Meet Brandon Reed: Portrait Photographer & Videographer

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

Hi Brandon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My focus on becoming a entrepreneur started around the year 2016. During this time, I had just finished playing professional overseas basketball in Spain. I took a job at Amazon for about six or seven months before they let me go. It was at that point I decided to focus on creating my own lane. I wanted to build something that no one could fire me from without a reasonable cause.

During that time, my photography and videography skills were extremely raw and had zero direction but I knew I had a natural talent for it. Fast Forward to 2021, my brand has increased a considerable amount due to five years of hard work, sleepless nights and favor.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a hybrid content creator, meaning I shoot motion visuals and photos . The thing that keeps me going is knowing that the journey is the greatest gift in this world. The journey allows you to see growth in yourself and your art with each session. The journey allows you to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses; having the ability to network with like minded individuals whom can help you sharpen your overall path and skills.

I’ve had my business full-time now for three years. It’s been a process. I’ve had and went through every human emotion there is . From being nervous about a new concept shoot, to feeling the highs of shooting and recording weddings, to feeling the disappointment from individuals flaking on you during shoot day etc. ..

It wasn’t easy to get to where I am at the moment but in the grand scheme of things, I still have ways to go . I had to detox myself from my love of basketball in order to really focus on my new journey. Not only that but its tough to be really talented in one lane, and then switch lanes to something totally different. It took a while for people to see me as a content creator and not just a really good basketball player. Ive learned that no matter what, just keep moving forward with a purpose. I want people to know that I care about giving my best to every session I’m apart of ; a free creative collaboration or getting paid top dollar, I want to give my best every time.

There is a saying “How you do anything is how you do everything”. I want to embody that saying and show clients that no matter who you are , you will have my best during the time we are together.

I also want those with multiple talents to pursue all your talents without doubt. You’re only doing yourself a disservice by not experimenting with all your talents because “Talent A” may not be your calling but “Talent C” may be.

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.
Honestly I’m not the go to person if you want someone to show you around the city . Over the years I’ve become more and more comfortable with being home and just focusing on my brand.

If I had to show them around the area, I would definitely take them to these places: 1. Atlantic Station 2. Buckhead Bars 3. Twin peaks 4. Platos Closet (I love clothes, so to find very good items in there for a bargain , its a win win situation) 5. The Beltline , only in the summer though 6. High Museum of Art

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
For sure. I think in order for anyone to grow, you need a starting point and you need people in your corner who knows more than you and can coach you. My brother and his close friends were the ones who got a camera into my hands. It was then I learned that I enjoyed the ability to capture the essence and emotions of people.

Oddly enough, Ive learned an considerable amount of my knowledge from youtube channels. There are creatives on there who’ve mastered the art and have decided to teach those who are willing to learn- FOR FREE.

In a strange way, I also want to give a shoutout to depression. Depression is what led me to photography and content creating. Crazy right? I strongly believe situations occur for a reason and that my situations led me to my secondary passion that I never knew I had.

Lastly, I want to thank God simply because of the obstacles I’ve climbed and gotten over with His help. without His love and mercy I don’t think I would be as good as I am today.

Website: https://www.reedbehindthelens.com

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8DL7TyfOJoTMISKov-bTA

Image Credits
Image Credits : Instagram Handles : @TamiaHarris @Jhaedore @ThatsPayneFull @TorieToriTory @mikalia_eve x @Jarrondoe @Kaleilataylor @Khadijahhh__ @modelme.ash @Lshanice__ @amberaura @BryanKeithPhoto x @Nolo.Realtor @Teddy_Lovelace x @TheKoLove All Photos shot and edited by me : ReedBehindTheLens