AN INTERVIEW WITH BRYAN BOAN
by @clt_andreaelizabeth
A: Why photography?
B: I feel a connection with the people I am photographing. No matter where I am, there is no barrier
between us with my camera — no cultural, no language or religious barriers. We are just two human
beings. I feel like I am giving them the opportunity to just be.
A: When you see a person, what about them makes you want to take their photo?
B: That’s a good question. I think the energy they are giving off. Their smile, the way they welcome me/us into their space.
A: When did you first pick up a camera?
B: In 2014 — Finances were tight, and I saw some people around me making a little extra money doing photography, so I decided to give it a try. I have always been around photography — my dad used to take a lot of photos on mission trips and stuff and I found myself always inquiring about the “why” behind his images — why did he take it this way, in that location of this particular story. I was interested for
sure - I guess I always had the eye for it.
A: Why travel photography in particular?
B: I want to show people life outside of our bubble in the states. I can give people a peek into other
cultures with no story in mind, just life as it is. On the flip side, I can show people in other cultures a
different view of a Christian American as well. Just by being in their space, respecting them and having a human to human interaction — it might make a difference. Some people hold this idea that Americans have it all, but really, we all struggle. Of course, not in all the same ways, but the human struggle is
something we all experience regardless of race, culture, religion, tradition, etc..
A: What moves you to pick the next story you want to tell?
B: It’s two fold. Personal interest and trusting my faith to lead me to the right stories. When I first started shooting, I would shoot everything. I realized that was exhausting. Sitting down and defining what I wanted my photography to be has led me to a place where I can truly communicate stories. I think about these three things before I commit to a story — Hope, Truth, How/Can this evoke change in my audience. If I have a personal interest in something but it doesn’t fall into one of these three categories, I most likely won’t tell that story.
A: Where/ Who do you find inspiration from?
B: I heard this quote once, “Don’t be afraid to imitate before you innovate.” I am not afraid to look to other photographers for inspiration. It’s important to me though that I am sure that they are genuine in what they do. I am first attracted to their content visually then I’ll look into them a little more. I am inspired by the ones that embrace the adventure. Like, yeah getting the shot is great, but the journey to get there is the best part.
A: So making money isn’t really a goal with your photography?
B: HA! No, if that were the goal, I would have stopped a long time ago. It’s not about that for me.
A: Which is funny since that’s initially why you picked up a camera…
A: What has been your favorite story that you’ve told through photography so far?
B: The next one. Always the new idea that I can take a combine my experience and excitement.
A: Do you have a bucket list story that you want to tell?
B: Diwali - I don’t know anything about it but it intrigues me. Or the story of Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in Hindu culture. There you will find Hinduism in it’s rawest form.
A: Where does that story fall as far as hope, truth or change?
B: Truth. The story there is shocking and dark in our eyes, in the eyes of that culture it’s normal. The
element of the human souls and the extent this culture is willing to go in honor of their faith. This would be a story that begs the question to my audience, “How far are you willing to go for something you
believe in?”