Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Johnson.
Hi Brittany, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started shooting photography professionally in 2018 when I moved into Moorhead. I got a jump start into really seeing what a professional looks like when I was selected to work with a short-lived fashion publication called Quaintrelle. I assisted the main photographer Jason Seibels with models, props, and lighting. He continues to be available to mentor me as the years have gone on a very valuable resource in this art.
I started to pick up more photography opportunities in 2019 after working at a wedding in the Hjemkomst stav. In 2020, I started my art project called Resplendent Residents. While most of the focus has been on senior citizens, it’s inclusive of all marginalized communities in need of better media representation that showcases their positive attributes, and how they’re an asset to our communities.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Some challenges I’ve faced are mostly due to being physically disabled; I was diagnosed with seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2017, at about 29 years old. This disease brings with it physical impairment, but also chronic pain, and fatigue, and requires very strong advocacy on my part as there are many misconceptions in the medical community about the disease, its treatments, and the age of some patients.
Aside from trying to accommodate physical demands, it’s also difficult to pursue art while balancing home life; my kids are not yet old enough to be on their own for too long, and there are three of them so it can be chaotic at times. They have seen how positively I’m affected when I can produce some artwork and they’re my biggest cheerleaders when it comes to successes (or even failures).
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love doing portraiture of all styles; I do trend towards heavily contrasted, dramatic lighting when possible, but my foremost goal is to always provide an authentic representation of the model I have the privilege of photographing. I’ve photographed weddings, events, business products, and boudoirs.
Boudoir photography holds a special place for me, as every client I’ve had the honor of working with has said “Is that me?” at least once during and after our session. The empowerment of self-love and appreciation is not valued as highly as it should be. I hope that I’ve helped turn the tables around for each of them to move forward in life, feeling as beautiful and strong as they looked in their photos.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My mentor Jason Seibels of Renegade Photography in Fargo, ND. My family encourages and promotes my work where they can, as well as celebrates my goals. Desiree Marsh, the activities director at the Leach Home went out of her way to up the ante and garner some news coverage of my first project with them.
Deb Kaul and Leeora Carpenter Windingland at Memory Cafe’ of the Red River Valley in Fargo, ND have graciously allowed me to participate in events to help further Resplendent Residents’ exposure. The Awesome Foundation of Clay County awarded me a $1000 grant in 2022 for my Resplendent Residents project, and Brandi Malarkey got me connected with Memory Cafe to start working with them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.subtlebphoto.com
- Instagram: @subtle.b
- Facebook: subtle.bphotography
- TikTok: @subtle.bphotography
Image Credits
Handsome Heroes: The Show Modeling Agency, The Leach Home, Memory Cafe, and Malarkey Games: That Monkey Game
