Brittany Marshall

Brittany always knew she had a love for fashion, from the age of five she was drawing dresses and garments in my sketchbook, making clothes for Barbie, and stealing her mother’s heals.  When she was a teenager, she started collecting photos from magazines and didn’t know why. She would just rip out her favorites and save them. Then I decided to go to fashion school in LA to figure out what she wanted to do. Brittany thought she wanted to work for a magazine but that wasn’t it, then she thought to herself  maybe  wanted to be a graphic designer and do the layouts for magazines as well as advertisements, well that wasn’t it either. Then Brittany knew she wanted to be a part of the creation of those glossy art books. Finally while living in Boston she attended some group fashion shoots and borrowed a camera from a friend. The shoots were eight hours long and she didn’t eat or take a break the entire time, they gave Brittany a rush and she didn’t want to stop. She started shooting for local modeling agencies and practicing on anyone who would let me.  Brittany’s still practicing to this day and plan on continuing forever.

Define the word beauty.

Beauty is so many things in life it is the feeling you get that washes over you and awes you, it is in nature, it is conversation, and it is everywhere. I feel that it is a photographer’s job to highlight the beauty that they find so that everyone can enjoy it.

When did you decide to become a photographer?

I don’t think there was ever a day I woke up and made the decision, it has always been a part of my life and I just slowly became consumed with it.

Who are your influences?

Right now I am obsessed with Hedi Slimane’s work, I stare at it all day and try to figure out what it is about his photos that I can’t get enough of and then I try to incorporate that feeling into my own work. My influences are constantly changing and I have new obsessions monthly, there are too many amazing photographers out there to keep a short inspiration list.

What are your biggest personal/professional challenges that you face day to day?

I have a constant fear that I will lose my photo mojo, which I will wake up one day and all of a sudden not have inspiration or ideas, like it’s a superpower that will run out. I battle this fear by constantly challenging my own ideas and experimenting with new ones as well as taking inspiration from others.

What has been your biggest professional achievement so far?

Having my photo in an amazing exhibit in Los Angeles and then having the same photo end up in LA Weekly and the LA Times. It was amazing to see people’s reactions and have them tell me that my photo evoked emotion and curiosity, which is always my ultimate goal.

How do you see your brand developing over the next couple of years?

Well if I could stop moving around so much and settle in one city I think building my brand might be easier. I definitely have a problem staying put, but I would like to be a resource for the Seattle fashion industry and make a name for myself here.

When you think of Seattle Fashion, what comes to mind?

How would you define Seattle’s fashion style? Although I am a Seattle newbie (only a couple months) the style of this city definitely screams for attention. I see it as eclectic and free with no rules but only innovation, no one is afraid to start a trend around here.

What excites you about the future of Seattle’s fashion industry?

That it has nowhere to go except for up, it will continue growing and making its mark in the fashion world.

How would you describe your own personal style?

Can you share a few address book recommendations to our readers (hairdressers, tailors, shops… anything you like really)? For the past year I have been obsessed with the color gold! I love glitz and glam and the sparkly dresses you see in the Barneys windows. I wish I had an excuse to wear a ball gown everywhere. I like details and interesting pieces. My favorite store in Seattle though is the Deluxe Junk store in Fremont, it is a treasure chest in there.

If you weren’t a photographer then what would you be?

I love all forms of art; I love painting, home design, architecture, fashion and makeup. So if I couldn’t be a photographer I would probably do one of those things.

What is the one item you never leave the house without (other than a cell phone)?

My camera!

What are you looking forward to in the future?

Building relationships with other industry professionals in Seattle and being able to work with great teams and create masterpieces.

Which photographers currently working do you admire most?

I am obsessed with Hedi Slimane, as well as Andrew Yee, and  Paolo Roversi.

What is the biggest mistake you have made with your business?

Moving around too much, I build up a client base and am busy and doing great and then I decide I need a new environment and I get up and move, not a good idea.

Do you have any advice for anyone entering your field?

Don’t allow yourself to be taught any rules, do what feels good because it is always right. And if one person hates your work there is sure to be another who loves it.

What exciting things are on the horizon?

I am working on sort of a fine art series right now of black and white portraits and when it’s completed I hope to have an exhibit of the final prints.

Who would you like to thank for your success?

My fiancé. I can’t even count how many times he let me photograph him. When I was teaching myself he spent many long nights posing and sitting for me. I’ve even put him in a dress to get the lighting down the night before a big shoot, now that’s a dedicated man.

Now this is your chance to ask yourself and answer the one question you wish you had been asked but have never had the opportunity to do so.  What is your favorite thing about photography?

Watching a dream come to life. I love the process. First you envision your dream then you play out different options in your head then you start to gather your resources and put your shoot together, then you shoot it, then when you upload those photos your dream appears and you can’t believe you made it happen! Then you get to do it all over again!

How would you describe your photography style?

I am a speed demon, I shoot at the speed of light and love to work this way, and I feel that if I sit too long or think too much then my mind will beat my instinct.

Do you prefer shooting in a studio or in natural light? Why?

I love both for different reasons, but I have always felt that the sun is the most beautiful light to work with, and to be able to control and sculpt with the most powerful light on earth is very exciting

What else do you shoot (landscape, weddings, etc)?

I shoot still life’s of odd and interesting objects and things I see and find, I also love doing dog portraits J

What is you dream photo assignment?

Shooting an editorial for vanity fair with gold sparkly ball gowns in a large ballroom with a high gothic ceiling and huge windows and marble floors,  with tons of models dancing around in beautiful gowns, hey you said “dream” (there is also a piano player in the background)

Did you go to school for photography or are you self-taught?

Self-taught

How do you stay current with new techniques?

I come up with my own new techniques that work for me

Where is your favorite location to shoot?

Anywhere with amazing architecture, stone, cathedral ceilings, gothic style doors anything grand and over the top would be my preference

What tips would you give to someone to take a really good shot?

Don’t let your subject see you or notice that you are shooting at the moment. Distract them with whatever you can, make a stupid joke, start a conversation tell them to take a break and then snap a shot

Are there any local industry professionals you want to work with or look forward to working with?

I am looking forward to meeting local designers as well as great makeup artists and anyone who wants to get together and create beauty.