Behind the Lens: A Candid Conversation with a Photographer Redefining Authenticity

“In an era dominated by filters and perfectly curated images, how do you capture raw emotion? Realness?” I asked. His answer was both profound and disarmingly honest: “By finding the moments when people let their guard down—when they forget the camera is there and just exist as themselves.” This is the philosophy that drives Brandon, a Detroit-based photographer whose work has been quietly reshaping how we view not just art, but authenticity.

Brandon’s approach is both simple and revolutionary: embracing imperfection. He believes that in a world obsessed with ideals, art should challenge the audience to see beauty in what’s real. As our conversation unfolded, it became clear that his journey is not just about capturing faces but telling stories. What follows is an intimate exploration of his craft, inspirations, and the relentless drive that defines his career.

November 22nd .Written by Ryan Packer

From Camcorders to Campaigns: The Birth of a Passion

For Brandon, the seeds of his craft were planted early. As a child, he recorded everything—from the hum of tires on the freeway to quiet moments at church—with a tiny camcorder. “I guess I’ve always been drawn to capturing life as it is,” he says. But it wasn’t until high school that his casual interest in cameras became a full-fledged passion.

Attending an art-focused school gave Brandon the freedom to explore his creative instincts. Photography became his chosen medium, not only for its precision but also for its efficiency. “I’m not someone who likes to get my hands dirty. Photography is clean, quick, and digital—perfect for someone like me,” he chuckles. That lighthearted remark belies the seriousness with which he’s pursued his craft ever since.

Detroit: The Unseen Muse

Detroit isn’t just home for Brandon—it’s a muse. “This city has such a unique energy. From the flashy jewelry of our rappers to the gritty streets where we hustle, Detroit shapes how I see the world.” Brandon draws inspiration from the city’s raw, unfiltered culture, using it to inform his visual storytelling.

But being an artist in Detroit isn’t without its challenges. “You have to fight for your space here. There’s no abundance of opportunities like in New York or LA. You have to create your own lane,” he says, his voice steady, unflinching. Despite these obstacles, he sees Detroit’s duality—its resilience and its raw beauty—as a driving force behind his work.

Icons and Inspirations

Every great artist stands on the shoulders of giants, and Brandon is no exception. He speaks reverently of Gordon Parks, a trailblazer who documented decades of cultural evolution. “There’s this iconic shot Gordon did—first of jazz legends in front of a Harlem brownstone, then years later of hip-hop stars in the same spot. That kind of longevity and cultural relevance is what I aspire to.”

Closer to home, Volandis, a Detroit-based photographer, serves as another major influence. Brandon admires how Vuhlandes blends celebrity and humanity, a balance that mirrors his own ethos. These inspirations guide Brandon as he continues to carve out his unique space in the industry.

A Lesson in Humility

Brandon’s journey hasn’t been without its teachable moments. “There was this one shoot with a big-name rapper. I was late, walking in with all this gear, and everyone just stopped and stared at me like, ‘Who is this kid?’ It was mortifying, but it taught me a valuable lesson—be on time. Always.”

This humbling experience shaped his approach to professionalism. “I learned that talent isn’t enough. Respecting people’s time and showing up prepared is just as important.” For Brandon, every setback has been a stepping stone, fueling his growth and sharpening his focus.

The Social Media Hustle

In today’s hyper-digital world, Brandon acknowledges the double-edged sword of social media. “It’s both a blessing and a curse,” he admits. “It’s great for visibility, but sometimes I feel like opportunities come because of my follower count, not my work. That can be frustrating.”

Still, he’s found a way to carve out a unique style in a saturated market: by staying true to himself. “I don’t chase trends. I just make sure every piece of work I put out is 100% me.” This authenticity has not only set him apart but has also solidified his reputation as a photographer who values substance over style.

The Art of Raw Emotion

Scroll through Brandon’s portfolio, and you’ll see it immediately—images that feel alive. He has a way of catching people in those fleeting, unguarded moments. “In the music industry, especially, people are always performing—even when the cameras are off. I look for the cracks in that performance, the vulnerability. A moment of doubt, a quiet smile—that’s where the truth is.”

This pursuit of rawness has become Brandon’s signature style. It’s his rebellion against the polished veneer of modern photography and a bold statement that imperfection is art. Each image tells a story that resonates because of its honesty, reminding viewers that the real magic lies in what’s unscripted.

The Future Through His Lens

Six years into his career, Brandon is reflective yet ambitious. “The photography world is crowded now. Cameras are more accessible than ever, which is great, but it also means you have to fight harder to stand out.” For him, standing out means pushing boundaries, staying authentic, and letting his work speak for itself.

“At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to capture people as they are—not who they pretend to be.” Brandon’s story is one of grit, vision, and an unyielding commitment to truth. And if his journey so far is any indication, his future work will continue to redefine what it means to be real.