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

Bryan, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

One of the things that you’ll see creators talk about is the rise of social media and how it can affect photography/videography. With that, come its pros and cons.

Some pros we can look at is the access to a particular creator that we admire. They’re not so far out of reach anymore; with social media, we’re able to join in and be connected through the various platforms and its features. Another pro, at least through the creator’s perspective, is the amount of reach one can have because someone on the other side of the world can now see my work simply by tapping a button. The possibilities are truly endless.

I’ve said many times to other creators that I personally know, “it only takes one person.” One person to see your work. One person to see your worth and the value you can add in respect to what you do as a business or hobby. Influencers, streamers, photographers, videographers, the list goes on, and what do they all have in common? It only took one person on social media to see what they were doing and realized that that person needs to be a part of the team.

Of course, there’s also its cons that I’ve touched on previously. I’ve asked the question, “has instagram killed photography?” It sounds like a ridiculous question because it’s evident that it hasn’t. But it’s a question worth thinking about as we take our next photo. Consider how many times we’ve taken a certain picture with Instagram in mind or recorded a video with the sole purposes of putting it on TikTok hoping it would go viral? Trust me, I’m not exempt from that, I’ve done it too. But what I want to avoid is doing something for the sole purpose of receiving likes.

A big trend we see in photography and videography is doing the thing that’s trendy on those social platforms and sticking to that. Though I’m not against finding a trend you like and putting your own spin, I would encourage the creator – the painter, the cook, the musician, etc – to do WHAT they love and HOW they love to do it.

Don’t let trends destroy your creativity. If anything, use it as a simple boost to get your creativity going.

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 got into photography from an early age. I was always intrigued with anything that had to do with production – the lights, the cameras, the sets, etc.. My family had an old RCA Small Wonder Camcorder that I loved. As a kid, there was something about holding that and capturing the moment that was so enjoyable. So, as I got older, I started using my mom’s camera (Canon Rebel T3), and I started taking pictures with that (on auto, of course). Over time, family and friends would ask me to take photos – whether it was a birthday party, some family function or just a regular portrait.

In 2020, I decided to purchase the Canon 90D and I was going to get serious about photography. So, I got onto YouTube, I also signed up for some classes and went out to put what I learned to practice. Now I have my own registered business and I’m getting to do what I love. In regards to photography, I do portraits – on-location, headshots, graduation – and events, such as, weddings, quinceañeras, sports, and church events. For video, I pretty much do all of the same events.

As I was mentioning, in 2020, I started getting serious about photography and thought the community was all about helping each other. I found out that it wasn’t. So, I made the choice that if there were ever a time someone came to me for help, they were going to get it. Because I didn’t want someone to have the same experience that I have. I want others to enjoy their journey, through the highs and lows, and realize that they don’t have to go through it alone.

If there’s anything I want people to know about me, I’m about having every person on the team succeed. I’m not trying to break you down so that I alone can shine, I want us all to get to the finish line together.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2022, I was planning on moving to Ohio. My family, both in Eagle Pass and in Ohio, knew that. My goal was to be there by August. It was June of that same year, that I heard a church in San Antonio was hiring. I didn’t think I was actually going to get the job, but I figured why not try? So, I put in my application, and I get an email asking to schedule an interview. Well, that took place on July 5th, and after that was done, I was asked to go for a second interview at the job itself. Here’s the crazy thing, I’m flying to Ohio for vacation and to start the moving process the week following that second interview.

We take off to Ohio and I finally get the call… I got the job in San Antonio. Thankfully, they were completely respectful of the plans I already had in place for vacation. So, I was scheduled to get back August 2nd. The flight gets delayed as we’re coming back and I’m now arriving August 3rd. I get home, pack some clothes, and drive to San Antonio because August 4th is my start date.

When I consider any time in my life where I’ve made a huge pivot, this is a big one. I like to call it an audible. In case you’re not familiar with the term, in football a quarterback may get to the line of scrimmage and just before the play starts, he may see how the defense is lined up and call an “audible.” That means, the play the team originally planned for is changed and everybody gets into position for the new play.

I had originally planned to go to Ohio, and during my vacation, I called an audible. Though I’m sure I would’ve enjoyed my time over there, especially with my extended family living over there, I don’t regret choosing to come to San Antonio. I’ve met some of the most amazing, down-to-earth-people. I’ve experienced some things I never would have had I not come here. And there’s still so much more to come!

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

One of my favorite quotes in regards to leadership comes from Kenneth Blanchard: “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” If you’re managing a team, it’s important that you don’t rule your team, lead them. It’s a very simple thing to understand and apply.

Too many times, we have “leaders” that like to rule over people like some king or queen that doesn’t want to get their feet wet or their hands dirty. This is why people don’t like management; because there are those that are in management positions that let the power get to their heads. They like to tell people what to do and when to do it. Only check in every now and then to see the progress of the project.

We need “foxhole leaders.” That’s what I’d encourage every person that reads this to be. Not someone closed off in their office. Not someone that avoids the people under them. Not someone that looks at those under their leadership as “the help.” We need people that say, “this is how we’re going to get this done, and I’m right here to help too.”

A “foxhole leader” is going to be right there in the middle of everything with those under them. Even in the hardest days of the business, it’s those people that everyone look to and know, “times are tough, but we’re going to get through it because of the leader we have.”

Be a foxhole leader.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thebryansnyder.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebryansnyder
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebryansnyder
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebryansnyder

Image Credits
All images were taken by TheBryanSnyder LLC. (If possible to place name under photo) – Aja (Brown Coat) – Camila (Pink Dress) – Arianna (White Dress) – Taylor (Cowgirl Hat) – Phil Wickham (With Guitar) – Elevation Rhythm (Wide Shot)