We recently connected with Brady Colee and have shared our conversation below.

Brady, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Too often the media represents innovation as something magical that only high-flying tech billionaires and upstarts engage in – but the truth is almost every business owner has to regularly innovate in small and big ways in order for their businesses to survive and thrive. Can you share a story that highlights something innovative you’ve done over the course of your career?

In the world of concert photography, standing out isn’t just a desire; it’s a survival strategy. This niche demands more than the usual angles—it craves something that sets your work apart from the sea of content creators.

Enter Project Nose Mode. Picture this: single-use 3D-printed mouthpieces, snugly fitting inside artists’ mouths, cradling a 360 camera. When I show fellow artists the unfiltered footage—their eyes widen. They lean in, intrigued. ‘You’re doing what?’ They want in! It all started as an idea with a friend who simply put the camera in his mouth and ran around my neighborhood. Now, 15+ artists have joined—at venues like the Gorge to the Tacoma Dome.

Brady, 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?

Photography has been my world for the last seven years, and it’s been an incredible ride. I got a camera for Christmas and fell in love with shooting. The first 6 months it really was just a hobbie but as I progressed it became very clear this was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. At that time I had no idea my role was going to be in the music industry. My love for music combined with having a few friends that were local producers, put me on stage in a very short time. Events proved to challenge me the most with the inconsistent light, haze and other obstacles. I loved and hated that I couldnt replicate those conditions to practice my craft without getting additional bookings. It taught me to be smart with my time at each event really make sure I took advantage of every opportunity. It all really started to come together in 2021 when I landed an internship with the Excision team. That experience opened up doors to shoot at some amazing events like Lost Lands and Bass Canyon. But it’s not just about the big festivals—I’ve also been capturing those quieter moments, like weddings and family portraits, and even the fast-paced action at the speedway.

My brother Brendan has been a huge part of this journey, and together, we’ve been able to create some amazing work. I’m also really into mentoring up-and-coming photographers, giving them a chance to join me at shows and learn the ropes.

On the merch side of things, my buddy Trevor and I have been working hard on our new company, Coleemerch.one. We’re excited to launch our first collection of jerseys hooded blankets and even a cloak. Our plan is to collaborate with artists for unique, limited-edition releases. And soon, Brendan, Trevor, and I will be making the move to Denver. It’s a city known for its music scene, and we’re ready to dive in and make our mark there. It’s all about doing what we love and sharing it with others.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The coolest part of being a photographer is that I get to be there for the big moments—like front row to a friend’s wedding or right in the action at an awesome concert. It’s more than just taking pics; it’s about being part of the memories. People trust me to tell their story through my camera, and that’s a pretty special thing.

I love that I can freeze a moment that means so much to someone, and they can keep that forever. It’s not just about snapping a shot; it’s about catching the experience and the feelings of that time. And knowing that my photos will be around for years, that’s the best feeling. It’s like I get to leave my mark on these important times in people’s lives, and that’s what keeps me going.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a solid reputation in the photography scene, especially in the music industry, has a lot to do with networking and genuinely connecting with people. Word of mouth has been huge for me. When you treat people right and always aim to give them more than they expect, it gets noticed. It’s about delivering killer content that makes people talk and share.

I’ve learned not to shy away from introducing myself to artists and others in the industry. You can’t wait for opportunities to come knocking; you’ve got to chase them down. And that means stepping out of your comfort zone, a lot. It’s about being bold, taking chances, and showing up even when it’s a bit scary. That’s how you get your name out there and keep it there.

Networking and word of mouth have been key in building my reputation, but what really set things in motion was the internship I landed with the Excision team at Bass Canyon 2021. That break was a game-changer. It wasn’t just about getting my foot in the door; it was about proving my dedication and skill. Over the years, I’ve grown so much with the team—it’s been an invaluable experience. Now, in my third year working with them, I feel I’ve solidified a small spot in the industry that will continue to grow. I will forever be thankful for my start in the festival industry and that team.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.colee.one and www.coleemerch.one
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colee.one
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colee.one