picture.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think whatever you want to do, there’s a way to tap into the market here. The market is saturated with directors, photographers, singers, actors, etc. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room and that doesn’t mean there isn’t a destiny for you here. I think starting in LA is great for anyone who’s willing to come here and stick it out for their dreams. If you understand that success doesn’t happen in a vacuum, I think you can build here. If you haven’t come here yet, I’d say build before you come so that your work precedes you.

Pricing:

• Shoots $150+
• Weddings $1,650+

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mykesoulo.com
• Email: mykesoulo@mykesoulo.com
• Instagram: @mychal.brandon
• Twitter: mykesoulo

Image Credit:
Lucas Markman

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