Meet Grant Goodwin: Photographer & Makeup Artist

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

Hi Grant, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in a very small town where not a lot of people are able to freely express and be themselves. I definitely feel like I fell into that category growing up as a gay man and feeling as though I could not be my true, authentic self. As much as I didn’t realize it, being gay and having to hold a secret like that holds such a big impact on who I am today. It made me grow up faster than one typically does. It makes it difficult to make a life around people who are not accepting, who talk about their homophobic opinions freely, and being in a religious family did not help much in that aspect. I grew up with a creative grandmother who always allowed me to paint and draw which at some point in my life turned into photography and makeup, so I guess I can say that I always have had a creative background. I found such a large influence coming from social media, television and movies, and music that reflects in my art. Now living in the age of social media, I find myself finding popular makeup trends, recreating them on models, and holding shoots that reflect that style. I come up with concepts from my favorite movies and actresses and execute them to the best of my ability. I have a very strong influence from women when it comes to my art, especially considering that my music and movie taste stems from my favorite women in those industries. Overall, I am thankful from where I come from because I did not have the easiest obstacles to manage, I did not have the hardest, but it definitely gave me a great outlook on the content that I want to create and the message I would like to share through my artwork. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from others is that even though, as a brand, I would like to photograph couples, weddings, elopements, etc. I am not afraid to branch out and do something creative on the side of all of that. I am not afraid to step outside the box and create something that may not necessarily fit in with the rest of my branding. I got to where I am today with the support of my friends and family, and I refused to give up on my dreams. It was not easy to develop the mindset I have about my work today, but the only way I did it was by telling myself that I am creating this work for me and no one else. I’ve learned that success is not defined by money or accomplishments. I’ve learned that success is being able to accept failure without a loss of enthusiasm. I want people to know that I put my all into my work. Sometimes the work that I want to create can be draining, but I am doing it to pick myself up and get back on track. I do absolutely everything I can to ensure that my brand is seen as accepting and open for anyone and all. There is no judgement within my art, and I create it for absolutely everyone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were to visit me, I would show them the locations that make me feel most at peace. I would take them to my favorite coffee shop, have good, thoughtful conversation, and show them around downtown. I would also take them to my favorite locations in nature, which also happen to be some of my photoshoot locations. The best places to check out are places that I feel I can make a connection with.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to shoutout my mother and father. I would never be where I am in life without their acceptance and ability to allow me to chase my dreams and follow the path that I would like to be on. They do have a hard time understanding where my art comes from and the meaning behind it, but they try their best to be understanding and let me express myself. A couple of my friends, Mackenzie, Sydnie, Hayley, Lawren and Kendall, I owe a huge thanks to for allowing me to use them for photoshoots when I come up with a creative Idea that I want to shoot. I owe them a thank you for accepting me during my roughest time and staying through thick and thin. I owe a thanks to my friend, Jared, for getting me into makeup which I never thought would be something that I have a passion for today. I’ve come so far in my life because of these people, but there are definitely new people in my life that hold such a large influence. Jalyne, a dear friend who I met not too long ago, has given me so much encouragement to chase my dreams and hold onto them, she has given me strength when I have felt like everything was falling apart and I could not be more grateful. These people will forever have a place in my heart no matter where our relationships end up.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanierphoto/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantlanierphoto/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo1zcnYkjRAUhMC3vyqbwgQ