We were lucky to catch up with Brian Schweiker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brian, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I always took pride in myself to being a self-taught freelance photographer. Since I was little, I always been an artistic person. I was an avid drawer, took some classes in video production in high school. I really picked up a camera recently back in 2021 at towards end of covid. Since then, really, I learn new skills by watching YouTube videos, Instagram reels of other photographers and asking some of my friends who are also photographers. At the age of 38, I am still learning more in my field because it’s evolving all the time. For me, taking the professional background I already have in my day job as a Tech Support specialist, hardworking and determined to push myself to evolve, and tell myself everyday “never give up” is essential to me. I guess the only obstacles I really had were really people that didn’t want to see me succeed. Yet here I am doing something I love now and getting so much out of it.

Brian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am just guy from a working-class family. grew up in small town of Lindenwold, NJ. Throughout my early adult life, I was bouncing around job after job. 2019 when I started my day and been there ever since. But deep down I wanted more. I wanted to expand and be more creative with my life and what can I do. 2021, I started out doing a cosplay photoshoot with my best friend Frankie Pickard and his fiancé. It was about now 2 years ago, another friend Dave Kehner reach out to me, said a professional wrestling company he was going to work for needed a photographer. I said sure why not. Since then, I have been to 7 states, worked with over 20 independent pro wrestling companies and over 70 plus shows. I do ringside photos and promotional photos. I have now expanded to into other forms of photography like modeling, cosplay, scenery, cars and toy photography. Some say, ” Oh! it is real easy doing what you do. All you have to do is press a button.” It’s not. You need to have artistic side and look at can be capture. You have know your camera from inside and out. You have to know lighting, angles, how to edit photos to make yourself stand out. What makes me stand out is my professionalism, hardworking and keen eye when to take that right photo at the right time. At the same time, loyalty and respect for the business and client. What I am most proud of is walking into a new company, introducing myself and people already know who I am. Plus, hearing from family and friends proud of me and seeing people on social media speak highly of me. What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that I am good photographer just trying to make a name for myself and enjoy doing it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

People sharing my photos on their social media. When I go on to Facebook or Instagram or twitter and I see one of my shots being shared, it just brightens my day and knowing that hundreds of people are seeing it. There have been times when I am a show and I walk around during intermission, and I would see at the tables were wrestler’s setup their merchandise. Sometimes I would see one of my photos there, just big smile.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Honestly: Be real with them and never lie to them. Respect: Show them respect even if you do not get it in return.
Determination: Never compete with others, I compete with myself. Do bigger and better things next day.
Professionalism: How you act, how you look, how you hold yourself in public really shows everyone who you are.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bschweikstudio.smugmug.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bschweiker13/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bschweikstudio/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/b_schweik

Image Credits
Andre El Photography Eddy Santos