Professional photographer, Adam Bradley, displayed characteristics of a creative minded individual from an early age. From playing piano to songwriting to performing - his artistic passion was undeniable. Always with a camera in hand, Adam turned his focus to his favorite hobby. Following a whirlwind shoot in Miami with a renowned photographer, his destined path became clear and Adam Bradley Photography was born. Now approaching ten years of professional experience, Adam has shot a wide range of subjects and places all over the world – capturing family, event and lifestyle. In this interview, Adam reveals the challenges and triumphs of his most memorable shoots, along with some tips and advice for up-and-coming photographers that he has learned along the way.
LEG: How would you describe your style of photography?
AB: I'd say it actually varies quite a bit depending on the subject matter, environment and/or a client's needs. I love the variety - it's what keeps things interesting and challenging. My family photography is generally fun, bright, and impulsive. When I travel, I try to capture the essence of a place so I tend toward street photography with more of a journalistic feel - which tends to be more fluid and snapshot-based. Then there are some images - usually with portraits, landscapes or lifestyle images - which are a bit more artistic - either by creating an arresting visual or telling a great story.
LEG: What was one of your most memorable shoots?
AB: That's really tough. I took a trip to Miami when I first began transitioning as a professional. It was so meaningful in so many ways. I teamed up with a renowned photographer who I just met by chance and that really kind of blew the doors off for me. We spent the better part of a week together capturing Miami's art deco scene and I think that's when I really felt emboldened to take chances and became more disciplined in using certain design concepts in my work. It's also where I first started loving post production almost as much as shooting - the artistry of editing and post is its own art form and you can really get lost in it. What else... I'd say the Serengeti was certainly memorable to say the least. And not just for the majesty of it all (and it is that) but also because I got dangerously close - probably recklessly close to the wildlife, so much that the guides were freaking out. But when the zoom won't zoom any more you have to get closer! Anything for the image.
LEG: What advice would you give to a person interested in photography starting out?
AB: I'd say try not to get too hung up on the technicals or the equipment which I see happen pretty often. You need to learn the basics, of course, but once you know your camera well and understand the fundamentals of exposure, aperture, and shutter speed - really invest in exploring and developing your own style. This should come naturally but requires a lot of experimentation and sometimes hard work. Bring your camera everywhere and don't let up - even if family, friends, and others give you a hard time. They'll be begging for your services soon enough.
LEG: What kind of camera do you like to use the most and why?
AB: I've been a Cannon guy from the start. I think their cameras are intuitive and I fell in love with the lenses. I know photographers agonize over camera brand and perennial debate between Nikon and Cannon - but at the end of the day it just doesn't matter. No one will care about the name on your camera or the number of pixels in your images - and if they do the image isn't good enough!
LEG: What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve faced at a shoot?
AB: Hmm, there are all kinds really. Shooting families with multiple children under 5 is always a huge challenge. Keeping everyone engaged and happy is hard and you've only got a small window to capture the formal shots. I always do those first so the kids can then run around - which usually make for the better images anyway. Bad weather is probably an obvious one, but I've had very wet and very dry shoots which take a toll on the equipment, lighting and subjects! Then there's the adventurer in me which takes me to all kinds of heights (literally). If I see a vantage point that I have to have, I'll do it regardless of terrain which has made for some pretty difficult and questionable climbs.
LEG: What type of things do you look for to get that special shot?
AB: I think in some sense all photographers chase 'the one, perfect shot'. I read an article once about a photographer who traveled to Antarctica every year for ten years to capture the first migratory flight of a certain bird species. He went back on the same day every year and it took him a decade to get the image he wanted. I've never gone to that extreme, but I get it. When you look through the lens and you know exactly what you want, you don't want to stop until you get it.
I think like with any high-level performance or achievement things have to line up in a certain way, some of which is within your control, but a lot isn't. A good photographer will have enough tools and experience to make great images regardless of circumstance but when light, subject, and story come together in just the right way it's a great feeling. Has that kind of hole in one / buzzer beater sensation, at least for me.
LEG: Can you talk about your connection between music, artists, and photography?
AB: My first creative passion was music. I started tapping out songs on the piano at about 5 or 6 and have been fortunate enough to write and perform quite a lot through the years in all kinds of places. So, musicians have a special place in my heart and make for some of my favorite subjects. Probably because I feel a certain kinship but also because I think intuitively, I understand what they're trying to deliver and what their experience is like on stage. Concert conditions are not always easy - often with very low light and throngs of people between you and your subject - but if I do my job right you should feel the artist's energy even in a still image.
To view more photos and connect with Adam Bradley:
Website: www.adambradleyphotography.com
Email: adambradleyphoto@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/adambradleyphoto