In Focus w/ Jay Brown
He/Him | @jaayybrown | Kansas City, MO
How did you get into photography?
I began my journey in photography in the early 2000s. When tumblr was a thing back then, I’d always repost photos that caught my eye. From there, I started to slowly pick up on taking pictures of friends and family and things that I like. I was handed a Canon 30D from a friend for a music video to capture behind the scene photos for Wheat City Magazine, a local digital publication here in Kansas City at the time. From there, I ended up working with Wheat City Magazine and shot many events including Red Bull and much more. The rest was history.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
If it isn't obvious by now music is by far one of my biggest aspirations. Music in itself is like therapy to me so I'm listen to different kinds music almost every day for short and long periods of time. Listening to music has a way painting pictures in my head or stories that I in turn try to brainstorm how to create those mental images into real life portraits. As a media kid I've always been a storyteller and music helps me do that.
Films are a big inspiration as well. I wouldn't say I'm a film junkie or whatever but I am definitely a film nerd. Some of my favorite films are Blade runner/Blade Runner 2049, Akira, The Matrix , Man of Steel, The Dark Knight, and plenty more. Movies like those have great cinematography and give me ideas for the concepts or shots I can create with my photography.
As a black photographer the culture is definitely a top inspiration. I've said this before when I've been with other artists and spaces when discussing art that black culture influences almost everything. That includes a lot art today. From fashion, to how a lot of us grow up, music, our aesthetics, the way we talk, and etc...influence me to create my art.
How do you prepare yourself for a shoot?
Preparing myself for a shoot is always a fun part of the progress for me. The first thing I ask myself is "what story am I trying to tell the audience?" Depending on the concept or the idea that I have to create that question can be easier to answer or hard. Especially if it's a passion project and not a booking by a client.
After that I try to decide location and styling. The thing about me is I'm always moving around Kansas city due to my other jobs. So almost every day I'm scouting locations and keep them in my head for if I ever need them. I always keep at least a couple studios in mind as well. Location to me is important because just like if you're film a movie the location itself helps tell the story as well. Styling us one department I'm really trying to study more and grow in.
Styling is a huge skill to learn. I really do respect the real stylists out there who take it as their craft. The fit and pieces the model wear can really make things pop. Styling allows my photos to stand and be unique as well as the location. I've styled most of my shoots with help from the models I'm shooting, but I definitely ask my stylist friends for advice or try to get a stylist I know to work with me on my shoots.
Decided on makeup and what kind is important as well before a shoot. Make up adds to the fit or pieces being worn. Different make up gives off different meanings Depending on what colors are used. Thankfully a lot of models and clients I worked with have been talented enough to pull the makeup needed for most of my shoots but I always try to get a makeup artist if needed. Last and most important thing I do prepare is making sure I have good playlist and speaker for the vibes. After that I’m ready to shoot lol
What do you ultimately want to say with your work?
My goal for my art is to show the world through my eyes. A big goal of mine in the beginning of shooting was for to people to see my work and instantly say "this definitely shot by, Jay" or "this looks like your work." I feel like my headspace and my specific journey in my life is something that is worth sharing and showing people.
I want to tell stories and create images that last; so when my time here is done I still will live through my art. I want my work to speak for itself, I won’t allow people to box me in. Anything can be captured with portraits or photos specially. I always tell people while concerts and editorial work are my favorite things to shoot, I can take photos of everything or anything. And you'll know it's shot by me.
If you could give a young photographer any advice, what would you tell em?
Make sure to be consistent and to always be patient. My biggest weaknesses with my art is that I've been stubborn,prideful, and impatient. Consistency has always been a strength. I'm a hustler through and through. When I want something I go as hard as I can to get. For years I losing sleep and time to create photos and my art. I would experiment so much so I could learn and really know how I want my photos to look. It took a few years but Consistency got me there.
Me not being patient for my opportunities and success would have me frustrated at times. Even to the point where I would think about quitting when I knew damn well I didn't want that. Once I worked on my patience and kept believing in myself then the opportunities that were for me started to manifest.
You have decided for yourself are you will sacrifice a lot for this because being a artist isn't easy. The journey can be long but you have to know willing to ride till you're in your 20s, 30s, 40s, etc....Some people make it earlier and some it takes a lot of time. That's okay tho.
Do you prefer film or digital, and why?
This is a easy one for me. Film all the way. Digital photos can be amazing and the convince of shooting digital is nice. It's also cheaper lol (film price crazy).
Film though is just different. I'm still learning how to shoot film too. Haven't gotten my first SLR yet. The different stocks to choose from is always. The way colors come out with certain ones and the aesthetic just is better to me than shooting digital. A lot of photographers who shoot digital try to imitate the film look too. I'm guilty of that.
It always goes back to telling stories. I just feel like film photos have a way of looking like a real life movie. That helps me tell stories to the audience. Like Brent Faiyaz said "And we shoot movies, not photos" or whatever.