Focal Points with Brandon Artis

By Vanessa Krystin Wong

Last year, we had the pleasure of adding a prominent member to our BlueprintLIVE team: Brandon Artis, a promising photographer that has become one of Vancouver’s best shooters in the city. His passion can be seen throughout his collection of photos, whether is be waiting in an alley way for an artist portrait or fighting through hoards of concert-goers in order to get the perfect shot. With a keen eye, Brandon has captured most of BlueprintLIVE’s most memorable moments.

When did you first start taking interest in photography and what is your photography background?

I’d say my most notable memory of wanting to pursue taking photos all started on a road trip with my family when I was 13. I brought along a little HP point & shoot and was also using my LG KEYBO phone (humble beginnings haha). We took a Eurovan through the desert, over to Vegas and through Cali. I remember experiencing an overwhelming impulse to document the experience. It wasn’t just that it was beautiful scenery, it was like a necessity to not only see it in the moment, but to materialize what I was seeing. After that, my obsession with documenting things that I saw sort of spiralled, and engrossed me in the technical side of things as well. Essentially, it was more of a personal journey that brought me to where I am today with my work.

What is your most prized possession, camera wise?

My gear I use day to day.

What was your first camera you’ve ever had?

HP Point and Shoot. Probably had about 3 megapixels at most haha.

What are you currently rocking equipment wise?

Nikon D750 body, 50mm f/1.4 , 70-200mm f/2.8, 14-24mm f/2.8.

Your passion to get the best shot possible can be seen through your photos, what were some of your favourite concerts you shot to date?

This year there were so many good shows that it’s hard to narrow down, but I’d have to go with the festivals – FVDED in the Park, Pemberton, and Squamish. So many memorable performances.

You’ve been working on an artist portrait series recently, what have been some of your most memorable moments through this?

It is definitely an on-going series for me. A lot of the time these photo-ops happen by chance in passing from the green room/backstage, but the best part about it by far is getting to actually meet the artists one on one, rather than in a crowded environment. It makes it more of personal connection, and provides a more realistic idea of who these performers are as people and fellow artists.

Social media has become a window of opportunities of creatives, word of advice to other photographers?

Stay humble, work hard, take time. Don’t get lost on the internet.

What photographers do you look up to?

Glen E Friedman, Peter Ellenby, and Jonathan Mannion, to name a few. Also the huge community of people on Instagram both locally and internationally.

Top 5 most played in your playlist?

All Bieber…

1. Justin Bieber – Sorry
2. Justin Bieber – What Do You Mean?
3. Justin Bieber – I’ll Show You
4. Skrillex and Diplo – Where Are Ü Now w/ Justin Bieber
5. Justin Bieber – No Sense ft. Travi$ Scott

Artist Portraits by Brandon Artis

Concert Photos by Brandon Artis

Follow him
www.facebook.com/brandonartisphotography
www.flickr.com/photos/brandonartis
www.instagram.com/_brandonartis

By Vanessa Krystin Wong