Bradley Hanson of bradleyhanson.com started out shooting headshots for models and musicians, before getting some work at the weekly newspapers. He added weddings to his repertoire in 1999.
Although based in Minneapolis USA, Bradley has shot all over the world and his work has been featured in more publications than I have space to list. It's the same for his awards!
In regard to style, black and white is his thing and he takes inspiration from outside the wedding photography industry and uses it to stay true to his photographic vision.
And opinions? Sure, he has plenty… strong ones too!
Someone needs to be open and honest about the excess of workshops and that they are cash cows for those giving them, and borderline useless for the participants looking for easy answers – Bradley Hanson
This episode of the Photography Xperiment podcast is sponsored by the super talented digital editors at The Image Salon… more about them in the show and below.
Here’s some of what we cover:
What is your big takeaway?
Following this interview, I’d love to read your feedback and comments. Was there something from this interview that struck a chord, inspired or motivated you?
Will you take any kind of action after hearing what Bradley had to share?
Let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.
Photography was not only an art form but the thing that I wanted to pursue – Bradley Hanson
If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Bradley or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them below too.
Quote from Bradley via email after the interview:
Hey Andrew-
Thank you. I was also thinking of so many different things that I felt like I may have strayed from my original thought too much. I was thinking that inspiration is temporary, but experience is forever, too. Most of what workshops promise are easy answers and “inspiration” from the location, but we all learn differently. I think many workshops cater to the “easy answers” crowd rather than just slogging it out yourself and learning through experience.
I get a lot of personal emails asking advice about gear and business. I’m happy to help anyone and don’t have any secrets about what works for me. In that regard, I guess I’m giving free mini-workshops all the time! 😉
Best,
Bradley
It’s interesting things that are happening in real time, and that’s the kind of stuff that inspires me – Bradley Hanson
If something elevates your mood, you’re more likely to want to keep doing it – Bradley Hanson
The more you have something unique to sell, the greater likelihood that it will feel desirable and exclusive – Bradley Hanson
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Bradley Hanson Photography on Instagram
My 3 years with Fujifilm X-series cameras and lenses
Episode 168: Two Mann Studios – Careful Curation is the Key to Photography Success
I don’t have preconceived ideas of how I want to set things up. It’s more of the ability to recognise things as they are happening – Bradley Hanson
More Brides – the ebook on building a better wedding photography business
The ShotKit Books – Volume 1 and 2
I wanted to move in a very personal inspired direction and do something different in the industry that haven’t been done – Bradley Hanson
Thank you!
Thanks again for listening to the show and thanks to Bradley for coming on and experimenting with a new and different format for this photography podcast and for sharing his thoughts, views and ideas on photography and the industry.
Also, a big thanks to Mark from ShotKit for sponsoring this episode of the podcast and making the show possible. If you wan tot see what the worlds best photographers are packing in there bag, check out ShotKit. You'll see one of the best laid out, resource packed photography websites out there.
I don’t want to represent myself as anyone other than I am – Bradley Hanson
If you have any suggestions, comments or questions about this episode, please be sure to leave them below in the comment section of this post, and if you liked the episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post!
That’s it for me, hope everything is going well for you in life and photography!
Thanks and speak soon
Andrew
Great podcast. I’m a big fan of Bradley’s work and this was a lovely insight into his thought process. I could’ve happily listened to the discussion for a lot longer.
Thanks Paul! Always nice to hear an interview could have gone longer.
Thank you, Paul. Kind of you to say.
I didn’t get into this in any detail during the interview, but while I have specific equipment preferences, gear isn’t even in the top 10 priorities for any photographer. You can’t buy a bad camera anymore, and my main preference is about size, weight and design than anything else. I get a lot of private questions about equipment and sometimes the implication is that if this person could only find the right gear that everything else would fall into place. My advice to anyone is you are better off learning one camera and one lens so you learn to “see” with that rather than hoping equipment will fix any other deficiencies. I’ve said it before in other locations and I’ll say it again: I’m always me regardless of if I’m shooting with my phone or any of my cameras. The photographer is everything, equipment is just an expense.
Thanks Bradley, beautifully written and spot on!
Appreciate you adding some extra thoughts.
One of the best interviews I heard Andrew and one of the reasons I love your work. Highly recommend this, if you’re reading this give it a try, Bradley is a great Photographer and Andrew is so easygoing that for a moment it’s like we are all having a coffee and lounging throughout the afternoon.
Keep it up Andrew.
Best wishes from Porto.
Thank so much Joao! Your kind words are much appreciated and I love that you felt it was like “like we are all having a coffee and lounging throughout the afternoon” – I truly love that!
I agree with your comments about Bradley too… Super talented photographer and I love the way he thinks and speaks about the craft. It was a pleasure to have him on the show.
Thank you, Joao, and I agree about Andrew!