Meet Brandon Krakora of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Krakora.

Hi Brandon, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My photography career started when I was 18, my cousin bought her first camera and I was so fascinated by it that I eventually saved money from working part time to buy my own first DSLR. It was nothing fancy, I enjoyed photographing my dogs and photographing people and nature, learning the basics of photography.
Through out college, I had worked in coffee shops, grocery stores, and restaurants, doing small photography jobs, it allowed me to save money to buy my first professional camera. By then I was committed to the idea that I wanted to be a professional photographer.
After my first year of college, I fell on rough times. I had lost my job, I had no money, I was at an all time low mentally. No self esteem, no confidence. Depressed. All I had left was my camera.
Luckily I had a supportive family who helped me get back on my feet.
I had no job, but I was still determined to launch my photography career. I reached out to every photographer in Ohio asking if they were hiring and could take me on as an assistant. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I’ve never shot a wedding or done a professional photoshoot. I had no experience. I got rejection after rejection, but luckily there was one who gave me a chance for an interview. This guy owned his own wedding photography business and had a team of photographers that worked for him. He initially wasn’t going to take me on, but he took a chance. He taught me everything that I know about the wedding industry and photography. It gave me the experience to shoot weddings and portraits. I took every job that I could get and became his lead photographer going onto 8 years as business partners. It gave me the confidence and skills needed to take on photography jobs and assignments.
This year I launched Brandon Krakora Photography LLC so I can take on more opportunities to tell stories through portraiture and weddings.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve definitely have had highs and lows in my career. I worked for a wedding photography company called Riverfront Photography, the owner took a chance with me and hired me to be a second photographer for weddings. I got to photograph jewelry, the dress, candid moments. You assisted the lead photographer. I’ve eventually moved up to be a lead photographer that takes all the important photos. The wedding part photos, family photographers, photographing all the important moments.
There was a huge learning curve getting into the industry. I had to learn and adapt quick and learning this science of photography. I made so many mistakes my first couple years. They helped me grow. Every wedding taught me a lesson. It challenged me in a new way. It challenged me as an artist, as a professional, as a person. I’ve had critics in the past that weren’t happy with some of the work I’ve created.
It would hurt but it gave me fuel. I was so hungry to learn, I would spend hours listening to photography podcasts and videos and took workshops to learn new concepts and learn basics in posing and art.
The only way I was going to become good at this was to study and learn and be brave to take risks and try new things.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Yeah! So I specialize in weddings and portraiture. I use a variety of different photography techniques to capture my subject. I love to use natural light to create those dark and moody scenes with my subject. I sometimes use flash and studio lighting to create those highly artistic shots.
It’s hard to describe my style, I love to study and learn about many photographers style and approach to the art. Sometimes I find my self trying many different “hats” in the photography world. I like to create photos that look photojournalistic, I like the create work that looks like a Victorian painting, I like to create photos that looks like it belongs in a magazine.
Regardless of style, my goal is to always make you feel something about the photo. To elicit an emotion. I want to captivate your curiosity and attention. I want to make people go “wow” when they see the photo.

It’s hard to describe how im set apart from the others in this industry. There’s so many talented artists out there, I’m constantly inspired. What I hope to offer is my own unique interpretation of light and colors and composition.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m really introverted, I get most of my energy and inspiration from being alone or meditating. I’m more confident now, so it’s easier to talk and interact with other people in a professional space. I enjoy collaboration, work on teams or crews but I need some time to be alone, reflect, think, and strategize.

Pricing:

• $1300- 6 hour wedding package
• $1800- 8 hour wedding package
• $2400- full day wedding package
• $300- senior photo session
• $300- family photo session

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brandonkrakoraphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandon_krakora