Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian.
Brian, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I try to draw my inspiration from my surroundings. Whether it be color schemes or architecture or just the unique nature that is life, I find art and beauty anywhere. My primary form of photography has been boudoir and glamour-based, and almost always I prefer shooting outside of the studio. Beyond this very alluring genre, I’m into car photography, specifically ones of the modified variety, as well as gaining a strong interest in cosplay. Utilizing my own special car build, with which it has its own story, I have since morphed my photography interests into multiple genres, all the while keeping true to what I enjoy photographing. What I love doing is not necessarily worrying about the “right” shot, but instead going with what feels right at the moment. It could be an emotion conveyed that I wish to preserve in time. It could be an angle or perspective that just makes me want to explore it with depth. It could even be just a beautiful palette of colors on a person that cohesively makes him or her striking and perceptive in front of my lens. There is no definite answer to what is right when it comes to photography. The only shots that are wrong are the ones uncaptured. And in the digital age, I’d rather have multiple out of focus shots to review than lose out on a potential brilliant shot that I was unable to capture for any given reason.
Has it been a smooth road?
Photography was not a major for me. I didn’t go to school wanting to learn about the various methodologies of taking photographs or memorizing certain terminology. While I have acquired that learning mentality over the better part of the past decade in which I’ve been actively photographing, my lone intent was to capture emotion. Everyone has an emotion, whether conveying it themselves or revealing one as a reaction. I don’t photograph to gain likes on social media or to even profit from any given print. I do this because it’s a release for me. Because I choose to do this not for profit, I do foot the bill for equipment, rentals, and at times permits. Some say that’s ridiculous because I rarely charge; I typically leave it up to whoever I’m collaborating with to set a fair amount. I challenge myself all the time to find ways to make a shot not only interesting from my vantage point but also to see if I can naturally enhance it in any way. It goes without saying I don’t really utilize Photoshop unless my clients prefer I adjust an image to their liking. Most of my shots go unedited. They might not be perfect to some, but I do take pride in working with whoever or whatever is in front of me and finding a unique perspective from which to photograph. I have learned from a few local photographers who have been doing this professionally for longer than I’ve even been on this planet, and it’s with their guidance and support that makes me want to create more vivid imagery for my own personal collection as well as to share with other artists what my perspective at that very moment has created with their being in front of my camera. It hasn’t necessarily been the smoothest of roads, but I minimize the bumps and dips by surrounding myself with great artists who wish to help me and collaborate, and vice versa. It is only then that we can establish a strong rapport and ongoing relationship in creating beautiful art. Essentially, my lone challenge will always be the cost effectiveness of this craft; it never makes sense to do things for free…unless you enjoy doing it. Most of my collaborative efforts are free, whether it be with models and artists or even car-related activities. The reason- the company one keeps around him will always be a measurement of how happy he’ll be in life.
Has there been people or an institution that has played a pivotal role in your career?
I have been influenced with almost everyone I meet, whether it’s for a single shoot or networking mixer. But I do have a close connection with a local photographer by the name of Norman Fischer. He’s an old timer when it comes to photography of all genres, but more importantly every time we get together and collaborate, he’s always had very pertinent and inspiring feedback. Whether it’s the genre we’re shooting, the faces in front of the camera lens, or even the meeting and greeting of new models, MUAs, and event coordinators to even further the network of local artists in the photographic realm- he’s always been directive in that regard and has helped me advance my photography and mentored me along the way.
Do you have a favorite type of client or project?
Local artists who love to create art and aren’t tied to the business side of things- I understand that there is compensation involved, but those who put that aside and really work on their craft are those that I enjoy working with the most. Collaborating is all about artistic blending, and if one side is mindful more of how much they’re making as opposed to what sort of art and emotion they can create with myself, then the end result probably won’t be as vivid or impactful as we had initially sought after. Aside from that, I am beginning to gain a greater understanding of the cosplay environment, the characters, the ensembles/costumes, and the overall mindset that each model conveys with the different characters they represent. I offer my own perspective, not necessarily that of the character modeled but rather in a twist that makes it visually and emotionally stimulating.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
While the majority of great shots are taken with the right equipment, the more powerful shots I’ve taken come from meeting with clients and artists and brainstorming ahead of our intended sessions. I would typically attend group shoots and network from there. In essence, what I wish I had done sooner was work on the social media aspect. I currently don’t have a dedicated page of my photographic works for others to interact with me and converse when it comes to starting the initial phases of new photoshoots and meetings. Pretty much I have all my shoots in a library waiting for uploading and connecting with those artists on such social media avenues as Facebook or Instagram. In an age where technology reigns, I’ve been somewhat lagging in that regard. I will admit, I would much rather connect with a potential client face to face first rather than liking their latest photo on social media. I’ve noticed local photographers taking this route to directly correspond with a future client, where there is no face to face interaction or even a connection beyond adding someone to their social media “friend’s list”. To me, I’d much rather be added or have a friendly connection with that person after I have met him/her and gotten to know that person on a more artistic level. If there is a mutual interest then, that is where the discussion of the shoot details and what each side is looking to create begins to develop.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6262266679
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @bn1zzle87
