Conversations with Bryan Reavis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Reavis

Hi Bryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my photography journey in 2015 in Charleston, SC, at Trident Technical college. I’ve always wanted to get into the photography/film production industry since I was a kid, but this was the first time I found a school that offered photography/film as a HANDS-ON course. Once I got my hands on the camera, I just wanted to know all the ins and outs of photography; like who were the top players? what types of photography are there? How do I get featured in a magazine?

Trident Technical college was a two-year program; unfortunately, I never received my degree because of financial reasons, but that didn’t stop my goal of becoming a well respected, creative, versatile, and trustworthy black photographer in this vast field.

I started my own photography company, InVade Productions. I took photos of my friends and family. I would offer my service for free to small businesses like barbershops, new foodie pop-ups, and local up-and-coming models and music artists to help with their branding. While doing that, I sorta found my style and what I like to shoot. In January of 2020, I had the opportunity to move to Atlanta to expand my photography and brand then, covid-19 hit. While the world was in quarantine, I stayed productive by learning and adapting to this beautiful world of photography and art. Also, during quarantine, I started to do abstract painting (pouring mediums techniques). As the world began to open back up, I hit the ground running. I’ve expanded my portfolio to food photography, product photography, fashion/lifestyle photography, and branding. June 5, 2021, I stepped out on faith and put together my debut art gallery, Black Classy! It was a major success and a huge milestone.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve definitely had my ups and downs. My setbacks and frustrations. Some of struggles I’ve had was not having a reliable laptop to work on. Having just the bare minimum equipment to have a successful photoshoot. Not having clients to photograph. Not knowing how I should charge people. Me talking myself out of creative shoots that I wanted to photograph. All those played a factor early on.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Photographer/Abstract painter based out of Dayton, OH. I specialize in portrait photography and abstract painting. I am known for my fashion/lifestyle portrait photography and abstract painting. I am most proud of two major things. one is taking a leap of faith and moving to Atlanta to learn photography and film hands on. Two is stepping out on faith again and putting together my debut art gallery. I’d say what sets me apart is my creativity, my perspective on things (the eye), my attention to details, my willingness to go above and beyond for my clients!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I don’t particularly have any advice about finding a mentor, but networking is a major key and building cornerstone to any business. NETWORKING NETWORKING NETWORKING. You have to put yourself out there. There is no room to operate out of fear and rejection. Growing up my mother would always tell me “open your mouth and speak up…. A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.” As an adult that statement hits harder. I don’t mind asking for help or asking to collaborate on a project or even pitching my ideas to new clients that I think could use my services. Some might say No, but someone will eventually tell me yes. And that one yes will open many doors!

Contact Info:

• Email: Invadeproductionsllc@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b_invade
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InVadeProduction
• Other: Invadeproductionsllc@gmail.com