The Bay Area Native

The local photography series will include an interview and relevant information about local photographers. Although the set of questions remain the same, each photographer has sent in their different viewpoint and opinion on several subjects.

Photographer : Rodney Brown Website: www.flickr.com/photos/rosneybronze/

TBAN: When did you become interested in photography?

RB: I’ve been interested in photography since middle school. My sister was in a black and white photography class and had a pentax camera that she didn’t do much with. I decided to pick it up and shoot it around. I had no idea what I was doing but I loved it.

TBAN: What equipment are you currently using to photograph?

RB: I stay strictly film. I use an old Canon AE-1.

TBAN: What is your opinion on the way photography has changed with the arrival of digital photography?
RB: Photography is photography. It depends on the person, you can take great pictures no matter what you use. Digital makes photography more accessible. Whether they stick to it, and fall in love with the art of it is a totally different story. I feel film makes you more involved with your art. It really shows who you are and you focus on composition because every exposure counts.

TBAN: Do you prefer digital photography or traditional photography?
RB: Film all the way! It empties my wallet but i love film

TBAN: Is there anything in particular you like to photograph? Nature? Objects? People? Bands?
RB: I love to take pictures of people. Not just people but moments. Capture a piece of time.

TBAN: What life experiences have influenced your photography?
RB: I think the little things. Nothing major. I guess the times where you are like “man, this is awesome. I wish I could save this”.

TBAN: What are your current and future plans? Do you have any projects you are currently working on?
RB: Well, I really loved themed pieces, but I’ve also been wanting to go for more of a candid approach. We’ll see. I kinda make it up as I go haha.

TBAN: What type of things motivate you and inspire you to continue in your work?
RB: When people love what I saw through my eyes.

TBAN:What obstacles/issues can you run into when shooting?
RB: $$$$. Film is expensive. I think I should start a paypal account where I accept donations.

TBAN: Do you have a website, blog, facebook fan page you would like to mention?
RB: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosneybronze/

TBAN: Do you have a favorite photographer? Have any photographers influences your work?
RB: Really, I’m not too educated in the arts. I’m really inspired by local artist though. My friends. People like me. I gotta plug their streams.

Brad Brockman – http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradbrok/

B.C Long – http://www.flickr.com/people/theonlymagicleftisart/photosof/

Gabriela Salinas – http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabyrella/

TBAN: What advice would you give to someone that is becoming interested in photography? What helpful tips could you give to a beginner?
RB: Shoot what you want, not what is trendy or what everyone else is shooting. Learn your stuff. Read. and enjoy.

TBAN: Choose one picture that you feel is one of your absolute favorites. Describe it and how it was shot.

RB: This one is called Red Handed. No, its not blood. It’s glitter. I just like how simple it is, but it tells a story at the same time. I didn’t know exactly what I was going for, I just ran into the art store and grabbed some glitter. Ended up being one of my favorite pictures.