Interview with Photographer, Latrenia Bryant

Name:         Latrenia M. Thompson-Bryant
Age:            39 yrs. young (LOL)
Day Job:     Unemployed at this time due to recent move
Profession:  License Practical Nurse

KiK: Tell us about your artistic background and how you got started in photography?
LB: My first encounter with photography happened in the sixth grade when a photographer came to speak to our class. I held the camera and later saw the image appear on paper like magic. From that moment on I knew I would always have a camera with me. I was going to be a photographer! I'm not formally trained. I took a darkroom photographer class once in college years ago. Everything else I know I found out on my own.
 

KiK: Self-taught. Cool. So, What do you photograph? 

LB: Hmmmm... lol..what DON'T I photograph. I actually love to take pictures of everything! If it's a person, place, thing, or idea (LOL) I want to photograph it! buuuuuut If I have to actually put a label on myself I would have to call myself a style photographer. Fashion is something one buys and STYLE is something either you have or don't. If you have it then I'm excited to shoot you because I love to see the swag, the attitude, that "it factor"... the thing that makes the viewer want to be you (smile).

KiK: Do you rely on lighting (natural, or artificial), or  dark-room/computer manipulation? LB: I would have to say both. Recently I've gotten into artificial lighting and I love it! If possible, I will use my monolight by Alien Bees. I have the B800 lighting and it's enough for me and my shooting style.. for now anyways. LOL. If I'm solely relying on natural light then I always use the widest aperture possible to get the most light at all times. I actually like my photos slightly overexposed. As for post processing, because I'm not shooting much film these days I'm not in the traditional darkroom setting anymore, although I do miss it, most times I'm in my digital darkroom (computer manipulation) tweaking the colors, exposure, etc. because I loooove odd colors that resemble light leaks from the film days.

KiK: OK, so what are the 3 photographic tools you wouldn't be caught shooting without? LB: 1. Editing software (Photoshop CS4..Bridge..Lightroom2)
      2. B800 monolight
      3. Canon 50mm lens
not including my baby...Canon EOS 5D Mark ii w/L Lens of course!
 

KiK: You know I couldn't let you go without asking you about your long, luscious locs. What's the story behind your hair? Also, I recently saw a pic with you in an afro. What is our hair like now? LB: (smiling) That's a short story. I have always loved the look of natural hair. I never felt like I was being the person I was meant to be. I felt I was trying to be something I wasn't by wearing perms, jheri curls, etc. It's obvious I couldn't hide nor change my dark skin and frankly I got tired of trying to fit into what society said was beautiful.
In 1995 I had made up my mind that I was going natural. I didn't care who like it or not, including my husband. I keep my head up and dealt with the negative feedback as best as I could. In 2002 I decided to LOC-it up! and honestly that was one of my best move ever. I feel ..

• FREE..to be me
• Beautiful
• Sexy
• Desired
• HAPPY!

and NO, I don't feel bad about boasting about my look or self confidence. Frankly, I wish more black women would jump on that band wagon and really start to love themselves as I do. I feel good when I come across someone who can appreciate the beauty of a natural woman. As for my Afro (smiling) yes, I was feeling very foxy that day..lol. I love those images! http://blog.lbryantphotography.com/2011/04/maxfro/ I'm actually rocking the pipe cleaner curls that I put in May 24...lol..I'll be changing it soon. 

KiK: Where do you see yourself professionally in 5-10 years? LB: I believe I'll be contracted to do some steady work for a few fashion/beauty/travel magazines...and very little nursing (smiling) Regardless, my husband will be retired from the Air Force and we plan on traveling and relaxing so I'm looking forward to that! 

KiK: Is your photography work available for purchase or hire? LB: I have large wall size pieces hanging in my home but no personal pieces are currently available for purchase though I am available for shoots! I have contact info on my blog as well as my website:

• http://blog.lbryantphotography.com/
• http://www.lbryantphotography.com/

Would loooove for you guys can follow me on tumblr, twitter and facebook or flickr. All my links are on my website and blog. 

KiK: Well, thanks for doing this interview! Is there any advice you'd love to leave for people who want to start a hobby or career in photography? LB: Aww..you're welcome! and yes, my advice would be..

• You have to LOVE IT!
• Have your own style..your own vision
• Study the craft even in your dreams!! lol..ok maybe not your dreams but you get what I'm saying
• Shoot..SHOOT ....AND SHOOT. The more you shoot the better you'll get!