We recently connected with Brandon Cole and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Brandon with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Being a current active duty service member, it instills a level of discipline, perseverance, and attention to detail that directly translates to success of my photography. The military teaches you to adapt to high-pressure situations, work tirelessly to achieve mission objectives, and maintain focus even in challenging environments—qualities that are essential for capturing the perfect shot. Whether it’s waking up before dawn to scout locations, enduring harsh weather conditions for the right lighting, or meticulously editing images to perfection, the work ethic developed in the military ensures that no detail is overlooked. Just as in the armed forces, where precision and dedication are paramount, photography demands the same relentless commitment to excellence. This foundation allows you to push through obstacles, stay patient in the pursuit of greatness, and consistently deliver outstanding results.
Moreover, the military fosters a unique ability to see the bigger picture while executing with precision—an invaluable skill for a photographer. Service members are trained to assess situations quickly, anticipate challenges, and act decisively, all of which are crucial when composing a shot in fast-paced or unpredictable settings. The leadership and teamwork skills gained in the military also translate well into photography, whether directing a photoshoot, collaborating with clients, or networking within the industry. The resilience and mental toughness developed through service ensure that setbacks—like missed opportunities or creative blocks—are met with determination rather than discouragement. Ultimately, the military’s emphasis on excellence, adaptability, and relentless effort provides the perfect framework for becoming a renowned photographer with an impeccable work ethic.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a renowned photographer, entrepreneur, author and content creator whose passion for photography shines through my dynamic behind-the-scenes photoshoots, engaging YouTube tutorials, and collaborations with models. What makes photography so thrilling for me is its endless versatility—whether I’m crafting controlled, high-impact images in a studio or chasing the perfect natural light or conducting off-camera flash on location. In the studio, I manipulate lighting, backdrops, and props to create striking portraits, while on-location shoots allow me to embrace spontaneity, using urban landscapes, lush forests, or bustling city streets as my canvas. This duality keeps my work fresh and exciting, proving that photography is not just about capturing moments but also about storytelling through ever-changing environments.
Building the Brandon Cole Photography brand has been a journey of creativity, business savvy, and community engagement. Through strategic partnerships with leading photographic companies, I have expanded my reach, testing cutting-edge gear and sharing my expertise with fellow photographers. My YouTube channel serves as both an educational hub and a behind-the-scenes look at my creative process, inspiring aspiring photographers to refine their craft. Beyond digital content, I try fostering real-world connections by organizing photowalks, workshops, and other events where photographers of all levels can learn, network, and grow together. These initiatives not only strengthen my brand but also reinforce my commitment to elevating the photography community as a whole.
At the heart of my success is my unwavering love for photography—a medium that allows me to freeze time, evoke emotion, and connect with people in profound ways. Whether I’m directing a model in a studio or chasing golden hour on a remote beach, every shoot is an opportunity to push boundaries and create something extraordinary. My ability to seamlessly transition between controlled studio setups and unpredictable outdoor environments showcases my adaptability and vision. Through my brand, collaborations, and events, I continue to inspire others, proving that photography isn’t just a profession but a lifelong passion that thrives on innovation, exploration, and shared experiences.
My journey as a photographer reached an exciting new milestone with the release of my first photography book, Portrait Photography And The Effective Use of Flash, a culmination of years of experience, creativity, and passion. Packed with behind-the-scenes insights, and stunning imagery, the book quickly became a must-have resource for both aspiring and seasoned photographers. Seeing the initial wave of online orders flood in was incredibly rewarding, but nothing compared to the thrill of meeting readers in person at my photography workshops. Holding a physical copy of my work, signing it for eager fans, and hearing their feedback made all the late nights and hard work worthwhile. The book wasn’t just a collection of photos; it was a tangible extension of my mission to educate and inspire others in the craft I love. The success of the book also opened new opportunities—speaking engagements, collaborations, and even discussions for future publications. For me, this wasn’t just about selling a book; it was about building a legacy and fostering a community of photographers who grow together, one page and one shoot at a time.
As an entrepreneur, I pushed the boundaries of photographic equipment with the creation of the world’s first all-black beauty dish, a groundbreaking tool that has revolutionized lighting techniques for photographers worldwide, allowing you to create stunning photos with reduced specularity and more natural-looking skin tones. Modifiers have existed since the beginning of photography, however, there has never been a black modifier created. Traditional light modifiers come with a white or silver surface to help reflect light back onto your subject. The problem with these particular surfaces is when light bounces off white or silver, it still reflects a large amount of light back to your subject, even if the light is diffused. This not only takes more time for photographers to get the right exposure, it also extends their editing process when trying to balance light with skin tones. I created the answer. The Blackdish. Bouncing light off of a black surface drastically cuts the light intensity, ultimately giving a more soft, more pleasing look. It keeps the natural look of skin tones and color, it invokes a particular warmth because the surface is black. This is why I created the Blackdish. The first of its kind! My black beauty dish comes in two sizes; a 40” light modifier and a 22” modifier. It comes with a 6” black deflector plate designed to bounce light back into the modifier creating a beautiful sculpting image. It also comes with an inner and outer diffusion panel designed to diffuse the light intensity. This modifier diffuses light in a way that white and silver modifier cannot.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Adaptability – Photography is unpredictable especially as an on-location photographer. Whether you’re working in a controlled studio or battling changing light outdoors. Learning to adapt—adjusting settings on the fly, pivoting creative visions, and problem-solving in real time—has been crucial. No two shoots are the same, and embracing that uncertainty has led to some of my best work.
2. Storytelling Through Light – Mastering light, both natural and artificial, transformed my photography. Light shapes mood, depth, and emotion in every image. Whether sculpting shadows in the studio or chasing golden hour on location, understanding how to manipulate light has been one of the most powerful tools in my creative arsenal.
3. Building Genuine Connections – Great photography isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about people. Building trust with models, clients, and fellow photographers creates a collaborative energy that elevates every shoot. Some of my favorite images came from moments where the subject felt comfortable enough to be their authentic self in front of the lens.
Now for some valuable tips for those early in their journey.
Shoot Constantly & Experiment Fearlessly – Your early work won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. The more you shoot, the faster you’ll develop your style. Try new techniques, shoot in different lighting conditions, and step outside your comfort zone. Every “failed” shot is a lesson.
Learn the Rules—Then Break Them – Understand the fundamentals (composition, exposure, posing), but don’t let them limit you. Some of the most striking images come from bending or breaking traditional rules intentionally.
Community Over Competition – Photography can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Join photowalks, engage with other creators, and share knowledge. The relationships you build will inspire you, open doors, and make the journey more rewarding.
Most importantly—shoot what excites YOU. Passion is what keeps you going when the grind gets tough. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset—nurture it.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Growing up as the youngest son of a single mother, I witnessed firsthand the unwavering strength and sacrifice that defined her life. My mother worked tirelessly, often taking on multiple jobs, just to ensure my brother and I had food on the table, clothes on our backs, and a roof over our heads. There were countless nights she went to bed exhausted, yet she never let us see her struggle—instead, she made sure we felt safe, loved, and supported. Even when money was tight, she found ways to give us small joys, whether it was a secondhand toy or a homemade birthday celebration, proving that love wasn’t measured in what we had but in what she was willing to give up for us.
Some of the most humbling moments were realizing how much she went without so that we could have. I remember times when she’d skip meals, telling us she wasn’t hungry, just so we could eat until we were full. When school supplies or new shoes were needed, she’d quietly put off paying a bill or wearing her own worn-out shoes a little longer to make it happen. Those sacrifices weren’t just acts of survival—they were silent lessons in selflessness, teaching me that true love means putting someone else’s needs above your own, no matter the cost.
Today, her resilience lives in me—every ounce of my drive, work ethic, and determination stems from watching her fight for us. She could have given up, but she didn’t. She could have settled for less, but she pushed forward. Because of her, I understand the value of perseverance, the importance of gratitude, and the power of a mother’s love. Everything I am, everything I’ve accomplished, is because of the foundation she built with her sacrifices. And if I can live my life with even half of her strength and generosity, I’ll know I’ve honored her in the best way possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brandoncolephotos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandoncolephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandoncolephotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/brandoncolephotography
Image Credits
Special shoutout to my models
Sarah
Viry
Diamond
Toni
Ashley
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
