We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brandon Cawood. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brandon below.

Brandon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

In 2013, I was still working a regular 9-5 job. I had been pursuing photography and videography on the side for a few years and knew that at some point, I wanted to take the plunge and become fully self-employed. While investing in ways to refine my craft, I attended a photography workshop in Brooklyn, NY, with the world-renowned photographer Joey Lawrence (Joey L.). This two-day workshop would serve as the catalyst for my career. Joey emphasized the importance of personal projects and how they could be used to create and showcase the type of work one desires to be hired for. Taking this advice to heart, I began planning my very first personal project.

At that time, I was particularly interested in mastering the creation of cinematic composite images akin to those seen on action movie posters. Composite images involve combining different elements from multiple images—using the background from one, a model from another, and perhaps adding in some fire or sparks—to create visually captivating artwork. When the time came to embark on my personal project, I decided to focus on creating a series of images featuring first responders in a high-energy, movie poster style. The resulting series became a fundraising calendar for a local arts guild, which we released in December 2013. I titled the project “Not All Wear Capes.”

Once the project was completed, I was featured on the photography blog FStoppers, and the story gained significant traction. I began receiving emails and messages, and my story was featured on blogs around the world, including ones in Russian and Chinese. Meredith Vieira showcased my story on her talk show at the time, and Yahoo flew me and my fiancée (now wife) to New York to feature the story on the “Weekly Flicker.” The momentum from this project led to my first two large commercial clients. Before long, my income from my “side gig” surpassed that of my day job, allowing me to transition to self-employment in June 2014, just two weeks before my wedding.

Eleven years have passed since that pivotal moment, and I couldn’t be happier or more fulfilled with the work I get to do. Currently, my wife and I are collaborating on a new personal project—a feature-length documentary titled “To Dye For: The Documentary,” which has been a passion project for the past two years. This film explores the negative impacts of synthetic dyes on human health and is nearing completion. Our inspiration for this film stems from our son’s sensitivity to synthetic dyes. As we navigated his condition, we became aware of the lack of understanding surrounding the issue, motivating us to create a film that educates and fosters change.

While “Not All Wear Capes” is the project that launched my career, I believe “To Dye For: The Documentary” will be the one to make a lasting impact. Both projects hold a special place in my heart, marking significant milestones in my journey as a creative professional.

Brandon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Brandon Cawood, and I am a commercial photographer and cinematographer hailing from Dalton, GA. Over the past two years, I’ve ventured into filmmaking, nearing the completion of a feature-length documentary titled “To Dye For: The Documentary.”

My journey to this career began long before I ever picked up a camera. Throughout my teenage years and early twenties, I was immersed in music, singing in bands and touring the country. In 2007, my band, “The Silent Escape,” was signed to a small record label, leading to a year of tours, travel, and music creation. However, when the band eventually disbanded, I found myself at a crossroads, struggling to find purpose without music, which had defined my identity for so long.

As a Christian, I believed in a greater purpose for my life but felt adrift after the sudden end of my musical career. I found solace in working alongside my father in his landscaping business, but it wasn’t until a spontaneous purchase of my first DSLR camera in 2010 that I discovered my true passion. Despite my initial lack of knowledge in photography, I delved into tutorials on YouTube, cultivating an insatiable curiosity and love for the craft. I also started to dabble in video as well.

Unlike being in a band, where creative expression depended on collaboration, photography allowed me to work independently and at my own pace. This newfound passion gradually became my life’s calling. Although my father encouraged me to take over the family business, his support inadvertently showed me the possibility of entrepreneurship. Eventually, I transitioned from landscaping to doing videography for a rug manufacturer until I decided to pursue self-employment in photography full-time. Cinematography eventually made it’s way back into my tool kit as I saw my clients need for video and decided to learn those skills at a high capacity as well.

As of 2024, I describe my career as that of a commercial advertising photographer and cinematographer, primarily catering to lifestyle photography for various flooring manufacturers and businesses. Despite being based in Dalton, GA, I have the opportunity to travel extensively, reminiscent of my touring days with the band. My work spans website content, print campaigns, and social media, with video production focusing on short-form advertising for commercials and websites.

While flooring remains a significant part of my clientele, I also engage in diverse projects, ranging from the tactical and tool industries to nonprofit organizations and church initiatives. I find immense fulfillment in helping my clients convey their stories creatively and engagingly, building meaningful relationships along the way. For me, integrity, honesty, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact are paramount. I believe that my talents are a gift from God, and I strive to utilize them for good, reflecting the love I’ve received onto others.

In line with the ethos of my church, I aim to “Love God, Love others, Live sent,” seeking to contribute positively to my community and beyond through my work and interactions.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

My desire to establish my own photography/video business began shortly after purchasing my first camera in 2010. However, during the years from 2010 to 2013, I found myself exploring various avenues within the field—weddings, family photos, green screen work, and more. While earning money from these gigs was initially motivating, I soon realized that the lack of creativity in these areas left me feeling uninspired. The repetitive nature of the work, coupled with the need for a high volume of clients to sustain success, led me to seek a more fulfilling path.

It was during this period that I discovered commercial and advertising photography—a realm where creativity thrived, and budgets were substantial. Recognizing the potential in this field, I became determined to pursue it wholeheartedly. However, I faced a significant hurdle: the cost of equipment necessary for commercial projects was daunting.

Fortunately, I had secured a well-paying job that provided financial stability beyond my immediate needs. I seized this opportunity and embarked on a two-year journey of diligent work, both in my primary job and on the side, maximizing my earnings and saving diligently. Through disciplined saving and strategic financial management, I managed to accumulate savings equivalent to half a year’s salary and investing in high-quality equipment essential for commercial photography.

By the time I decided to transition into full-time self-employment, I had meticulously prepared myself for the challenges ahead. Armed with top-notch equipment and a financial cushion, I felt confident in my ability to weather the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. Operating from my home minimized overhead costs, and my readiness ensured a smooth transition into the world of self-employment.

Through careful planning and perseverance, I transformed my passion for photography into a sustainable business venture, equipped to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Originally, my ambition was rooted in the desire for autonomy—to be my own boss, set my own schedule, and escape the constraints of traditional employment. However, as I’ve matured and my family has grown, my perspective has shifted. Now, my primary aim is to make the most of the time I have on this earth with the ones I love.

I aspire to instill this mindset in my children, encouraging them to prioritize their relationships and experiences over material pursuits. While it’s easy to become consumed by work and driven by growth and achievements, a simple “daddy will you play with me” from my children to play serves as a powerful reminder to realign my priorities.

In essence, my journey isn’t solely about professional success or financial gains; it’s about creating a fulfilling life that allows me to cherish moments with my family and nurture meaningful connections. I hope to inspire my children to adopt the same outlook, enabling them to lead lives rich in love, joy, and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brandoncawood.com
• Instagram: the_freelance_creative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncawood
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonCawood

Image Credits
Brandon Cawood and Whitney Cawood