Meet Clarissa Brown | Fashion Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clarissa Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clarissa, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Adamsville, Ohio. My background being from there was constantly being surrounded by hateful bigots, as it’s a very small rural farm village; along with all of the amish surrounding me. It also has a very small population of only 138 people. Everyone knew everyone else, so I was always a black sheep, which is cliche, but I was very obviously flamboyant and queer. Being from Adamsville definitely had its impact on me, it taught me not to give a fuck about what others think. It made me proud of being an open transgender lesbian.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is somewhat surreal, mixed with regular fashion photography. I try to bring in a unworldly feel to my photos, I don’t want people to think that my stuff is real. I am most proud of my ideas, I think that I have an ability to create weird scenarios that appear only in movies or books. The way I got to where I am today is not easy, it took a lot of work and grinding to further my craft and profession, along with the encouragement of my mom, teachers and friends. What I just said was how I overcame the challenges I faces along the way, my group of people who support me genuinely are the reason why I continue to keep going. I’ve learned that not everyone is going to like your work or more specifically you, and that’s okay. I want the world to know that I am creating, I want them to see and look and question the work and interpret what I make, I want to be a visual author of photography, if that makes sense.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay, so first place I’d take them is the Roosevelt Coffee House. Their sweets and drinks are amazing; they support the environment and are very affordable for college students who have no money. Then I’d probably take them to Flowerchild Vintage. They’re pretty expensive but it’s such a fun place to just walk around and see what they sell. The little trinkets and clothing are great. I would also take them to Columbus Park of Roses, amazing to walk around and see the beautiful flowers. Last place would be Franklin Conservatory. I love all of the little setups they have, gorgeous photo spot, too.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this to all of my friends from college and my professors. My friends have all supported me and inspired me so much within their own artistic creativity the entire time I’ve been in college. And my professors, specifically Hiroshi Hayakawa, Claire Weidman, Dee Miller, and Duncan Snyder have all helped me hone my craft and made me feel comfortable asking them any questions relating to my career path all of these years. Also, my mom. She has supported me throughout all of my decisions in life and career path; she wants me to be the happiest I can be and I can’t ever thank her enough.

Website: https://clarissajanes.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarbrowns

Image Credits
Photography: Clarissa Brown Models: Aspen Grazier, Aya King, Rachel Lutterbie, Audrey Gee, Jack