Jesse Brantman
"There is no substitute for time spent on your craft."
Final edit
Featured: Client project (Industrial Brand Narrative Campaign)
Outtakes
Q&A
Give us some background on this project.
This body of work is from a long time industrial client of mine that specializes in concrete and site prep. Their job sites are always so fun for me to shoot, because it satisfies that boyish love of big trucks and digging in dirt!
Why was the final edit selected over the outtakes?
The final edits are certainly more polished and commercial feeling, which is more useful to how they use the images. Whenever I'm on these projects (or any projects, really) where there is a lot going on, I try to hone in on little nuanced moments that feel unique to what is happening. It helps me to get dialed into the scene and the flow of everything around me. These moments typically won't make it into the final delivery, but I get a lot of joy out of capturing them.
Any anecdotal moments during this project that you'd be willing to share?
The people we get to meet on these jobs are aways such interesting characters. I really love the exchange that happens when I climb up into a big machine and ask someone if I can take their picture. You never know how they will respond or what they will give you.
Shed some light on how you got involved in this career.
I started taking pictures in high school, with a rather self guided curriculum in black and white film and darkroom printing. I went to college on photography scholarship, and just kept going after graduation. I assisted photographers and shot weddings for a few years, but commercial/advertising photography was always the goal. I just love being able to turn my seemingly life long obsession with taking pictures into a career.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I'm so inspired by how precious this one life is. I'm constantly doing things to try to slow it down! That is why focusing on nuanced moments or micro-expressions is a habit I try to keep. Not every shoot allows for it, but it really helps me to not get bored on some of the more sterile assignments.
What’s it like being on set with you?
I love set to feel collaborative and conversational. Not every shoot is going to flow smoothly, but I try to bring on the right people that will keep the energy fun and welcoming.
Do you prefer a large or small team on set?
They both have their place. If we have a lot to accomplish in a day, I prefer a large team. I love that buzz when everyone is just locked in to their individual tasks. BUT one of my favorite feelings is working with a small team where everyone has good history working together, so there is more possibility to tap into a flow state, and everyone has each other's back. Sometimes it feels like there is more room for creative magic on smaller teams.
Express what your work means to you.
Since I have been taking pictures for so much of my life, it feels so special that people trust me to shoot on their projects. It's just wild to me!
What gear are you packing?
Right now my favorite system is the Canon R5. I'm on the 28-70 f2 like 90% of the time, but use and love all the RF lenses. I use various Profoto strobes, but I get the most use out of my B1x kit, B10x kit, and D2 kit.
Do you have any suggestions to budding artists?
Shoot and create as much as possible! There is no substitute for time spent on your craft.
Why do you think it's important for outtakes to be featured?
So they can see the light of day!
How can people follow your work?