Meet Bryan York | Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Bryan, what do you want people to remember about you?
I hope people would say that I cared enough about them and made them feel loved. That I impacted them and urged them to want to know about Jesus Christ more and more. He is my everything and why I am still alive today when I should have been dead years ago.

When I was three and a half years old, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor called a glioma.

I underwent 72 treatments of radiation, shot directly through my ears to try and stop the growth of the tumor.

They gave me a 0% chance of survival.

But, God did a miracle in my life and healed me.

Fast forward to 2015, I was hospitalized to learn that I suffered from a stroke at the age of 27.
I learned from brain scans that I had several arteries in the back of my head that were never fully developed (due to the radiation treatment I received as a child.)
Instead of being wide and flexible, they were small and webby. A blood clot passed through but not before doing damage. I lost all major functions of my right side.

Yet, again, God chose to preserve my life.

I should have been depressed and downcast given my circumstances. However, I was filled with the joy of the Lord every day I awoke in that hospital bed and was ready to take on new challenges.

-Nehemiah 8:10 “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Not only is Jesus Christ my strength but He is my legacy!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am a Portrait Photographer in Portland, Oregon,
I delight in bringing the best out of everyone!

When I was three and a half, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given little chance of survival. By the grace of God, I was healed.

After moving to Colorado in early 2015, I was hospitalized. I had suffered from a minor stroke at the age of 28. Little did I know I would be spending the next several years working hard to recover from its effects.

I am still fighting the good fight in my recovery and look at each day as a blessing. I faithfully share what God has done in my life with those who make time to listen. Truly, none of us know how much time we have in this life. We have to live each moment to the fullest and value what we are given.
I treat every moment and encounter with my subjects as a blessing and an opportunity to leave an impression on their lives.

What kind of impression will you leave?

What makes me different than most photographers is the fact I am disabled and work at a slower pace. I am more methodical in my work.
I am unable to do a high volume of shoots.
I have to be selective with whom I work with. Working with big groups is difficult for me and not my cup of tea. I thrive when working 1-on-1 with individuals. This allows me to be more personal and hopefully have a deeper connection with each person. My goal is always to leave a meaningful impression on each subject.

Again, “What kind of impression will you leave”?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I would start by going to a baseball game at Coors Field. The stadium is a great atmosphere to hang out and the views are amazing!

I would plan a visit to Estes Park, Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, a tour of the Air Force Academy, and end with a concert at Red Rocks

As for places to eat I would dine at Restaurants at the Broadmoor, Edelweiss German Restaurant (in Colorado Springs), and hang out at Lingers in Denver

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout-out to PPGCS (Professional Photographers Guild of Colorado Springs) and all its members.

“The Guild is the best professional photography group along the Front Range” -Larry Adkins

Everyone is like family and PPGCS is where I have grown the most as a photographer.

If you are in Colorado Springs or Colorado and want to be a part of an amazing community + grow as a photographer check out PPGCS at https://www.ppgcs.com/

Website: https://www.yorkphotography4.com/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/york_photography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/york.bryan/

Image Credits
-Minh-Ly -Amie Boulton. -Leo -Gary Rickard -Michael Hanke -Holly & Sarah -Nicole Kappner -Zuri Leigh & Nicole Kappner