Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Carlson.
Brian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in and around Orlando, so Florida has always been home. When I was about 13, I picked up a camera on a family vacation and really fell in love with it. While in high school, I took every single photo class that was available. Being in the darkroom, developing film and making prints was magical. I look back on those days fondly. It was then I decided I wanted to be a photographer (plus, nothing else really interested me). I went to college and studied photography, then worked for years as a photo assistant, setting up lights, cameras, helping the photographer execute his vision. Around the time of the recession, I decided to strike out on my own.
Alright, 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?
I don’t think life, in general, is ever very smooth. But the exciting thing about aging is you have perspective. Photography has changed drastically from when I started. I began working with film, so when digital started gaining momentum in college, it really upended how the photo industry had operated for decades. And while the internet had been around for a while, the relatively new advent of social media has also changed the landscape.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about you’re your work?
I definitely specialize in capturing imagery of people, whether it be editorial portraits, lifestyle imagery, documentaries, or narratives. Interacting with the people I’m photographing brings me a lot of joy and I’d like to think I’m good at putting them at ease and getting the best shot in collaboration with them. I think my wit balanced with my care for others sets me apart. And there are a handful of images which I’m proud of, ones that I believe stand the test of time.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
For three years, my family and I lived in Ethiopia. The people in Ethiopia were no different than I. Living there was humbling; it showed me I’ve been given many advantages solely because I was born in America (and if we’re being honest some disadvantages). When I realized that I saw people, and myself, differently. It helped me get over my “hard work always equals success” mentality. I’m not sure I’m making sense… but yes, I’m lucky.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.briancarlsonimages.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcarlsonimages
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcarlsonimages
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bcarlsonimages
