We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brian Lindsey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Brian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

When I started my photography journey, I began by taking street photography and gaining all my knowledge from YouTube and hands-on experience. I watched a lot of videos by other photographers, both old and new, such as Gordon Parks, Andre D. Wagner (Photo Dre), Vuhlandes, and many more. I used their images and videos to help me develop my own style. I believe you have to draw knowledge from everyone, while also creating something unique by going out and doing it yourself.

Reflecting on what I know now, if I were to consider a way to have expedited the process when I initially started, I probably should have been more social and sought out a mentor or friends who were involved in the same field. Some old sayings I remind myself of today are “a closed mouth doesn’t get fed” and “it’s not about what you know, but who you know.” I now understand the importance of building connections.

The skills that I find most essential are learning your own style and remembering to establish connections. I don’t believe that there are any highly necessary elements when it comes to photography and creativity. Personally, I don’t think there are strict rules for photography or creation. While you can use some rules to enhance an idea, adhering to all the rules takes away from the excitement.

The obstacles I faced, which persist to this day, revolve around trying to transform my hobby into a career. On a daily basis, I contend with my own mind, striving to conceptualize ideas and bring them to fruition.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m originally from Cleveland, Ohio, but I now reside in Smyrna, Georgia.

I got into photography because I used to be the guy who always took pictures or videos for people. My friends, family, and I used to perform a dance called ‘The Jerk,’ and I would record our videos and edit them. So, I guess you could say it all began for me back then.

My business is called ‘We Shoot First.’ It’s a media business, with photography as my main focus, while everything else falls behind that. I’m planning to venture into movies soon and shoot stills for things like ad posters and covers. I also aspire to work with the NBA/WNBA, as basketball was one of my first loves, and I’d love to be involved with it. I’m also passionate about travel and documentary photography, there’s nothing like stepping into a new environment.

The services I provide are all listed on my Instagram page, @Weshootfirst_. You can find the link in my bio. Feel free to send me a direct message or email me at [email protected] if anyone has any questions.

In today’s world, people often tend to easily follow trends, especially in photography. What sets me apart is that I always stay true to myself, which means being humble, respectful, and original. These qualities are more lacking than you might think.

Much of my work is very personal. I enjoy capturing simple moments and photographing people in their natural environments or in nature settings. However, I’m also not afraid to step out of my comfort zone and try new things.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

A struggle I believe many non-creatives might not understand is the challenge of not working for free. I find that many non-creatives want my services but expect them to be inexpensive or even free. However, I’ve come to realize that they don’t grasp the significant investment of both money and time that goes into photography. While anyone can point a camera, it doesn’t mean they truly understand the craft. Despite this, I still encourage people who aren’t in creative fields to give it a try and pick up a camera.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

One specific goal I have is to establish myself as my own brand, without having to work under a company or any other entity. I want my name to be my brand, and for it to hold significant value. You know, similar to how you recognize ‘The Rock’ as ‘The Rock’; his name carries substantial weight. He doesn’t even change his character in movies, he essentially plays himself with a different name lol.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Weshootfirst
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weshootfirst_
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Weshootfirst_

Image Credits
Me (We shoot first)