If you haven’t heard of Bradley Thornber Photography, where have you been?! Hiding under a rock? Don’t worry if you haven’t. This is your chance to get to know a little about him.
I was browsing Myspace one day and came across a photo that had a dark texture applied to it. It looked cool, almost like a scene out of a horror movie. Horror movies are a favorite of mine. Back to the story, viewed more of his work and saw beautifully shot models. I thought to myself, wow this guy has it made. Photographing beautiful women and calling that work, who wouldn’t want that?
Quick Synopsis:
- about 13 yrs of experience
- spent first five years shooting only 35mm black & white film
- developed negatives and prints on his own
- moved to Phoenix in 2006 from motor city Detroit
- have lots of fun at photoshoots
- EXTREMELY professional and takes serious of his art
Here are two samples, but more can be found at the bottom of this article:
I was curious on how he got into the business, so I requested an interview with him. Luckily he said yes.
thesoop: When did you catch the bug for photography?
bt: When I was 15 years old, my freshman year of high school. My school offered a basic photo, and an advanced photo class. It was 35mm black and white photography. We had to develop all of our own film, print all our own photos by hand. I basically lived in the darkroom my entire high school career.
thesoop: What was one of your most memorable photo shoot?
bt: Has to be Super Bowl week. I got hired by a local website and was granted access to every red carpet event that week! I shot about 12 different events that week and I couldn’t believe that I was there. It was like something you see on TV, all the celebs and all the paparazzi’s. I got to meet a lot of really cool celebrities, and the over all week is something I will never forget.
thesoop: Your photos have a distinct look and feel, can you explain?
bt: I would say that it’s all in the creative eye of the artist. You can give the same camera to 20 different people, and have the all shoot the same subject in the same situation. And you would end up with 20 completely different photos. I do my best to think “outside the box” when I am shooting. Angles, lighting, and posing all have a dramatic effect on how your photo is going to look. I like the raw grittiness of life mixed with the sheer beauty of fashion.
thesoop: What gives you inspiration? a book? music? ect…
bt: My greatest inspiration is the world around me. I love things that I find beautiful, and I want to capture it. Other artists such as Lithium Picnic are a huge inspiration. My goals and ambitions in life inspire me to constantly push myself to become better at what I do, so that I can eventually be where I want to be in life.
thesoop: Most of your photo’s you have some of the most beautiful subjects, does that effect your work?
bt: The only effect that has on my work is that it makes my job easier. Hahaha. I know how a lot of people think that it can be distracting to be in the presence of such beautiful women all the time, especially if some of them are nude during the shoot. To be honest, I don’t even think about it. My mind is going a million miles an hour thinking of how I want the shot composed, so I don’t really have time to think about the beautiful woman in front of me.
thesoop: What are your tools of the trade?
bt: I am definitely a Canon photographer. I use the Canon 40d and have a decent arsenal of Canon’s “L Series” lenses. Another staple in my equipment are my Pocket Wizard transceivers that I use to make wireless connections to my strobes, flashes, or as a wireless trigger for my camera itself. Aside from those I have your normal equipment, studio strobes, stands, reflectors, backdrops, and things like that.
thesoop: Are you jack of all trades or do you have assistance(s) to help with your work?
bt: No I do not have any assistants to help me. With the exception of using hair stylists, make up artists, or wardrobe stylists, I do everything myself. The majority of time I am the one picking out the models outfits and coming up with the concepts of the shoots. I am in control of my lighting, set up, break downs, scheduling and editing. I also handle my own entire web mastering for my many websites that host my work. The world of the internet and keeping up with all the sites and emails is a full time job in and of itself. Now that you mention it…. I NEED AN ASSISTANT…. Or better yet…. an intern, because they are free! hahahaha
thesoop: What are your challenges as a photographer?
bt: Consistent income. Being self employed you never know where your next check is gonna come from, so you have to really put yourself out there to be able to bring in enough revenue to support yourself. Competition can be pretty rough also. There are a lot of photographers out there that will talk bad about you behind your back in hopes that they will get jobs instead of you. I HATE when people do this. There is enough work out there people; you don’t have to be a jerk to try to get work. The long hours that I put in are quite challenging too. Sometimes you have to shoot until 2 or 3 am, and then be at your next shoot at 7 am the following morning.
thesoop: You have a book out now, is this your first publication?
bt: Yes this is my first publication. I recently had a showing at a local tattoo shop and the response was so great that I decided to publish a book of those prints that were in the show. It focuses on fashion, pin up, old cars, and beautiful tattooed women. It will look great on any coffee table! Hint hint, wink wink.
thesoop: Do you think you have made an impact to the Valley with your works?
bt: I really like to think that I have made a difference here. Though be it I have only lived here since July of 2006, I have made quite a name for myself so far. I mean… you are interviewing me right? If anything I would hope that I have shown people that there is a different world of photography out there. That it doesn’t have to just be nature, wedding, pin up, or fashion. Some of the models that I have trained, and shot have gone on to win world wide talent competitions, that’s a great feeling.
thesoop: Do you have a funny incident or story while working in this industry?
bt: My height is kinda funny. I’m only 5’9” so I have to stand on a stool a lot. Since I will be shooting models that are already taller then me, then you add giant high heels and they tower over me. So unless I want every photo to be shooting up their nose, I have to stand on a stool.
thesoop: When shooting subjects, what’s your most common suggestion to them?
bt: Modeling is acting. You can’t just stand there and look pretty. You need to embody yourself with whatever emotion you are trying to pull off. Also, be comfortable with your body. Insecurities show through 1000 times more on film. I also advise almost all of the models to spend an hour a day in front of the mirror working on their poses.
thesoop: You are well known for your work, does that get to you?
bt: No way. Who doesn’t want to be a famous rockstar?!?!?!?! It’s really nice to have people recognize my work and express their appreciation of it. I don’t get recognized out in public that much like models do because who knows what a photographer looks like, he’s behind the camera. But I do my best to get out there and make myself known. Because after all, the more people that know you, the more jobs you are going to get.
thesoop: Tell us an interesting thing about you that no one knows, but will after this interview.
bt: How’s this for shocking….. I didn’t really start pursuing my photography career until I moved to AZ in July of 2006. Before that I lived in Detroit my whole life. I tried to get my photo career off the ground, but because I lived there my whole life, everyone knew me forever, and wouldn’t take me seriously. So I couldn’t get any work, and never really had any photo shoots.
thesoop: Do you have any shout outs to give?
bt: I would just like to thank websites like thesoop and everyone else that take the time to appreciate and spotlight local artists. I also cannot thank enough all the models, make up artists, stylists, and everyone I have worked with. And of course, a HUGE shout out to my dog Vincent.
And now you know…
More information:
www.fotobrad.com
www.myspace.com/fotobrad
www.modelmayhem.com/fotobrad
Through Bradley’s Eye – Book
Please be respectful of the artist. If you would like to use any of their work please contact them first.
- thesoop
