Meet Photographer Brian Gossman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Gossman.

Brian, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started out as a custom color printer in Baltimore MD. in 1999, After 4 years of printing for a variety of clients, I had made a name for myself in this part of the industry. I started working for (Film Director) John waters in the early 2000’s. I was doing primarily all of his photography printing as well as working for him as an artist assistant. My wife and I were in Beverly Hills at the ‘Unwatchable’ exhibit were John introduced me to (photographer) Greg Gorman. Greg has a series of photography workshops that he teaches and in 2009 I took one on the coast in Mendocino. It was an incredibly humbling experience as well as eye-opening and educational. Whatever vision or skills I thought I may have had were checked at the door; in a good way. That first time that I was on location with 9 other photographers from around the globe was not only pivotal in my career, but it taught me that I will never stop learning this craft both from others and what I can do for myself. My working relationship with Greg grew from there, he trusted that I was a grounded and hardworking photographer taking me on as an assistant in the U.S. and Europe. I have been working for him on and off since 2013. I have been a photographer now for 20 years and professionally for the past 10. You could say that I have paid my dues when it comes to the tough industry of photography in this day and age. There is so much talent, there is so much accessibility to the tools needed to make great images. However, I do feel there is a lack of filter when it comes to what is published in the mainstream market, I wish publishers would take a chance more on creativity rather than spoon feeding generality. I have a camera on me at all times, even if it’s a point and shoot in my pocket. I have had a few different series of images manifest from this habit. I split my time between working in Los Angeles and Northern California. I Shoot for a Newspaper, a Fire Dept. I am a photographers assistant as well as a working artist. I feel incredibly lucky to be where I am today. I have worked hard and stuck out many tough industry nightmares to get where I am. I have had recent gallery exhibits in Austin, & San Francisco and am currently finishing a book photography project on the agriculture of Northern California.

Has it been a smooth road?
I have had numerous challenges along the way as anyone has had I suppose. I’ll never forget the first one, though, it was major, about 15 years ago. I worked in a lab that processed film. I did not want to bog down the tech with a wedding I had just shot so I sent it out to another professional lab where it was mixed in a batch of ‘pushed film’. It came out clear! Almost every roll except 2. Needless to say all hell broke loose on both sides, in the end I was not sued, and I came away with the image I call “Smoking Bride” I swore I would never shoot a wedding again, Then some friends said “we are getting married in the Florida Keys” Never say never is right.

What role has luck had in your life and career?
Luck has played a pivotal role in my career. I had submitted an application to a custom color darkroom in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1999. Baltimore is a highly creative town, so I felt my chances were slim. I came back a couple weeks later to pick up some film I had dropped off. I had no intention of exploring to job offer when the owner came up to me and asked where I had been. I was incredibly excited. Cut to…Receiving a phone call from Susan Allenback who works for John Waters. She had received my name from a camera store in town when she was looking for a printer for John. She set up a meeting between us and that relationship took off. It began an artist / assistant relationship that lasts to this day. I would say those 2 particulars were luck indeed.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being completely honest and upfront with people when working together or selling yourself as a photographer. When your cards are out on the table, people tend to be less stressed; it’s easier and more comfortable to see a project through be it one on one with a model or in a group situation. Don’t get involved in something you can’t handle but also be prepared for any situation when you’re on location or in the studio. I consider myself to be very ‘direct’ when I’m working. Listen to your subject, communicate.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Can there be a best part of L.A.? Giorgio’s Disco is perhaps my specific favorite part of L.A. And then there is the food and drink. You can have a quiet cocktail in the historic ambiance of the Sunset Marquis and also keep it spectacular while simple at Yuca’s tacos across town. Oh, the beach! LA is a beach town! Go to the beach! It’s hard to speak negatively about L.A. I do think however the way the city is portrayed in mainstream media is a letdown to its population. 99% of LA is not couture and you need not think like this to participate in its magic.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Gossmanphotography.com
• Phone: 530-739-3980
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: brian_gossman
• Facebook: Gossman Photographics

Image Credit:
All images copyright Brian Gossman