Meet Brad Young | CREATE

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brad Young and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brad, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I think I got lucky in a way. I know that’s weird, but I fell into a great position shortly after I moved out to Colorado from Georgia. I was working in the real estate photography field as a contractor as well as two other jobs just to make it. After getting job alerts on every photography position that popped up and sending out out my resume constantly, I finally got one. Falling into that position allowed me to work in real estate photography on salary, while being able to pursue whatever else I wanted in my free time. It really changed my life for the better because I didn’t have to worry about making it or where my next meal was coming from and at the same time trying to enjoy what I loved about camera work. I realized that the feast or famine aspect of the art world was a turn off for me personally and killed my creativity. Being able to solely focus on what the model and I can create, is exactly where I wanted my focus to be, and in my position now, that is possible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If there is one thing about my style of photography, it’s that I like to try new things. Many photographers have to stick to a certain look because that is their brand and they have to be consistent. I have somewhat of a free reign over what I do because I support myself through another field of the photography world. Being so ADD, I tend to change focus or interest very quickly, which results in a portfolio that’s all over the place. Some may want a consistent look, but to me, it holds my interest and surprises me every photoshoot. Its my thing and I think that’s an important lesson to learn for every creative. I wanted to create art for myself and the model. If the world likes it, then I appreciate it whole heartedly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I live down here in Colorado Springs, so we would make this an adventure. We could start by riding mountain bikes at Red Rocks Open Space and then head over to Colorado Mountain Brewery for some beer and homestyle mac n cheese. Then we would hit Quail Lake and float around on some paddle boards and hang out on the shore. After that you could plan a trip out to Monarch Resort to ski and head over to Mt Princeton Hot Springs and stay a night or two. On your way back we would camp for a night at Rampart Reservoir and sing some campfire songs and roast some marshmallows. After cleaning up at home we would go out to Supernova Arcade Bar and then end the trip at Manitou Hot Springs that sits right under Pikes Peak.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. I literally could not be here without other people. My mother, for pushing all of her kids to try new things all the time. Sunday Night Meets group for putting together artists meetups with photographers and models. Every one of the models I have worked with that are the subject of our work. The light painting community that I created with when I moved out here that pushed all of the attendants to explore new ways to create photographs. And honestly, just the people in Colorado. I have never been in a place with so many artistic abilities!

Website: bradyoungmedia.com

Instagram: dymedia1

Image Credits
Cassie Stratton Ciara O’donoghue Dimas Hornbuckle JaShawn Thorton Emma Gregg Paige Happel Heidi Lynn