Meet Brandon Ford | Photographer/Director: Gumbo Sampson Visuals, LLC.

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

Hi Brandon, how do you think about risk?
Business is all about risk and risk assessment. You first have to know yourself and what you want out of your business/life. I also had to understand my level. Photography is a business where we do have to take on some amount of pro Bono work to get your name out, just make sure the opportunity is in the direction that you want to go, and you put your best foot forward to actually gain success. DON’T TREAT FREE GIGS AS LESS THAN.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a photographer who specialises in photojournalism and portraits. I want the viewer to see everyday, mundane things as beautiful and worthy. I’m excited for an upcoming musical project dropping on 9-14-2020 called “Yellow Cake”. It’s my first debut as an artist. I pride myself on being a multi format artist and event organizer. In 2019 I: held my first art show, released 2 photobooks, and began work on a short film. The short film was put on hold due to COVID, but I decided to make an album out of the ideas expressed. It wasn’t an easy process at all to get where I am. I’ve learned to trust myself and how it important it is to have a team of solid, loyal, and creative people to see the things you can’t see. One last lesson: BE TIMELY lol.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Columbus, GA? We have to go to Rose’s Carribean for lunch. Sit on that for a few, then a drink or two and Nonic or Jarfly. Uptown Columbus has axe throwing, paint and sip, candy shop, white water rafting, zip lining over the Chattahoochee. We got Jordan’s Girls, Chester’s, Minnie’s, so many black owned establishments to fill the week with.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First off I want to thank my Mother for instilling the confidence in me. My Aunt Wanda for constantly shooting me ideas, showing me photographers that she loves and how they do it. My grandparents, Cynthia and Willie, for making sure I knew how to make a living and wasn’t being taken advantage of. My Uncle Curtis for showing me how to handle my own business and customer service. Marley Wolf, Chvp Balmain, and Lex $wank for seeing the vision first. My countless friends who have shot with me or allowed me to help execute their vision. Love y’all.

Website: https://www.gsv.world/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gumbosa/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gumbo.sampson
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaMWi_jular_k6XBeidX_zQ
Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/lil-japan-mind-body-soul-single/1529965579

Image Credits
Trey Walker IG: @treywalkerstudio www.treywalkerstudio.com