Inspiracles Interview: Brent Hall
Today in our interview we want to introduce you to Brent Hall. He is a New Mexico-based photographer who captures stunning images of landscapes, nature, and the night sky.
How did you get into Photography?
I got my first 35mm camera back in 1995 when I was 11. My mom and step-dad were really into photography at the university they went to, and they let me come and use the darkroom with them. Then in high school when I started getting really good at skateboarding, I got sponsored and started going to a lot of demos and competitions, and I always brought my camera with me. Eventually, some of the companies and event organizers saw my images and started paying me to photograph the events and stuff. Then, when I joined the navy and started traveling all over, I started really getting into travel and landscape photography as well. After the navy, I went back to college to get my degrees in chemistry and geology, though I still took every photo class they offered for like 6 years (which is where I met my wife and photography business partner). During grad school, one of my geology professors was a super famous geologist and was always doing TV shows, interviews, and cool stuff. Well, he started asking me to film clips for his research and do in-field interviews, etc., and that really opened my eyes to the potential of going full-time pro. All the while I was running my side business and still doing a lot of action sports photography for snowboarding, skiing, biking companies, etc., eventually, after I graduated and got a “real” job as a radiological chemist, and then as a field geologist for a while, I started getting too much work in photography and was finally able to quit and go full time. This was in late 2014.
When did you take your very first photo, and what was on it?
It would have been in 1995 when I was 11. It was with my first 35mm, a Minolta I think. It was probably a landscape of the mountains from the view of my house. Then a bunch of skateboarding shots.
If it wasn’t landscape photography, what would probably be your main photography genre?
Action sports and adventure photography is still a huge part of my business, especially in terms of big clients.
Are there any particular techniques or places like websites you use to get new inspiration?
For landscape stuff, in particular, I just did a lot of trial and error (YouTube didn’t exist when I first started, lol). I also studied traditional art my whole life, especially drawing and painting, so I always had a real solid sense of the basic principles of art: composition, lighting, etc. As far as inspiration goes, I get it from just going out, hiking, exploring, camping, biking, traveling, etc.
What makes a good photo for you?
Anything that makes me happy when I look at it. I learned really quickly in life that “comparison is the thief of joy” and I’ve always tried to live by that. Basically, I try not to worry too much about what others may think of my images and focus more on how they make me feel.
How important is the equipment when taking photos?
In a lot of my videos and workshops, I tell people that gear doesn’t matter…until it does. Basically, anyone who studies the art of photography, and has those skills down, can go out with any type of camera and make a decent image. So in that sense, gear doesn’t matter, and it shouldn’t matter to a beginner who maybe can’t afford, or doesn’t have access to the best of the best gear; however, the better you get at photography, and the more you go out there and do it, the more you start to push things and really test your gear’s limits. And when you’re doing very niche things like super high-end action sports, astrophotography, wildlife photography, things like that, then the gear starts to matter a bit more, especially if you’re getting paid to create images for someone.
Except for a camera and lenses: What’s important for you when you go out to take photos?
That depends on what I’m going out to photograph. In most cases, planning is the most important thing…though if you watch a bunch of my YouTube videos you’d see how quickly that goes out the window, lol. Sometimes though, just going out with a clear mind and no expectations can be great for creativity, but when I’m going out on a paid shoot, I definitely have multiple plans, in writing, so I can be as prepared as possible to get what’s needed. That aside, personal comfort is a big one for me. If I’m going out all night for astro stuff, then I’m going to want to be comfortable and have plenty of food, hot tea, and warm clothes. The same goes for whatever type of photography you’re going out for, just make sure you’re comfortable, or it’s going to get miserable fast, and that can really kill creativity and your ability to get the shots you’re after.
Which photo or photo series are you particularly proud of?
Oooh, that’s tough. I have a LOT of photos from over the past 2 decades that I really like. Some of my recent lightning images, and a series I did of deep space objects with my telescope, and some of my elk images from last fall are all up there for me right now.
Can everyone learn to be creative?
I would think so, but I certainly can’t say as to whether or not they have the patience or motivation to do so.
What’s your best advice if someone wants to take better photos?
Just keep at it. Photograph everything. And most of all, just remember “comparison is the thief of joy”. It’s easy to find inspiration on social media these days, but the serious downside to scrolling on Instagram and seeing so many “epic” images is that you start to unconsciously compare yourself, your skills, and your life to others and that can be a huge detriment. So don’t be worried about what others are doing or what others think, just keep at it.
One Word – your thoughts
Social Media – Exasperating
Megapixel – Overrated (or misunderstood)
Inspiration – Constant
Photoshop – Life-saving
Analog – Chemistry, lol. Sorry the scientist in me killed that one. Tedious-yet helpful
Please show your work in some selected images.
Thank you
Thank you for the interview
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