Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brian Edgell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Brian, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

I wanted to create a name that paid homage to my city but yet had a special place in my heart. After weeks of throwing around ideas I finally found that unique and special name, Lock 10 Photography. Here’s the backstory to this iconic name. In the heart of my city (Zanesville, OH) lies lock and dam No. 10. It was part of a series of lock and dams built along a 112 mile stretch of the Muskingum River, all the way down to Marietta, OH. This particular lock and dam is situated right next to the world famous Y-Bridge. This is the area I took my (now wife) to, to get away from the city and the stresses of every day life. There was a secluded ledge that was obscured by trees and sat just 50 feet away from the dam. It had the most immaculate view of the dam and its ferociously falling water. You also had a view of the arching Y-Bridge and the industrial looking train bridge as well. Speaking of which, during the late evenings trains would cross that bridge and blow their horns creating an echo along the riverbed. Me and the wife would lay near the ledge and listen to the falling water as well as the passing trains. Their impactful sounds drowned out all the unsuspecting passing cars and the all the noises of the city across the river. With the stars above our heads and worries washed down the river, it drove us closer together and cleared our minds of the days stress. This lock and damn had a huge impact on my life, my wife’s life, and the cities life. It wasn’t just a piece of history but a way of life for so many people. Like lock and dam No. 10, I wanted to help my city and the people within it. I found that calling my business Lock 10 Photography would complement my city and remind me of all the nights I sat there taking in all the beauty around me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Brian Edgell, owner and photographer of Lock 10 Photography. I’ve been shooting photography for over 10 years and I’ve evolved immensely in that time. My start in the industry was culminated by an urge to document the world around me. I wanted to show the world that there is beauty everywhere, we just have to slow down to see it. 3 years ago I created the LLC for my business and that’s when I began to get more serious about the craft. The services I provide are numerous and ever expanding as I network. I’ve capture an entire catalog of requested pictures for our local government entity and I’ve captured specific singular images for private clients. Senior sessions and on the spot portraits are new to me this year and so far I’m working through the nuances of these styles. I’m looking to further test the waters in these styles and hopefully garner enough knowledge to open up my first studio. Currently I do have an online store (www.lock10photography.com) that I use to sell physical prints from my travels. I also attend festivals around the surrounding counties to sell signed prints as well as network with future clients and future photographers. Over the many years, I’ve created a unique style that is contrasty with vibrant colors. Lately I have been working with an in-house dark edit that creates a mysterious feel and accentuates brighter colors. The next in-house edit I’m working on, will create a delicate portrait with light infused shadows and golden kissed highlights. These editing styles help me stay unique and solve creative issues for clients that are uncertain on the looks they are wanting. I try to cover all the aspects from dark and moody up to colorful and inviting. These styles even bleed into my everyday kind of shots like long exposures. One of my favorite shots is a long exposure of I-70 going through the heart of my city in Zanesville, OH. I used a dark edit to bring down the city lights and bump up the trailing lights of passing cars. The ability to mix and match my editing styles with the numerous photography styles, has given me the option to create truly amazing and unique blends of pictures.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I use any mean that is comfortable for my client. Whether it be via a traditional phone call, text, DM, email, in person, video call, or any other form. As for loyalty, I allow very limited runs of my larger prints such as 16×20. At the events I attend, I randomly give away free prints to those who show interest in my work. While on assignment, I’ll give away a free portrait shot for anyone who recognizes me. From time to time, I’ll also give away free desktop/mobile backgrounds wit my social media followers. It’s my way of thanking everyone for being there for me and my business.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

This is actually happening now as I answer this. The world around me is constantly evolving in the type of media the want to consume. The new trend is aerial photography and videography. That’s a problem for me as I do not have the means to provide that type of content. So I have been studying up on the regulations and laws to fly a drone. I’m working on obtaining my part 107 certification and then mastering flying a drone. The entire process is very new to me but I have to change with the times or risk being left behind. I look at this sudden change as a positive for the business, as it’ll open up a new door of opportunities. I’ve always looked at the glass as half full and I’m also a huge fan of lemonade.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lock10photography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lock.10.photography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lock10Photography