Manifest Monday: Brandon Thomas Brown

By Shavonne Taisha

Shavonne: Brandon. When I first met you,  you were extremely calm. Of the many peopleI’ve encountered, I’d actually get intrigued on the rare occasions that you spoke up. In what ways, does your ability to observe help elevate your passions?

Brandon: I feel that learning how to observe my surroundings has helped me looked at life and my work from a different angle. Taking time to be still and clear in my thoughts. Not always walking around with headphones on in this busy city but paying attention to things that I might not have. I use those abilities and tie them into my work. Slowing down the pace when I have someone in front of the camera. Remembering to pay attention to the details. Things that I might not have thought of going into a shoot.

Shavonne: You have mastered being behind the camera, in your recent posts you’ve been exploring using your body as a new medium. What was the cause of your hesitation?

Brandon: There wasn’t hesitation. In my early work I would use myself as the subject but in my journey, I’ve since moved away from thus to explore other bodies as subjects. In this time of isolation I still to have to create and don’t have many other options so it led to self-reflection. 

S: How are men’s bodies often misused in art?

B: I can speak specifically to black males. Our bodies can be misused but there is a real complexity within this. I would credit a mentor of mine who spoke on a project of theirs that explored the over sexualization of black male bodies and how we, black men can sometimes be complicit in this portrayal as it has become a social currency. When I am shooting a black male I want to ensure that I am representing him in an honest light. 

S: How long have you been creating this body of work?

B: I’ve been creating my work for over four years, I treat it as one body of work that I often revisit and expand upon. 

S: How do you use photography to redefine your self-image?

B: My self-image isn’t really defined by my photography. There are things that I see within myself that I find ways to develop internally but I haven’t really given that much thought to my self image. 

S: How has or hasn’t photography given you an outlet for your own experiences?

B: I would say photography has given me confidence in my vision and being able to communicate that to others. I’ve been able to bring this into my interactions in real life, from outreach to networking. It’s helped me reinforce the value that I am bringing and this gives me self-assurance. 

S: What were some moments that defined your choice to pursue photography?

B: The first moment that stuck with me was a few years back. It was my first group art show and the newspaper that was covering it used my art as the front cover. It confirmed that I was on to something and cemented that other people saw that my work was worth viewing, processing and sharing.

S: What is the most rewarding part of being a photographer for you?

B: The conversation that my work can spark. 

S: How would you define your photography style?

B: Unexplored and honest 

S: Which is your favorite subject to photograph?

B: Black people 

S: Not everyone is built for teamwork. In an industry saturated by hungry artists, who are the top 3 people you count on for support?

B: I have a solid foundation. 

S: What emotions best describe your reaction to shooting the cover of Shacar’s Beautiful Pain Volume 1 Album?

B: It was a pleasure to collaborate! I was focused on forming and creating work that was honestly inspired by his music. 

S: When can we expect to see your work in person? Can we order prints directly from you?

B: TBC, I’ll circle back with the details as it comes together. Yeah, you can order prints from me – check out the wider selection of work on my website.