Today we’d like to introduce you to Braxton Black
Thanks for sharing your story with us Braxton. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Peru, Indiana and moved to Chicago when I was 19 to attend Columbia College. I changed my major from Film and Video to Photography on a whim. Since I had no real experience, I spent my first several weeks at Columbia combing through photography books to educate myself. I fell in love with the work of Nan Goldin, Roy DeCarava, Harry Callahan and many more. It was quite the education for me. I learned everything I could about film and photography. In 2008, when I was 21, I met my mentor Jeremy Lawson who I’ve worked alongside ever since.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, and I wouldn’t want it to be. Working as a self-employed artist is a difficult profession for anyone. The amount of work you get ebbs and flows, and you constantly have to re-educate yourself to understand and analyze new trends and marketing. I’ve been a photographer for about 13 years now, so I know my strengths and my weaknesses and that gives me the confidence to continue creating new work. Having a good group of colleagues around has been incredibly helpful in staying grounded and connected to others that understand the challenges and rewards of this business.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Most of the work I do is in the wedding photography business. I work under Jeremy Lawson Photography with the founder Jeremy Lawson and my associate, Alice Feldt. I’ve worked with them for 10 years and consider them to be my best friends. I also often work with BMP, and Leap weddings, 2 other great companies operated by Ben Mahoney. Other work I do includes photography for the MCA, Art Institute, University of Chicago and other institutions around Chicago. On my own time, I create lots of landscape and travel work. I think one thing that sets me apart is I do so many different kinds of photography. For some people, having a very eclectic portfolio can be a hindrance, but I’ve found it to enrich everything I do.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love Chicago. It’s a great place to live and work. People are very accessible here. One thing about Chicago is people aren’t interested in superficial business relationships, which I think is great. You actually have to cultivate friendships with people and there is a real trust that grows from that. The only thing I would recommend to a new photographer is to find new ways to create work and make client contacts in the colder months when Chicago jobs slow down. If you put the work in, eventually you will have steady work all year long.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1917 N Milwaukee
- Website: jeremylawsonphotography.com
- Phone: 765-631-0564
- Email: braxtonblackphoto@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Braxton Black of Jeremy Lawson Photography, Jeremy Lawson Photography
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