Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Rashad.
Brandon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story…When I think back on it, never would I have thought it would have gotten me to where I am today. I am the owner of Brandon Rashad Photography. I am currently located in Atlanta, GA. At 34 years old, I am a thriving photographer and content creator who is making a name for myself. I am a native of Charlotte, NC and relocated to NY in 2017 where I lived for three years before transitioning to Atlanta the fall of 2020. Getting into photography for me in a way seemed to happen by accident, but paths that are meant are never an accident. I remember back when I attended North Carolina Central University, I was always snapping pics with my digital camera, this was before camera phones were a thing. In 2014 was when I purchased my very first DSLR camera. The initial reason for getting a camera at the time was to take products photos for my accessory line, B. Dapper Co. A good friend of mine, gospel music legend Monique Walker contacted me to do a photoshoot. I knew nothing about photography and I was nervous but she gave me a chance. I shot in Auto Mode, but the photos came out amazing and some of which she still uses to this day. As time went on while living in New York, I wanted to expand my creativity and I ended up purchasing a new camera to take my work to the next level. I found myself exploring the city with my camera right by my side. I advertised my work and I started to get bookings for street style and studio shoots. Studio shoots soon became passion where it let me really be creative and bring the client’s vision to life. Since the inception of Brandon Rashad Photography, I have had the chance to work so many amazing people such Shenice “Tashawna”, daughter of R&B singer Tweet, Award-winning gospel artist Jonathan Nelson, Rich Tolbert, Vincent Bohanan and so many other notable people. I currently serve on the media team at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church where Jamal Bryant is the senior pastor.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
People often think that being a photographer is simply picking up a camera and clicking a button, ITS NOT! I have invested so much time and energy into learning about my craft. Technology advances daily and new products are released. Being an entrepreneur isn’t for everybody and it’s not a get rich quick type deal. In 2020 when the Covid pandemic started, I wasn’t sure what the future would hold for my business. All the studios closed and bookings somewhat ceased. With the uncertainty surrounding Covid, I took a break from taking on clients but I still created content. I would venture out into my neighborhood to practice natural light shooting. Testing out techniques and method I learned from Youtube University. With everything pretty much shut down, I had nothing but time to learn. I connected with some amazing photographers on this journey. I had the chance to take a class with Drea Nicole who is one of the industry’s leading photographers. As somewhat of a new kid on the block especially in ATL, having people like Mel B Elder, Chad Lawson, J. Monroe, Jordyn Ari, Dee Porter and so many others willingly share knowledge to help an up and coming creative is a rare find! Comparison in the beginning would always make me second guess my creativity because I didn’t have the most expensive camera. Or not having my own studio and shooting out of my living room. It’s all a part of the journey that I really feel is just beginning to unfold…
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In the beginning, I dabbled in so many types of photography but If I had to classify what I do and my niche, I am a branding and fashion photographer. My aesthetic is clean and vibrant. As I continue to perfect my craft and adapt, I want to develop a signature style that can be easily recognized. I currently shoot out of my home where I turned my living room into my studio. Being in small space, it forces me to be more creative. I’m most proud that I didn’t let frustration of not getting something right on the first try defeat me. I think what sets me apart from others is the experience. On set I am going to be your biggest cheerleader and you will leave feeling you are somebody special because you are. Shooting out of my home, I want to create an environment where the client feels at home and is comfortable. Everything from snacks to customized playlists based on their taste in music. I love what I do!!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Plain and simple. Have faith to despise not small beginnings. As creatives in a social media-driven world, we see the finished product but we don’t know the work that went on behind the scenes. It’s not about having the most expensive equipment, it’s about passion. I have seen people create amazing art with an iPhone. Trust your dopeness! No one can do what you do, like you so you can’t be intimidated because you feel a certain industry is “over saturated”. There is somebody out there waiting on what you have to offer.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@brandonrashad,com
- Website: www.brandonrashad.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/brandon.rashad
Image Credits
Personal Photos – Raphael Sims TheCamKilla All other photos are shot my Brandon Rashad
