Meet the photographer Bryan Bull
Hello, my name is Bryan Bull. I am a photographer based in the beautiful state of Colorado. I’ve always been fascinated by art. However, I went the science route after graduating from High School. I attended Colorado State University (Go Rams!) and Front Range Community College. My studies focused on Zoology and Veterinary Technology. I also studied some Japanese language and history.
Upon finishing up with College I immediately got a job as an Animal Control Officer. I worked this career for a cumulative of 8 and a half years. After suffering some traumas and feeling lost, I found my way to photography. Photography is so much more than a picture to me. It is moments, and moments matter most.
I put together a little Q&A so you can get to know the person behind the lens a bit more!
(Q) How do you as a photographer make sure that the thing, person or landscape you want to shoot looks the way you want it to?
(A) Such a great question. I first pay attention to the lighting around me. I am looking to see if the light falls the way I want it to on the subject if I’m going for a moody feel, or is the light soft and even for timeless. If the natural lighting isn’t the way I want it, I use a flash. When used right, a flash is a powerful tool to take full control of your surroundings. Once I’m confident the lighting is as I want it, I check the back of my camera to make sure nothing went unplanned, I gently manipulate the photo in editing programs. I don’t overtly edit my photos, rather, I bring them to life with the minor changes.
(Q) From your point of view, what makes a good picture?
(A) I believe a good picture is one that elicits emotions when viewed. Now, not everyone has to feeling emotions from it. If just 1 person has an emotional response to a photo, that’s what matters. Because to that 1 person, that is a great photo.
(Q) Since the photography techniques and equipment change quickly, it is important to stay up-to-date. What do you do to always keep up with the times?
(A) One of my favorite things to do is research equipment! My spouse will attest to the countless hours I spend watching youtube videos, reading articles, and listening to podcasts that revolve around my interests. I crave knowledge! It is exciting to learn about all the new things as well as keep learning about the old technologies.
(Q) Nowadays almost everyone has access to devices with which it is possible to take pictures. What do you think is the difference between a professional photographer and any other hobby photographer?
(A) The first difference between a professional and a hobbyist is that a professional lives and breaths photography. A hobbyist takes photos here and there. A professional is either taking photos, editing photos, or reaching out to clients.
(Q) Which one is your favorite lens and why do you prefer it?
(A) Ok, this is tough and I may have a copout answer, but deal with it! I have to say that my first favorite lens is my macro lens. Macro photography is what I do as a hobby. I absolutely love it and it is meditation for me. Seeing this tiny world in your backyard on a different scale really opens your eyes. After that, I would say my favorite is the 70-200mm zoom lens. This means, as the name implies, it can zoom in and out and I can be more stationary. It is great to get the fly on the wall photos but it looks like I was right next to the action. It also has a wonderful effect on the background.
(Q) What, in your opinion, is most important to consider while shooting portrait pictures?
(A) I believe creating a comfortable environment. Realistically 99% of people that are in front of a lens for a portrait are not professional models or actors. We can’t just “turn it on” at a moments notice. It takes people time to get comfortable. When you are comfortable, it shows through in the photos and they look natural and fantastic.
(Q) Which editing software do you usually use? How good would you describe your skills in that software?
(A) I use Adobe products; Lightroom and Photoshop. I am very comfortable in Lightroom. I am delving deeper and deeper into Photoshop.
(Q) In your free time, what kind of pictures do you like to shoot and which ones do you avoid?
(A) I love to take pictures of insects in my free time. They are just so fascinating to see up close. We have aliens all around us. As for avoiding, I tend to avoid infant and family photoshoots. Even as a child, I was never to great with children.
