Hello, everyone my name is Brion Heath. I’m a South Florida photographer who lives in lovely Pompano Beach area. My love for photography started off as a hobby, back before the Digital Age (laughs). I took disposable cameras with me on field trips when I was younger so that I would remember the fun times with my friends and classmates. Personally, photos eased my mind when I was a kid and now as an adult. Before I jump ahead, though, let’s get back to telling you about my background. My interest in photography continued from middle school as I transitioned into high school and the ‘digital age’ of photography emerged. I got my first point-and-shoot camera my junior or senior year of high school. I have been hooked ever since. After graduating high school, I took some time to work until I could decide what makes me truly happy and what I excel at: ‘Ding’ PHOTOGRAPHY! I began to research schools that offered photography programs, discovering that The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale had the courses I sought. I went to an open house and applied in April 2013. Overtime, I gained knowledge and graduated in December 2015. After that, I dove into practicing my hobby that had evolved into my craft/passion. Within my career, I love to capture memories. Not only for myself, but for the clients who book/work with me. I make sure that my clients enjoy the experience as well. 

Why photography? And more specifically, why Fashion Photography? 

The reason I chose photography is because it captures the raw emotions of a person. This can range from happy, sad, shocked, fierce, etc. The reason I specifically chose Fashion Photography is that you get to have a client or model dress up in clothing and just have fun (commercial/ lifestyle). You can also give life to the clothing or brands/designers and get customers to buy the clothing (Fashion/High Fashion/Editorial/Swim). The categories that I previously mentioned are what you see in magazines or social media ‘inspiration boards’. I am starting to do this for my photoshoots going forward. Fashion & Fashion Photography bring life to each other! 

What is your photographic style and aesthetic? Who is your muse when you create a photography board? 

My photography style varies as an all-around photographer for events, fashion shows, commercial, editorial, and fashion shoots, landscapes, and portraits. My photographic aesthetic is keeping details within a photograph, remaining natural with my edits, and specifically not losing any minute details in the skin to avoid making photos look plastic. I also like to have colors in my work to make the photo standout. 

Did you get a formal photography training, or were you self-taught? 

I went to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida to get more knowledge beyond the basics and simply enhance my abilities. 

Alright, let’s have some fun, which do you prefer: High key or low key photos? Locations or props? Fashion clothing or accessories? 

With my photos, it depends on the concept I’m trying to accomplish for the client or for myself. To answer the question: both. I love location shoots because of the scenery which helps accentuate the clothing, hair, and makeup to achieve the vision. It also completes the overall mood-board that was put together. I would have to say both clothing and accessories compliment each other like peanut butter and jelly. 

What is different about how you take fashion photography? What makes you different from other local fashion photographers? 

What is different about my fashion photography is not only the clothing and model, it is the lighting. I want to make sure my lighting is on-point for the concept and it’s important for the photos as well. What makes me different from local fashion photographers is that I don’t mind 

helping my clients out with poses and facial expressions, regardless of whether they know what they are doing. They also get to see what the photos look like either between or after the shoot. 

What has been your favorite photographic session(s) and why? 

That question is simultaneously difficult, yet easy, to answer. All of my photoshoots that turn out well and are fun are my favorites! I say this because you get to see the client or model as a person before creating magic with them and get amazing photos. 

What has been your worst photographic session(s) and why? 

I don’t really have a worst shoot as of now. Thankfully, my shoots have never gotten to that point. 

Any advice for rookie photographers? 

My advice to new photographers would be to take this career seriously. Don’t play around. Ask questions that you need to know, not only for the client, but as a business person making sure that you have contracts stating everything you offer. Be sure to get a deposit on your shoots, whether it’s studio or outdoor, and charge accordingly. Time is money. The next thing I’m going to say is hard, but some photographers in the industry may not help when others ask for guidance. Not everyone you meet is willing to help with any questions you may have. Finally whether you went to school for photography or not, there is always room to grow. 

Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years? 

Within the next 3-5 years, I want to gain more connections, do more creative shoots, reach higher brands, and work with a modeling agency or two. I also want my own workspace and have others rent it to bring their ideas to life. I would also like to inspire the next wave of photographers and give them insight, is that they won’t be blind-sided with difficult situations. 

Interviewed by Holmag.INC
Photographer: Brion Heath Instagram B.H.Studios 
Collaboration: with designer Steva Instagram his.masterpiece210 
Model: Mari Instagram TrprettyMari 
MUA: Mari Instagram TrprettyMari 
Location: Miami Design District