Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Lavariega Lopez.
Brandon, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
After high school, I got in a pretty bad car accident I broke my pelvis, my organs were severely bruised and couldn’t run for a year at that time it was really mentally and physically challenging. Especially because I played basketball in high school, and throughout my life, it was my escape and safe haven while moving from 10+ plus schools, it was the most consistent thing in my life besides family. That experience led me to think about what would be my getaway if that couldn’t be it for now and the future. Some years went by and never really found it, until I met one of the best/most influential people that has ever entered my life, a person dear to me, Shawnie. We’d travel, try new food places, and I’d see how cool and how much thought she would put into taking photos well before it became an oversaturated “cool” thing to do and that struck a chord with me. It started with my phone then later my camera she taught me just about everything I know and encouraged me throughout the process in every way fathomable. I started shooting, everything I could from family and friends, letting me take their photos, to travel related photos and food. From there, I’d just pour myself into steadily gaining confidence in my work, finding out what Im most passionate about when it comes to photography, having a good support group from my family and friends. To the present day just being able to express myself in a way I never seen coming, do something that I love and fulfills me and honestly just hoping to leave a genuinely happy impression with those Ive gotten to work with.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’m a freelance photographer that specializes in portraits, lifestyle/editorial, family photos, and soon wedding photography. I’m passionate about capturing the in-between moments those moments that truly express who we are and what those emotions are with the goal of empowering the subject in all ways positive. I hope that people take away from each photo that what they see online is the result of the photoshoot but that before that a genuine experience was had, that each photo has some meaning or emotion that’s felt or visible whether it be for the audience or the subject. What I think people should know about my artwork? Id love for people to know the preparation, genuine investment, and hard work I put into each photo and improving. That the people I work with they come first and that their happiness is important to me. As for my personal projects, I’d love my artwork not to fit into one box that its versatile with quality.
The stereotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
If you can’t afford it twice, don’t buy it ha. But seriously the gear and all the extras aren’t as important as we think. Ive experienced and learned that time with purpose in your craft is more important than the finances you put into it. Budget, budget, budget, and take some risks bet on yourself. Learn your equipment and master it you will see that the investment in time will repay you and afford the opportunities to extend your budget on your art everything will come in due time if we are consistent in our craft.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
People can see and support my work by following me and interacting with me @BarteringForChange on Instagram and book me through my booking tab on there!
Contact Info:
- Website: BarteringForChangePhotography.pixieset.com
- Email: BarteringForChange@gmail.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/barteringforchange/ or @BarteringForChange

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