Capturing Moments: The Art of Photostories by Brian Cleary on BCPIXcom

Photography and My Life as a Freelance Photographer

Since I picked up my first camera, a little plastic 127 roll film camera gifted to me by my dad back in the 1960s, I knew photography would be a part of my life.

Me with my first camera, a gift from my dad

I've thought about it a lot over the years. I think it all comes down to the idea of capturing a moment in time. Freezing it allows me to examine and revisit it over and over again. This idea resonates with anyone who has ever looked back at a photograph and felt that rush of nostalgia.

My Journey into Photography

After studying journalism and communications in college during the 1970s, I earned degrees in both fields. But I felt something was missing. So, I did a reset and went back to school for two additional years to earn an Associate degree in photography in 1981. At some point, I realized that while I enjoyed writing and expressing myself in words, I was more suited for a career as a visual artist.

After a rainy, muddy supercross race at Daytona in 2008

Building on contacts I made in college and following leads I picked up along the way, I’ve been able to earn a living with a camera for most of my adult life. It hasn’t always been easy, but the journey has been rewarding.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

This blog takes a look at some of the things I've learned, the stories behind some of the images I've produced, as well as some of the mistakes I've made. Each experience has shaped my career, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Having grown up playing baseball and reading every baseball book I could get my hands on, including the great Ball Four, by Jim Bouton, there is a passage in that book that struck a chord with me way back and has stuck with me ever since.

Always ready to deal with what the elements dish out

Bouton talks about his love for baseball. After many years of gripping a baseball as a big league pitcher, he realized that it was the other way around: it was he who had a grip on a baseball, but it was baseball that had a grip on him.

This is how I feel about photography. After more than 40 years of holding a camera, I now understand that it is actually the camera that has a firm grip on me and will never let me go!

The Power of a Photograph

Photography is more than just taking pictures. It’s about storytelling. Each image captures a moment, an emotion, or a story waiting to be told. I’ve had the privilege of documenting various events, from sports to personal milestones. Each click of the shutter is a chance to share a narrative.

Challenges Faced

Of course, the path hasn’t been without its challenges. There have been times when I doubted my skills or faced tough competition. But each setback taught me something valuable. I learned to adapt, to grow, and to push through the tough times.

The Future of Photography

As I look to the future, I see endless possibilities. The world of photography is evolving rapidly. With advancements in technology, the way we capture and share images is changing. Yet, the essence of photography remains the same. It’s about connection, emotion, and storytelling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, photography has been a lifelong journey for me. It’s a passion that has shaped my life in ways I never imagined. I hope to continue sharing my experiences and stories through my lens. Whether you’re a fellow photographer or someone who simply appreciates the art, I invite you to join me on this journey.

High above Texas in 2025