We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brian Wangenheim a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Brian, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
During my college years, my initial inclination was to pursue a path in bio-tech. However, upon careful introspection, I realized that this direction wouldn’t bring me true fulfillment and might lead to a sense of dissatisfaction. Consequently, I made the decision to embrace the realm of arts during my college journey. Given the significant investment of time – around 4-5 years – in university education, I believed it was prudent to engage in something that resonated with my passion and creativity. This led me to enroll in the Graphic Design course at Cal State Long Beach.
Throughout my academic tenure, I approached each class with earnest dedication, striving to produce the most outstanding projects possible. My efforts were rewarded with a multitude of accolades from the college upon graduation. Eager to embark upon my graphic design career, my immediate circumstances necessitated that I secure employment promptly, leading me to venture into sales temporarily. While I was driven by the need to generate income, a realization gradually dawned on me – I was an artist at heart. This realization prompted me to return to graphic design after a two-year stint in sales, enabling me to collaborate with esteemed clients and contribute to remarkable projects. Nonetheless, despite these accomplishments, a lingering discontent persisted due to the constraints of conforming to external creative directives.
In a quest for liberation, I stumbled upon photography, which kindled an instantaneous passion within me as I captured the essence of the world around me. For the past eight years, I’ve successfully supported my family through my photographic skills and creativity. However, if I could impart a lesson to my younger self, it would be this: while college offered valuable lessons and insights, the practical skills acquired didn’t have a direct correlation to my eventual photography career. In hindsight, redirecting the financial resources invested in college towards immersive experiences in major cities, where I would have spent a year each, producing annual books capturing the essence of these locales, appears to be a more impactful learning route.
In retrospect, I’ve come to believe that the most effective way to master photography is through personal exploration and self-guided learning. This approach allows for the cultivation of a unique style, the establishment of valuable connections, and a genuinely enjoyable learning journey. College, although a safety net, didn’t yield the long-term dividends I hoped for. I’ve come to understand that embracing my creative aspirations much earlier in life, and bypassing the conventional college trajectory, might have propelled me further along my creative path. Yet, life’s wisdom often unfolds gradually, as we gather insights and lessons along the meandering journey of self-discovery.
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?
Hello there! I’m Brian Wangenheim, a lifelong creative artist with a passion for photography ignited way back in first grade. While earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cal State Long Beach (Class of 2015), I explored various artistic avenues like pastel drawings and sculptures. However, I eventually circled back to my true love, photography, which enables me to express my creativity and connect with both people and the world around me.
My candid joy for photography has evolved into a thriving professional career spanning about eight years. My dedication and enthusiasm drive me to deliver exceptional work in every project I take on.
What makes me stand out? Just a glance at my portfolio showcases a diverse array of my creations. Photography isn’t just a job for me; it’s a lifestyle that lets me engage with and interpret the world. My style leans towards authentic, documentary-style shots, but I also relish staged and studio work. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m capturing moments with historical significance, using my work to convey positivity.
I’m not just about business. I find joy in assisting others, which is why I offer some of my photos for free. I’m a family man with a deep-rooted faith, cherishing life as a precious gift. Whether you’re in Ridgecrest, CA, California, or anywhere across the globe, I’m excited to infuse your photography project with my unique vision and expertise.
Check out my fashion photography here: brianwangenheim.info
But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what people are saying about working with me:
“Brian made the shoot comfortable and fun. His professionalism shines through, and he’s open to different poses.” – Donn S.
“Working with Brian was an exceptional experience. He went above and beyond to capture the perfect shot, and his friendly demeanor made the process enjoyable.” – Paul Q.
“Brian’s artistic vision allows models to feel at ease. His cues are expertly executed, and I’m looking forward to working with him again.” – Lauren H.
“A productive and enjoyable shoot. Brian’s speedy editing turnaround impressed me!” – Kimberly H.
Accomplishments? I’ve got a few:
Over 58 million views and 300k+ downloads of my work on Unsplash.com
Internationally published photos featured in: Psychology Today, Buzzfeed, Medium, Popular Science, Yahoo! Finance, Men’s Journal, LA Weekly, Lifestyle Asia, Thought Catalog, International Documentary Association as well as renowned fashion magazines like Style Equation, Modelz View, Malvie, Mob, Figgi, Zette, Penida, Bliss, Lovely, Untold, Over, Dappy, Proficient and more.
Awarded first place in the RRCIA Cal State Parks Wildlife Photography Contest (2019)
Certified Remote/Drone Pilot by the FAA
Certified in Commercial Real Estate Drone Photography by Drone Base (2022)
Ham Radio Technician Class License from the FCC
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification from the Red Cross
Let’s team up and create something remarkable! Drop me a message at [email protected] or give me a call/text at 760-499-2968. Let’s make magic happen!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the best part of being an artist and creative is the freedom it brings. Life comes with its share of expectations and responsibilities, which are important, of course. But I believe everyone needs a way to express themselves, to let their hearts open up and just have fun. Sadly, not everyone gets that opportunity, which makes me truly value the artistic path I’ve chosen.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
The most effective way to show your support for artists and creatives is by purchasing their work or making a donation, a simple yet impactful gesture. Many artists and creatives are driven by a sense of purpose larger than themselves, which fuels their passionate creativity. Personally, I view life as a precious gift, and that’s part of why I hold photography in such high regard.
It’s often said that you can gauge a person’s values by how they allocate their funds. By supporting artists, creatives, photographers, or anyone pursuing their creative calling, you’re offering them valuable financial backing. Of course, I believe this support should only come if you truly admire and connect with their work. It’s all about that genuine appreciation!
Contact Info:
- Website: brianwangenheim.info
- Instagram: @brian_photographer_111
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083907742797
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-wangenheim-410038269/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianWangenheim
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbt-Sb1CITqrbZ6AS8r_Leg
Image Credits
Agency: @sleekmodelsla