Meet Bryan Fay

We were lucky to catch up with Bryan Fay recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bryan, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

In 4th Grade, Mr. Morrisons Class, I was asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” on an assignment and I remember writing “Photographer”.

How did I come up with that?

My dad is who first influenced me. I remember the day we took a two hour drive to buy his first professional camera. He would take me along with him to weddings, church events and school dances to help set up his lights.

Then in 2008, I got my first photography position at Sears Portrait Studio. It was only a 4 week seasonal position, but after having families come in and specifically ask for me, I was inspired and knew “I could and I want to do this”. So I moved to Nashville and got into photography school.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a photographer with a passion for capturing moments and stories. My journey in photography began back in 2008, when I started shooting everything and everyone around me.

Professionally, I began my career in 2011 shooting product photos for Kirklands Home, a home décor company. That summer, I also shot two national advertisements for Tractor Supply Company and began working with small businesses in the Nashville, TN area.

In 2014, I took a big leap and moved to Ethiopia to work with CURE.org, a children’s disability hospital. There, I documented the journeys of young patients and shared their stories through photos with the organization’s donors.

Fast forward to 2023, I made the decision to leave all traditional jobs behind and fully embrace freelancing as a photographer. By the end of the year, I realized I wanted to focus on headshot photography and launched “Headshots Co.”

At Headshots Co., I specialize in providing professional headshots for large groups. I visit corporate offices, hotels, and conference centers, offering companies the convenience of capturing consistent, high-quality headshots for all their employees—whether it’s a one-time session or on a recurring basis.

I still photograph under “Bryan Fay Photo” but with less of a Niche. There, I do more lifestyle portrait work, shooting for brands and their products.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Growing up, I always thrived in Art Class. My natural eye for creativity played a huge role in my success.

One of my strengths is my ability to stay adaptable and think creatively under pressure. I’ve received feedback from models I’ve worked with for apparel companies saying, “Man, you’re so fast! We have so much to shoot, and every shot looks amazing.” I’m not one to boast, but I trust their words!

On top of that, I’ve been using Photoshop since 2006—long before I ever picked up a camera. Back then, before YouTube tutorials were a thing, I’d spend hours experimenting in Photoshop, teaching myself the ins and outs of the software. Once I mastered it, it opened up a whole new world of creativity for me behind the camera, knowing I could enhance and shape my photos in post-production.

My advice to anyone on this journey: Don’t get too caught up in “how it’s supposed to be done”—be creative. I’m grateful to be at a point in my career where I’ve developed a specific style and brand, but I still look back at my early work and draw inspiration from the bold creativity and unique angles I explored. You’re probably more creative than you give yourself credit for. As artists, we tend to be our harshest critics.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My dad showed me the camera. He was my first inspiration. While he never took it on as a full blown business venture, without him, I would not have ever picked up a camera in the first place.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bryanfay.com / www.HeadshotsCo.com
• Instagram: @bryanfayphoto / @HeadshotsCo

Image Credits

Matt @fitconnection20
Cindy @cinergigrouptravel
A3 Merch @a3merch
Judith Bright @judithbright