Bryan is a photographer based in Atlanta. Never considering a career in photography, Bryan made the transition in the fall of ‘09 after spending 10 years working for ad agencies and other in-house design departments. In addition to photography, Bryan is working on several projects which all involve the betterment of society and giving to those in need through both photography and other means. Bryan is also working on his first book entitled “Toy Monkey”. Bryan is a HUGE Denver Broncos fan and currently borrowing the paper bags from the Saints fans. Bryan is not married but has an amazing girlfriend (Bethany) who he plans on making his Mrs. sometime in the near future (he has to ask her dad..buy a ring, you know…details).
Plywood People: You’ve talked about work and play. Can you explain how you see these in what you get to do through what you do?
Bryan Scott: James Michener once wrote the following:
“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of exellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he is always doing both.“
Photography for me blurs the line between work and play. My work is my passion and in turn I feel like I’m playing. Every time I pick up a camera it’s a tool to gain access into the life of someone. Be it a wedding, commercial shoot, non-profit work or shooting on location for a film…every story and opportunity to connect is unique. I love helping tell stories through the images I create and the relationships I’ve developed as a result of being able to capture light in a box! Everyone should be as fortunate to be able to use a gift or talent to earn their living and essentially feel like they’re playing every time they “go to work”.
Plywood People: As a photographer what is your greatest ambition or goal that you hope to accomplish in your career?
Bryan: For me my “career” is about bettering the lives of others and using my ability to further others in their dreams. I look at it as perpetual motion. If I can help propel someone’s idea or image and in turn they use their gifts to propel another then we’ve essentially got perpetual motion in the human form. It’s a sort of “pay it forward” mentality. It doesn’t always pay the bills but you learn who is worth investing into and you do it because you want to not because you may or may not get anything out of it.
It’s every portrait photographer’s goal to shoot the “who’s who” which I’d gladly do but if I’m not touching the lives of those who have less then my career is a failure. There is a growing trend where photographers are gaining a celebrity status in some markets and circles. Through accountability and the grace and mercy of God it’s a MUST to always keep my head and humility about me as opportunities continue to come…so bring them on, I’ll humbly accept!
Plywood People: What’s your most interesting photo shoot experience?
Bryan: I honestly don’t have just one memory that jumps out at me. As cliché as it sounds, every opportunity is a new, unique experience. I love sitting with homeless people and hearing their stories. Recently I set up a photo booth at a retirement home and did Christmas pictures for the residence. That was a pretty awesome time. You hear some amazing stories…and some that just flat out don’t make sense but give you the best laugh you’ve had in a while.
If there’s anything I could inject about “the experience of photo shoots” is finding a way to educate people on the time involved in producing quality images. There is so much competition in the industry today. Anyone can go out and buy a camera these days and take a half decent picture. We’re facing the same problem we had when Apple started putting little stickers in their products. Somehow that sticker on your car window made you a designer. Just because a kitten is born in an oven is doesn’t make it a biscuit…get my drift? I think it’s great that people young and old are exploring photography more and more but education is key for professionals to be able to give their client a five star experience. Setting expectations from the get go will assure happiness, Plywood People: What is your favorite image that you’ve captured, and what made it so great? Why do you love it?
Bryan: I can’t say I have one favorite image. I go through seasons where I like different textures and different lighting set ups. Regardless of the environment that makes up the composition, the images of the homeless that I’ve shot are always so captivating to me. Within the wrinkles of their faces and the curls of their beards there are so many stories of hurt, loneliness, addiction and rejection. It’s weird to go from those images to a picture of a bride belly laughing. A bride who’s full of hope, joy, acceptance and happiness. As much as my images tell the stories of others they can also lay out a time line for my life. So again, it’s cliche but I have new favorites every day.
Plywood People: When you find yourself inspired, what other outlets do you love to do other than your photography?
Bryan: I’m inspired by so many things. I get ideas from something as deep as a theological discussion or as random as talking about how I’d return my baby if it was born with red hair (sorry red heads). People in my life have been a HUGE encouragement and inspiration and I can honestly say I would not be where I am or who I am without them (Bethany, Mom, Dad, Kristen, DWP, Jorge, Yarby.) I was raised to appreciate beauty in everything. I grew up on musicals, movies, books…you name it! I’ve always loved music and art which I always tend to pair together. I often buy songs or albums based on what I see in my head visually when I hear it. Inspiration is everywhere for me. My brain is always chugging and looking for inspiration in everything…sometimes even in my dreams.
For more info on Bryan check out bryanscottphotography.com
Also follow Bryan on Twitter: @bryanscottphoto
