Metro PPA Mention February 2023
Metro PPA Member Spotlight ~ Brent Fuchs
Brent Fuchs Photography
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm a dad to two girls that are now 17 & 19 and I'm a photographer. I graduated from Northern Oklahoma with a degree in photography in 2001 and then graduated from UCO in 2005 with a degree in photojournalism and a minor in history.
Where are you from?
I was born in raised in Stillwater, OK. I moved to the OKC metro about twenty years ago and settled in Edmond in 2014.
How long have you been of member of Metro PPA?:
Joined this January
Why do you decide to join Metro PPA?
I need to get out more. I recently realized I don't really know many photographers anymore.
How did you become interested in Photography?
When I turned thirteen my dad got me a Pentax K1000 and had access to a darkroom. It was an interest off and on during my teenage years. I never thought of it as a career until I took a photography class in college. Then I was all in.
What type of photography do you specialize in and why?
Commercial and Editorial
What is the best piece of career advice you ever received?
"It doesn't matter how good a photographer you are if you're broke. Learn to run a business."
I'm still working on it.
What is one skill you would like to develop or sharpen this year?
Oddly enough it's not a photography. I'm working on adding value to what I already do. I'm wanting to expand with more editorial clients and I'm working on interviewing and writing. Ideally I'd love to interview and photo and turn it over to a talented writer.
What advice would you give someone just starting a photography business OR What advice would you give someone just starting to learn photography?
Focus on one thing. When I think about photographers who are really making it they aren't generalist. Learn that one area of photography you love and market yourself accordingly. Then add on as you go.
If you are starting out in photography DO NOT buy all the things. Buy the equipment that you need, not the equipment you want. If you are a headshot photographer don't spend $10k on a sports lens "just in case" if you don't have the cashflow. Men, I'm looking at you. That call isn't coming, focus.
What is your biggest (or one of your biggest) professional accomplishment(s) so far?
I was at the Journal Record newspaper for several years. We learned the Friday morning before Easter that Chesapeak let all their employees off for that day "to spend time with their families". It was unusual and the CEO had been embroiled in scandal and was rumored to be leaving the company. I told my boss I bet they didn't want anyone watching him pack his office. I was correct and was the only photographer to get him loading his truck. The next week I received a call from the CEO of our company as well as emails and calls from editors congratulating me on getting the photo that lead to a story.
When you are not working what do you like to spend your time doing?
Reading or watching movie. Mostly it's more photography but with film.
What is something about you (a fun fact) not many people know?
I wish there was a fun fact about me.
What is your favorite photography tip?
Shoot like you can't edit later. Taking a few minutes to get it right in camera can save you hours afterwards.
What is your go to piece of equipment?
A light meter. I've carried one for 23 years now. I take a lot of location portraits and when possible will take a few minutes and pre-visualize my setup without a camera. Just me and a meter.
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