We were lucky to catch up with Britt Bradley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Britt, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Developing confidence and self-esteem has been an ongoing journey shaped by the support and influence of my family and peers. Growing up with three brothers, I found solace in their acceptance and encouragement, especially in embracing my uniqueness. They not only reinforced my identity as an “odd child” and the only girl but also celebrated it, reminding me that what made me different also made me valuable.
My mother, a beacon of strength and determination, instilled in me the resilience to pursue my dreams relentlessly. Her unwavering commitment to her own goals served as a powerful example, teaching me the importance of perseverance and self-belief. Additionally, surrounding myself with a community of talented artists has been instrumental in bolstering my confidence. Their validation and acknowledgment of my voice and perspective continually affirm my worth and remind me of the significance of my creative contributions.
Moreover, I’ve learned the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships and distancing myself from toxic influences. By prioritizing connections with individuals who genuinely support and uplift me, I’ve created a nurturing environment where I can thrive and continue to grow both personally and artistically.
In this supportive environment, I’ve learned to embrace my individuality and celebrate my accomplishments, recognizing that my unique perspective adds richness to the artistic landscape. Through the affirmation of my family and the camaraderie of fellow artists, I’ve cultivated a deep sense of self-worth and confidence in my abilities. Their encouragement serves as a constant reminder that I am capable, valued, and deserving of success. By nurturing these connections and embracing the strength of my own voice, I continue to grow in confidence, knowing that I am an integral part of a vibrant and supportive creative community.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Britt Bradley, an alternative process photographer specializing in Wet Plate Collodion. My passion lies in creating spaces where diverse narratives flourish. Currently, I’m immersed in projects capturing the vibrant roller derby and Artist and Artisan communities. By using this antique process, I aim to empower, challenge stereotypes, and foster empathy for intersectional identities through my art practice.
Operating with my adorable mobile darkroom “Rubylith” (Ruby) allows me to work on-site, breaking free from studio constraints. My ongoing project “Jamnesia” focuses on photographing roller derby teams nationwide using Wet Plate Collodion and having a darkroom onsite wherever this project takes me is so pivotal. This project will culminate in a book and accompanying exhibition.
My journey into photography began with my father’s influence, igniting a lifelong love for the craft. Witnessing the lack of representation in the medium, particularly for marginalized communities, inspired me to rebel against this norm. My work stands as a testament to this rebellion, embodying my identity as a queer woman artist who champions community-centric projects.
In an industry where female artists are vastly underrepresented, we make up around just 2% of collected and exhibited artists, I strive to shift this narrative. Collectors and viewers alike hold the power to drive change by supporting diverse artists and perspectives. If you seek an artist with a rebellious spirit committed to challenging the status quo, I’m your girl!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In reflecting on my artistic journey, three qualities stand out as pivotal:
Work Ethic: Embracing challenge and hard work has been fundamental. As an alternative process photographer, failure and setbacks are constant companions. I’ve learned to thrive amidst these challenges, valuing them as opportunities for growth. Understanding and mastering the rules before breaking them has been key to refining my craft.
Passion: Genuine love for my art fuels my dedication. Every day spent creating images is fulfilling, not because it’s a sacrifice, but because it’s an essential part of who I am. Balancing a full-time job with my art is not a burden but a natural extension of my passion.
Gamification of Rejection: Early in my career, I reframed rejection as a necessary part of the journey. By aiming for 100 “no’s” instead of 100 yeses annually, I shifted my perspective. Each rejection became a step closer to success, making acceptance all the more rewarding. As an emerging artist the earlier you can accept that hearing “no” is going to be a big part of the process, the faster you’ll learn not to let it phases you or slow you down.
For those starting their journey, I advise:
Cultivate Work Ethic: Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Master the rules of your craft before exploring creative boundaries, then break all the rules you can with mastery.
Fuel Your Passion: Pursue your endeavors with genuine love and enthusiasm. Let your passion drive you forward, turning what may seem like sacrifices into essential pursuits.
Reframe Rejection: Instead of fearing rejection, gamify it. Set rejection goals and see each “no” as progress toward your goals. This mindset shift can make the journey less daunting and the victories even sweeter.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, I’m actively seeking partnerships and collaborations with like-minded individuals and organizations who resonate with the rebellious spirit present in my work. Specifically, I’m interested in connecting with galleries, publishers, and collectors who share a passion for narratives and communities that challenge conventional norms and stereotypes.
My work delves into stories and perspectives often overlooked or marginalized in the traditional photography sphere, emphasizing both technical excellence and a commitment to equity and inclusivity. I’m eager to collaborate with galleries and publishers that embrace a similar ethos in their missions, fostering a space for unconventional narratives to thrive.
Additionally, I’m keen on collaborating with roller derby teams and community members worldwide for my project “Jamnesia”. While I’ve garnered interest from teams as far as Australia, my goal is to feature teams from every continent in my work. I believe roller derby embodies a unique blend of athleticism, empowerment, and community spirit that aligns perfectly with the themes I explore in my photography.
If you’re interested in collaborating or would like to discuss potential partnerships, please feel free to reach out to me directly [insert contact information]. I’m excited about the possibility of joining forces with individuals and organizations who share a passion for pushing boundaries and amplifying diverse voices in the creative realm.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brittanyrosebradley.com
- Instagram: @nitrate_fox
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/brittbradley
Image Credit:
Main Photo: Kayleigh Shawn Photography
