Portrait photographer Bradley Banner brings beauty into focus
Published:Sunday | February 27, 2022 | 12:07 AMKrysta Anderson - Staff Reporter
Portrait photographer Bradley Banner’s extensive work is synonymous with big names in the entertainment industry. Capturing beauty resonated at the heart of his artistic expression, and he stays true to bringing unique and exquisite fashion into focus.
“My first introduction to photography was at a party. I met a friend of a friend who does photography back in 2016. He showed me one or two things, and I was messing with the camera until I reached a point where I used to do a few events for him. Even if he was there, I’d do the first half; he would do the second,” Banner told The Sunday Gleaner of his initial interaction with a camera.
But he was not a big fan of that particular genre because of the long and late hours that came along with the job. So he stopped and reassessed. He subsequently returned to the creative scene, only this time, he had discovered portrait photography.
Born and raised in St Catherine, Banner revealed that he always had a creative side. Recalling his first set of colouring books, Ninja Turtles to be exact, as a child, the young artist was excited to be playing within and out of those lines. He developed such a pure love for colouring that it opened the door to drawing his favourite characters. He even pursued graphic design later on.
But the love and passion for art in those formative years followed him into photography in the digital age, where he continued to think outside of the box, evolving with the times while redefining concepts and ideas.
“Photography isn’t new to Jamaica at all, but you find that not many photographers can come out of the boring box of expectations and ideas, and that can hold us back as a group. I want my fellow artists to level up to first-world standards because Jamaicans deserve that,” he shared.
Since becoming a portrait photographer over six years ago, he has taken his rich artistic background along with him for the ride, and he’s having the time of his life! “Drawing and graphic design gave me a greater understanding of going beyond just taking the photos, and editing, changing and blending colours to fit a particular mood,” he said, adding, “We are in an age where persons want to deliver specific looks and concepts that require creativity.” And he is set on delivering just that and so much more.
His innovation was not only present in set design and layout but also evident in assisting the talent to achieve specific poses, completing the look with final editing. Being one step ahead of those on the local market has accounted for his extensive clientèle, including celebrities who entrust Banner with putting their visions to life. “I’ve done photoshoots with Yanique ‘Curvy Diva’ Barrett, Ishawna, Vershon, Shauna [Controlla], Busy Signal, Squash, the dollies, TC, Pretty [Pretty] and Rebel as well as Renee 6:30, just to name a few,” he highlighted.
Having the opportunity to shoot overseas did open his eyes to the fact the talent is no different than within the 876. There are no unfair advances, he shared, just a greater interest in honing the skill set and developing the art form while capitalising on the business side of things.
Banner has taken his craft a step further by branching off into videography. This extension of his creative expression plays in beautifully with the official launch of his studio in the sunshine city of Portmore, St Catherine. His clients, seasoned models and newcomers can find a variety of set designs and props for innovative shoot concepts. He guarantees that it will be love at first sight.
He welcomes the flashing moments of celebrating baby showers, birthdays and weddings, but he is by no means limiting his capabilities. Sky’s certainly the limit for this multifaceted ‘artographer’.
In case you’re ever wondering how to prepare for a Bradley Banner shoot, he had this nugget of wisdom to share, “Practise your poses in the mirror or on your phone and work on your facial expressions. Know what looks work better with your body but also come prepared and ready to try new things on set because I’m only interested in creating the best experience with a creative concept and finished product for every shoot. Bring your A-game, and I’ll bring mine.”
Editor's Note: Shauna Controlla no longer goes by the name Shauna Chin/Shauna Chyn. The story has been edited to reflect this name change.