Meet Brandon Cole

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Cole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success would be my work ethic. Being a current active duty service member, it instills a level of discipline, perseverance, and attention to detail that directly translates to success of my photography. The military teaches you to adapt to high-pressure situations, work tirelessly to achieve mission objectives, and maintain focus even in challenging environments—qualities that are essential for capturing the perfect shot. Whether it’s waking up before dawn to scout locations, enduring harsh weather conditions for the right lighting, or meticulously editing images to perfection, the work ethic developed in the military ensures that no detail is overlooked. Just as in the armed forces, where precision and dedication are paramount, photography demands the same relentless commitment to excellence. This foundation allows you to push through obstacles, stay patient in the pursuit of greatness, and consistently deliver outstanding results.

Moreover, the military fosters a unique ability to see the bigger picture while executing with precision—an invaluable skill for a photographer. Service members are trained to assess situations quickly, anticipate challenges, and act decisively, all of which are crucial when composing a shot in fast-paced or unpredictable settings. The leadership and teamwork skills gained in the military also translate well into photography, whether directing a photoshoot, collaborating with clients, or networking within the industry. The resilience and mental toughness developed through service ensure that setbacks—like missed opportunities or creative blocks—are met with determination rather than discouragement. Ultimately, the military’s emphasis on excellence, adaptability, and relentless effort provides the perfect framework for becoming a renowned photographer with an impeccable work ethic.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a renowned photographer, entrepreneur, author and content creator whose passion for photography shines through my dynamic behind-the-scenes photoshoots, engaging YouTube tutorials, and collaborations with models. What makes photography so thrilling for me is its endless versatility—whether I’m crafting controlled, high-impact images in a studio or chasing the perfect natural light or conducting off-camera flash on location. In the studio, I manipulate lighting, backdrops, and props to create striking portraits, while on-location shoots allow me to embrace spontaneity, using urban landscapes, lush forests, or bustling city streets as my canvas. This duality keeps my work fresh and exciting, proving that photography is not just about capturing moments but also about storytelling through ever-changing environments.

Building the Brandon Cole Photography brand has been a journey of creativity, business savvy, and community engagement. Through strategic partnerships with leading photographic companies, I have expanded my reach, testing cutting-edge gear and sharing my expertise with fellow photographers. My YouTube channel serves as both an educational hub and a behind-the-scenes look at my creative process, inspiring aspiring photographers to refine their craft. Beyond digital content, I try fostering real-world connections by organizing photowalks, workshops, and other events where photographers of all levels can learn, network, and grow together. These initiatives not only strengthen my brand but also reinforce my commitment to elevating the photography community as a whole.

At the heart of my success is my unwavering love for photography—a medium that allows me to freeze time, evoke emotion, and connect with people in profound ways. Whether I’m directing a model in a studio or chasing golden hour on a remote beach, every shoot is an opportunity to push boundaries and create something extraordinary. My ability to seamlessly transition between controlled studio setups and unpredictable outdoor environments showcases my adaptability and vision. Through my brand, collaborations, and events, I continue to inspire others, proving that photography isn’t just a profession but a lifelong passion that thrives on innovation, exploration, and shared experiences.

My journey as a photographer reached an exciting new milestone with the release of my first photography book, Portrait Photography And The Effective Use of Flash, a culmination of years of experience, creativity, and passion. Packed with behind-the-scenes insights, and stunning imagery, the book quickly became a must-have resource for both aspiring and seasoned photographers. Seeing the initial wave of online orders flood in was incredibly rewarding, but nothing compared to the thrill of meeting readers in person at my photography workshops. Holding a physical copy of my work, signing it for eager fans, and hearing their feedback made all the late nights and hard work worthwhile. The book wasn’t just a collection of photos; it was a tangible extension of my mission to educate and inspire others in the craft I love. The success of the book also opened new opportunities—speaking engagements, collaborations, and even discussions for future publications. For me, this wasn’t just about selling a book; it was about building a legacy and fostering a community of photographers who grow together, one page and one shoot at a time.

As an entrepreneur, I pushed the boundaries of photographic equipment with the creation of the world’s first all-black beauty dish, a groundbreaking tool that has revolutionized lighting techniques for photographers worldwide, allowing you to create stunning photos with reduced specularity and natural-looking skin tones. Modifiers have existed since the beginning of photography, however, there has never been a black modifier created. Traditional light modifiers come with a white or silver surface to help reflect light back onto your subject. The problem with these particular surfaces is when light bounces off white or silver, it still reflects a large amount of light back to your subject, even if the light is diffused. This not only takes more time for photographers to get the right exposure, it also extends their editing process when trying to balance light with skin tones. I created the answer. The Blackdish. Bouncing light off of a black surface drastically cuts the light intensity, ultimately giving a more soft, more pleasing look. It keeps the natural look of skin tones and color, it invokes a particular warmth because the surface is black. This is why I created the Blackdish. The first of its kind! My black beauty dish comes in two sizes; a 40” light modifier and a 22” modifier. It comes with a 6” black deflector plate designed to bounce light back into the modifier creating a beautiful sculpting image. It also comes with an inner and outer diffusion panel designed to diffuse the light intensity. This modifier diffuses light in a way that white and silver modifier cannot.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Virginia Beach offers endless entertainment beyond photography, starting with a night of laughter at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, a must-visit for comedy lovers. I love going and laughing eating and having fun with the locals. Located in the vibrant Town Center, this venue features top-tier comedians and a lively atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Paired with a stroll along the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk, where you’ll find quirky shops selling everything from surf gear to handmade souvenirs.

For a taste of Virginia Beach’s coastal charm, I’m all about seafood so I love to dive into its thriving seafood scene at spots like Waterman’s Surfside Grille or Catch 31. Waterman’s, known for its legendary Orange Crush cocktail and fresh Atlantic catches, offers oceanfront dining with stunning sunset views. Meanwhile, Catch 31, nestled near the boardwalk, serves up locally sourced oysters and crab cakes in an upscale yet relaxed setting. If you’re craving adventure, I would head to First Landing State Park for kayaking or biking through scenic trails, or cool off at Ocean Breeze Waterpark, home to thrilling slides and a wave pool 11416.

We would round out the trip with unique experiences like whale-watching tours or exploring the ViBe Creative District, a hub for local art and craft breweries. If you are visiting in the winter you can spot humpback whales off the coast, while the ViBe District’s murals, galleries, and spots like Commonwealth Brewing Co. offer a taste of the city’s creative pulse. For a quieter escape, Sandbridge Beach provides serene shores away from the crowds, complete with picnic spots and a fishing pier. Whether you’re laughing at the Funny Bone, savoring seafood, or discovering hidden gems, Virginia Beach delivers unforgettable fun for every traveler.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible people who have supported me along this journey—my amazing models, who brought my creative visions to life with their talent and trust, and my dedicated camera crew, whose hard work behind the scenes made every shoot possible. From late-night editing sessions to on-location challenges, their passion and professionalism helped shape my brand into what it is today. And above all, a special thank you to my mother, my first and forever believer, who always encouraged me to chase my dreams no matter how impossible they seemed. Her unwavering faith in me, even in the toughest times, gave me the courage to keep pushing forward. This success isn’t just mine—it’s ours. Grateful beyond words for every single one of you.** 📸

Website: https://www.brandoncolephots.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandoncolephotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandoncolephotography

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/brandoncolephotography

Image Credits
Shout out to all my models included.
Sarah
Victoria
Alyssa
Tinah
Taliah