This August we collaborated with Jackson Hole wedding, engagement, maternity, newborn and portrait photographer Brantley Sydnor to highlight the new animals up for adoption at the Animal Adoption Center in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We were excited to spend the morning with Brantley and the sweet new souls at the AAC.
Brantley is the pure example of free spirit and natural talent when it comes to photographing any of her subjects. Her journey of photography might be young but her energy, drive and eye for detail is what creates the most natural beauty through her lens.
We at Lens and Leash want to thank Brantley for her precious time and her beautiful talent capturing these furry souls. Each moment spent with an animal is to truly know unconditional love.
Lens And Leash: When did you first start taking up photography and why?
Brantley Sydnor: I began taking pictures my freshman year of college on a study abroad trip to Guatemala. I was so struck by the people and the colors and remembering I wanted to capture it all to take home with me. That was before digital photography so I didn’t know what the pictures looked like until after a month or so back home. I was hooked! The pictures really spoke to me and drove me to keep taking pictures and learning how to better capture a feeling through photography.
Lens And Leash: When did you start your photography business and what was your goal when you started the company?
Brantley Sydnor: I began She B Photography in 2017 at the encouragement of my dear friend and mentor, the late David Swift. I wanted a career that I found inspirational and fulfilling. I mean, don’t we all?! David insisted I had the eye and organization to be a successful photographer. I also very much wanted to open and operate my own business. That kind of indepence, both creatively and fiscally, is appealing.
Lens And Leash: What makes you stand out compared to other photographers?
Brantley Sydnor: I work exceptionally well with children.
Lens And Leash: What is your style and what do you like to photograph most?
Brantley Sydnor: My style is ever-evolving. I love photographing people & capturing candid moments of life being lived.
Lens And Leash: Do you have a favorite project you have shot and why?
Brantley Sydnor: I love them all for various reasons; each project is unique in it’s own right.
Lens And Leash: What has been your favorite location to work at so far?
Brantley Sydnor: I capture infants at home; in their crib, being nursed, swaddled. I love the intimate moments at home with families just living their lives; one dirty diaper change at a time.
Lens And Leash: What gets you most excited about your business and the future?
Brantley Sydnor: I get most excited about becoming a better photographer with experience. There are no short cuts.
Lens And Leash: What inspires you?
Brantley Sydnor: Light. People. Children. I adore the work of the street photographer Vivian Maier. She has a way of capturing everyday people that powerfully speaks to my heart & soul. Her work is simply magnificent.
Lens And Leash: What is your favorite camera?
Brantley Sydnor: My cell phone – it’s always with me.
Lens And Leash: What is the one thing you have to have on all of your shoots?
Brantley Sydnor: Is this a trick question? A CAMERA (that works).
Lens And Leash: Do you have any tips for aspiring photographers?
Brantley Sydnor: Just show up and be yourself – the rest will fall into place.
Lens And Leash: Do you have any pets? Have you ever adopted?
Brantley Sydnor: Oh boy do I! My little love of 14 years, Cecil the Chihuahua.
Lens And Leash: If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Brantley Sydnor: I’ll start by saying the same song for the rest of my life sounds like torture. I suppose any Ani Difranco song will do. I honestly can’t just pick one. Today I listend to “Evolve”, which is a favorite of mine.
Lens And Leash: If you were a dog or cat, what type of dog/cat would you be and why?
Brantley Sydnor: DOG. I’d be a chihuahua because they’re a healthy and hearty breed that will happily scavenge for their meals, run a marathon or nap all day, and can have command of a room (full of dogs or people) in no time! I love this breed!
Brantley- is not only as cool as a cucumber in a bowl of hot sauce when she’s behind the lens. She’s a down right humble and delightful human, being what I think is the best version of the human race.