We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bryan York. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bryan below.
Bryan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.
The manner in which I do photography is done differently than most. I am a disabled photographer. Therefore, I am unable to do a high volume of shoots. I have to be selective with whom I work with. Working with big groups is difficult for me and not my cup of tea. I thrive when working 1-on-1 with individuals. This allows me to be more personal and hopefully have a deeper connection with each person. My goal is always to leave a meaningful impression on each subject.
What kind of impression will you leave?
Bryan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi There! Bryan York
Portrait Photographer in Portland, Oregon,
I delight in bringing the best out of everyone!
When I was three and a half, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given little chance of survival. By the grace of God, I was healed.
After moving to Colorado in early 2015, I was hospitalized. I had suffered from a minor stroke at the age of 28. Little did I know I would be spending the next several years working hard to recover from its effects.
I am still fighting the good fight in my recovery and look at each day as a blessing. I faithfully share what God has done in my life with those who make time to listen. Truly, none of us know how much time we have in this life. We have to live each moment to the fullest and value what we are given.
I treat every moment and encounter with my subjects as a blessing and an opportunity to leave an impression on their lives.
What kind of impression will you leave?
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I suffered from a stroke in 2015 I lost all major functions of my right side. Like most people, I was predominantly right-handed before the stroke. One of my fears was that I had lost the ability to do photography forever.
I had a friend visit me while I was in the hospital who happened to be a photographer. He told me that together we were going to figure this out together and that he was going to help me do photography again.
He became too busy with life to help me.
However, he did the most dangerous thing you could do. He planted that seed of hope and determination in my head.
I happen to be a very driven person and I knew that if he believed in me I had to figure out a way to do photography again.
I did and it became a huge high for me in the beginning days of my recovery.
To be able to do something I once did before the stroke and forget about my disability for a few hours was so life-giving.
It still is today and I am thankful for everyone that chooses to work with me!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
After I came home from the hospital from having my stroke I quickly figured out that I was going to relearn how I did photography. The first lesson was that I could no longer manage with heavy gear. I had to completely rethink things and that meant switching to the lightest gear possible.
I also learned that the many ways I was learning from instructors were not always the way that I functioned or worked. I had to find and operate the best way that fit my needs and adapt them.
This included both physically and technologically.
Technologically mainly in the way that I developed my pictures. I only have the use of one hand when editing and it can be very tedious at times. Thus I have had to learn shortcuts or ask for help when needed.
I would say the biggest lesson I have had to unlearn is that I can’t do everything on my own and that asking for help is okay.
I had to let go of my pride and give myself permission to ask for help. That it is okay to ask for help and not necessarily a sign of weakness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yorkphotography4.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/york_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/york.bryan/
Image Credits
1. Rosie De-e 2. Wilkerson girls & dog 3. Amie Boulton 4. Holly 5. Jeff Brosy 6. Minh-Ly 7. Nicole Kappner 8. Zuri Leigh & Nicole Kappner