If you’re serious about Social Media & love Instagram, it’s possible you’ve come across photographer Brian Schindler‘s IG feed: @brianschindler. Brian happens to be a great personal friend as well as a dear friend toPhotoBarn Pro. He was kind enough to take the time to be interviewed for a new blog feature we’re introducing that spotlights some of our favorite & most influential Pro’s. I, Ben Finch, Creative Director & Photographer, have had my family photographed by Brian & can easily say that his style is tremendous & his ability to connect with people is one of his greatest assets. You’ll be seeing Brian’s photographs used in some of our new product photos & thus I was eager to share with our readers some of the background on where he draws inspiration, how he became an Instagram rockstar & the future of the photography industry.
PhotoBarn Pro: Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from? How did you get started in photography?
Brian: I’m 23 years young, live in Charlotte, North Carolina, and am absolutely in love with adventure. I’m your typical southern bred, Tennessee raised, everyday guy with a deep love of the Lord, a fierce love of those around me, continually drinking some form of coffee, and I will always desire a deep community wherever I find myself rooted. For me, photography came as a natural byproduct of continually wanting to connect with people and learning things based more on who they were not just what they did. In terms of how I got started, the desire to photograph was a result of always perusing old family photo albums and simply remembering any and everything. Realizing what kind of power photography had on the mind, I knew it was something I wanted to get myself into. From there, it moved into buying cameras, taking classes in high school, and always taking photos. I was “that guy” on every school trip, youth group weekend, or family event. To be honest, I never would’ve thought that it would end up being my career but I couldn’t be happier that that’s the reality that I live in currently. 
PhotoBarn Pro: How would you describe your style? Who have been your biggest photographic influences? Where do you go for inspiration?
Brian: I would describe my style as a hybrid of the fine art and the photojournalistic. I live for the raw and untamed yet always finding myself having a direct vision and desired execution going into how I capture a wedding day. When it comes down to photographic influences, especially in these styles, I knew I had to look outside the southeast. It’s not anything against this wonderful land, but I feel like it has become easy for a majority of us to fall into a more forced style of photograph which is something I don’t really connect with. I had to find people I connected with through the meat of what they did to truly inspire me. Some of those photographers are Tyler Branch, Sharon Clark, Jose Villa, and Logan Cole. These photographers have continually inspired me and all I need to do is look at their photographs and I’m ready to go shoot in a heartbeat. Aside from that, I continually find myself perusing fashion/lifestyle blogs and wedding blogs to keep my eye and style fresh. Not necessarily following trends, but allowing myself to be influenced to the point where I’m continually pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
PhotoBarn Pro: What most excites you about photography & the future of the industry?
Brian: To me, there are few things better and more intimate than telling someone’s story for them. Photography allows me to insert myself into someone else’s life, whether it be for an hour or an entire day. Feeling their emotions, experiencing what they experience, and relishing in the moments alongside them. That’s the deeply rooted connection that keeps me waking up and loving what I do every day. Confession, it’s not uncommon for me to cry at least twice on a wedding day.
The future of the industry. Man, that’s quite the topic. Photography is ever evolving, that’s obvious. As technology grows and develops so will our craft. I feel as though the future of our industry will begin to test the adaptability of all of us as business owners. Most of us use the same gear, the same editing software, and even have been told we have “the eye for it” and I’m still trying to figure out what in the world that means. The photograph industry is an organically growing mammoth on it’s own with or without us. New cameras will continually come out, technology will constantly go forward, and it will continually get easier for others to join this wonderful family of professionals. What the future of the industry will do is force us to always maintain the sense of human connection. All of us crave it, all of us need it, and I feel as though we’re getting worse and worse at fostering it. Enough so to the point where that can be the crack that causes most people’s businesses to fail. At the end of the day, when followers and likes really only create an emptiness, when facebook algorithms are the bane of your brain’s activity, and emails are sent and filed, a human connection is all we will have left. That’s what we should be pursuing more than anything.
PhotoBarn Pro: Where in the world would you like to travel and haven’t gotten the chance (yet)?
Brian: New Zealand. Hands down. Ever since I was a young man, and continually marathoning Lord of the Rings, there was something about the way New Zealand looks that simply struck me. I still can’t put my finger on it and probably won’t be able to until I get there. Whether it be for personal or for work, my plan is to finally go by the end of 2015.
PhotoBarn Pro: Seems like you’ve gained a remarkable Instagram following, share with our readers a few tips for making the most out of their Instagram account.
Brian: Decide what you want your feed to be and then go for it. For me, instagram has always been about documenting life and connecting with people. For others, it’s a source of inspiration, adventures, food, fitness, etc. Make it your own, have fun with it and allow it to be organic and grow as it needs. Focus more on how people connect with what you share versus how many people connect. Currently, my account is focusing more and more on the people around me, how they inspire me, where I’m traveling, and new adventures through photography. With a lot of food and coffee in between.
PhotoBarn Pro: What would you like other Pros to know about you?
Brian: I am all about connecting with other photographers/creative professionals. Solely for the purpose of growing a support network. We’re all in this together, so why not actually be in it together?
PhotoBarn Pro: What artists are playing on your iTunes? What is your go-to music?
Brian: Playing currently would be artists like Nickel Creek, Coldplay, NeedtoBreathe, Tegan and Sara, Lorde, and Us the Duo. Go-to music is hands down 90’s pop music. I’m talking old school *NSYNC, Britney, all of it. The really great stuff, you know? With deep and heart-felt lyrics that strike you at your core. Also, Beyonce.
PhotoBarn Pro: If you weren’t a photographer, is there another vocation you could see yourself pursuing? What is your favorite past time when you are not photographing?
Brian: When I was younger, I would always tell people I was going to be a chef when I grew up. Being it that I’m constantly seeking to deepen my relationships with people, food fits right in as a foundation for all of it. So for me, cooking and baking have always been right up my alley. And I have to say, I’m pretty good at it or so I’ve been told.
PhotoBarn Pro: What are your favorite PhotoBarn products and why? What do you like most about our products?
Brian: My favorite is honestly the PhotoBoard. Not only the uniqueness of the product, but the way it’s executed is second to none. I remember taking a tour of the PhotoBarn facility and was blown away by the quality of the product from start to finish. By choosing the best foundations and utilizing great technology, the quality of PhotoBarn consistently shines above the rest.
PhotoBarn Pro: What’s the best way for our readers/followers to get in touch with you?
Brian: The best way is through email. Feel free to get in contact with me by sending an email to [email protected].
Be sure to connect with Brian & join in on our Instagram contest. Whether it’s your next grand adventure or how you’re finding beauty in your every day, tag your Instagram photos #wherewilltodaytakeyou & share what inspires you about today! On 07/31 at 12pm, Brian will be our guest judge & will choose his favorite photo & the winner will receive 3 FREE 10×10 PhotoBoards. Join in!
Thank you Brian for taking the time to share with us! Ladies & gentlemen, the man himself, Brian Schindler.
