Meet Brian Edgell | Photographer

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

Hi Brian, what do you want your legacy to be?
We can all try to achieve a particular legacy but I feel a legacy is not created solely on your abilities, but also on how your work is perceived by others. I want to be known as the most successful photographer in my city. But the goals I set forth to become that, may not align with what the citizens believe it to be. This creates a legacy that’s always changing in the eyes of my peers but remains constant in my mind. To be remembered when I’m gone, gives me chills to even think about.

Here is a deep dive into what I’m saying. I’ve captured so many photos of my hometown and I can see how these could be turned into archives. As the old is replaced with the new and the past slowly becomes forgotten with each new generation, my thousands of photos will tell the story of what once was. In a weird way I’m recording history without realizing it. The legacy I’d leave, would be the history forgotten by that generation. Those pictures will remain forever and my name will be attached to them for eternity. So the legacy I’d leave behind is not what one would think of normally. When I finally step away from it all, I will have transformed from a photographer to a photojournalist.

In the end, I hope that whatever legacy I leave behind is not only positive but also a reflection on my dedication to this city. I can only do what I know and the lasting impression will be solely the perception casted from those who’ve watched me do it. I want to be the best photographer in Zanesville but if I’m the best Photojournalist, I won’t complain. The feeling of not being forgotten is a powerful feeling and I really hope to achieve that feat.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a photographer from the city of Zanesville, Ohio. My journey has been privately tumultuous but ultimately rewarding. I’m full of self doubt on the inside but once I settle down, I project confidence. I started out small with a Sony A57 learning the ropes. After nearly a decade of progressively getting better and dedicating more time to photography, I upgraded to a Sony A7iii. I began watching YouTube personalities to further solidify my understanding of photography. They helped me develop my own style and to worry more about being me versus being perfect. I finally started my business and attempted to sell prints online. Being every hat in my business stressed me heavily. I was planning new captures, capturing those images, editing them, posting them online, attending shows to promote/sell them, updating my website to sell those pictures, and still working a full time job. I came to a point in my profession, where giving it up seemed like the only option I had left. I took a couple of days to collect my thoughts and talk with the wife about my sanity and the future. She ultimately gave me the boost I needed to keep moving forward. By moving forward I mean jumping leaps and bounds forward. She has helped reduce my load by taking over some of my responsibilities and encouraging me try different styles to break up the monotony. This year alone, I purchased a Sony A7RV, entered the aerial photography business with my first drone, became 107 certified, and opened up my first studio/gallery. My work has evolved from landscapes and cityscapes to portraits and events. I’ve left the ground and now capture pictures from 400 feet above. To think I would be doing this even just 2 years ago is mind boggling. My story is peppered with self doubt but the strong support group around me, kept me going into the right direction. I want everyone to know that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to. Surround yourself with like minded people and you’ll go far.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My city is pretty small but the county is relatively large. Taking in the views from the Y-Bridge overlook is the first stop. Grabbing grub at Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl is also a day one must. Dillon State Park is great way to spend a few days. We’d hike the various trails during the morning, take a boat out on the lake during the day, and camp under the night sky. I’d take them on a trip to the Wilds in Cumberland, followed by food at Muddy Misers restaurant on the Muskingum River. That evening we’d definitely swing by kick-N-Axe to throw back a couple of shots and chuck axes down the lane to their targets. The next day would be Briar Rabbit Sporting, to shoot targets down range followed by a stop at the Weasel Boy Brewing Company. To cap it off, I’d take them on the Lorena sternwheeler followed by a tour of all the downtown galleries from our local artists.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife and kids have been very supportive of this venture and they have even jumped in to help me along the way. My immediate and extended families have also shown me immense support and encouragement. A few online personas to mention are Manny Ortiz, Simon d’Entremont, Peter McKinnon, and Jeven Dovey. The each helped me to better understand photography and to developed my personal style. My friends deserve a shout-out as they pointed me into the right direction in my early days. My good friend Kyle even helped me get me into drone photography. Ultimately I want to turn this mirror around and thank you the people. The support I’ve received from you has been incredible. You’ve given me the ultimate reason to keep pushing forward and to push myself further than I ever thought possible. Your words of encouragement, financial support of my work, and online sharing of my work, has taken me to astonishing new heights.

Website: www.lock10photography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lock.10.photography

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lock10Photography

Image Credits
N/A I’m the photographer 😁