Brilliance by Read Brilliance

BRILLIANCE

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MARA LAZARIDOU Mommy | Fashion Photographer www.maralazaridou.gr mara@maralazaridou.gr T: +30 6948110419 @maralazaridou Instagram Greece

Pau Iglesias

ARCHITECT | PHOTOGRAPHER pau_iglesias@hotmail.com

@djlopau Instagram

"My new babies!"

Al Raden Minimalistzen | Music Lover | Photographer @thrdn Instagram

"What moved me to shoot my new shoes? Hmmm... First because I really love fashion, and I love photography, of course with minimalist concept. Sometimes I put them in chaos in a frame because I can still see the elements of minimal in that chaos." - Al Raden

MICHAEL MODE PHOTOGRAPHY imichaelvbryant@yahoo.com www.myartography.vsco.co 214.802.9391 Dallas/Irving

BRILLIANCE Vol. 4 ~ Winter

www.brilliancemagazine.com

PHOTO CREDIT: @jeromegalland

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Founder, Editor in Chief MICHAEL BRYANT MODE

Cover Jerome Galland

Contributing Photographers Page 10

The Brilliance magazine is digitally published on issuu.com & bookemon.com

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 0123456789 Iowan Style Italic

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 0123456789 Avenir Next Condensed

What is the Brilliance magazine really all about? What does it do? How does it function? Is Brilliance only about selecting and showcasing the best minimal photography? After running what may have seemed to onlookers as a clandestine magazine, I figured it was time to pinpoint the magazine's endeavors instead of explaining it in verbal broad strokes. Brilliance magazine, or Brilliance Digital is about the photographer and the quality of their minimal shot(s). In GQ, the focus is strategically on the guy that is modeling a gray wool Calvin Klein trench coat, black turtleneck sweater, Diesel denim trousers, and a pair of chocolate walking boots by Tom Ford and ink black frame Prada sunglasses. Inside the pages of Brilliance, focus might appear to be identical as most magazines but all of the emphasis is on how photos were shot and edited to fit the minimal genre. Brilliance is a pay-it-forward entity. Giving back by celebrating the craft of photographers from around the world is the agenda. Shining the spotlight on the little guy reigns supreme on these pages and not only the top 25 minimal. So, as you flip through these digital pages keep these points close in mind and remember this the Brilliance digital: brilliance is art, brilliance is glamorous, brilliance is innovative, and brilliance is you! Thanks for tagging #myminimalphoto folks.

Editor in Chief and Founder, Michael V. Bryant Mode

KAUS X OLYMPUS An interview with Janne Amunét

When Photographer Janne Amunét teamed up with a few Instagrammers and camera giant Olympus they set out on a journey to Iceland. Janne finds himself in deep thought of returning there and talks to Brilliance about his incredible trip of a lifetime.K A U S X O L Y M P U S An interview with Janne Amunét

Photo credit: @httanabe ~ Instagram

Nordic Country Creative | Director | Photographer An interview with Janne Amunét

When Photographer Janne Amunét teemed up with a few Instagrammers and camera giant Olympus they set out on a journey to Iceland. After its all over and they return home, Janne finds himself in deep thought of returning to the Nordic country and talks to Brilliance about his incredible trip of a lifetime. Brilliance: How long have you had your Instagram page? Janne: I’ve had my instagram page now for about three years with the last year only having been very active on it. Before that it was mainly just a way of keeping a diary, but then it became my photographic creative outlet and things escalated very quickly from there. Brilliance: Yes. I can relate because my page started out similarly. To further that thought, when I started my Instagram page I tried it for a few days but didn't return for almost year. How did the trip to Iceland come about? Janne: Iceland is one of the the most peculiar environments I’ve ever visited. As a lover of minimal, moody landscapes and fairly controlled and small color palettes, Iceland is a photographers dream. You have anything from lush green valleys, to black sand and blue ice. There’s so much space and grandeur that it’s quite hard to even try to capture it in a photograph. Brilliance: I can hardly imagine all of that scenery and thinking of my darkest fear of running out of gig space and battery life. What specifically did you come away with while in Iceland? >>>

Photo credit: @httanabe ~ Instagram

Photo credit: @ineverstoppedlooking ~ Instagram

<<<

"I found rekindled passion for photography in the simplicity of an iPhone. But as time passed and I wanted to use my pictures elsewhere than instagram as well..." Janne: For the past 4 months or so I’ve had the privilege of working with Olympus Nordic on helping them understand Instagram better and what their cameras offer to photographers whose primary publishing platform is Instagram. After having used their gear to shoot most of my photos on my instagram in the past few months, I was convinced that their gear was the top choice for a photog like me. Someone who appreciates quality, the chance to take prints afterwards, but still the easiness and portability of gear. Having grown tired of DSLRs, I found rekindled passion for photography in the simplicity of an iPhone. But as time passed and I wanted to use my pictures elsewhere than instagram as well. I couldn’t fathom the idea of returning to a heavy bag of camera equipment so when I found Olympus and their curiously petite cameras, I was sold. I wasn’t sacrificing quality or portability and it was so easy to work and edit from my phone still. So after Olympus saw what I was doing with their cameras, they invited me to speak at a conference and there we together came up with the idea of showing some other Instagrammers the power of their camera system, and BLCKSNDS was born that day. It took me 5 weeks of non-stop work to organize, get the people invited that we wanted to come, but the results speak for themselves and I’m so blessed to have been able to facilitate such beautiful photography Brilliance: Amazing! Will you return to Iceland one day? Janne: I will most surely return to Iceland one day. I’m actually looking at doing so next year already if I can. It’s one of those places that you can explore and explore and keep finding angles that astonish you. k

Photo credit: @httanabe ~ Instagram

Photo credit: @locarl ~ Instagram

"Overall experience was the incredible nature, hands down. The favourite spot that we visited was Black Sand beach in Vik. Incredible place. The contrast in the black in black sand vs the white foamy water was mindblowing!" ~ Calle

Photo credit: @httanabe ~ Instagram

"I really enjoyed most the company of fellow IGers - made many new friends - and overall versatility of the Icelandic nature. Being on the road for 4 days and just shooting unbelievable sceneries was just overwhelming - anywhere you look there's an IG image." ~ HTTanabe

@imrazkhan

"Taking a moment and looking back on how awesome the last week of life has been. Looking through the photos and still being blow away with the beauty that Iceland has shown us. As epic as the photos are you need to experience this country for yourself to even get close to how breathtaking it is. I'm thankful I got to share this with my good friend and brother Samu. We've known each other for years now and I'm thankful and blessed by his friendship. Samu is a true creative powerhouse, I love how he captures life. So to all my new followers thank you for being on this journey with me and check out @samu_amunet profile I promise you it won't disappoint. #communityfirst" - Imraz Khan

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BENNY LIM Dad | Husband | Photographer contact@bennylim.com @bennylims @juniapics @nominapics Instagram Indonesia

HUNTGRAM

Discover the best content on Instagram

Huntgram lets you find what you want in a fast and easy way, filtering all the content you don't want to see. Find the best pictures and users from each country. Discover the best pictures and users from each category (Animals, Nature, Art, Architecture, Fashion and more!) Find out who are the most influential users on Instagram. Be surprised by who are the favorite users and pictures from the Instagrammers you are interested in. Reveal the best projects people are creating on Instagram. Get to know more about who is behind each photo through different news and stories." (Available in English and Spanish) www.huntgram.com www.instagram.com/huntgram www.facebook.com/huntgram contact@huntgram.com Instagram Global

iSu

(Instagram Suggested Users ) A Serial Interview Part 1: Don Borosch @donborsch

There is no doubt that the influence of Instagram is powerful. So powerful that when a person is selected as a "suggested user" becomes a life changing experience corralling tens of thousands of new followers. I interviewed many photographers selected as some of Instagram's newest suggested users. Meet Don Borosch! Brilliance: Thanks for granting me this email interview! Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? Don: I'm a 21 years old Mexican guy currently living and studying in Boston, Massachusetts. I was born and raised in Cordoba, a small town in eastern Mexico. Brilliance: How long have you been into photography? Don: I have always been attracted to photography but it wasn't until last summer when I opened up my personal style blog (www.donborsch.com) when I started getting more into it. >>>

@donborosch

<<< Brilliance: How long have you had an Instagram account? Don: I've had my Instagram account for a couple of years now. It wasn't until last summer that I started using it in a different way though. Before that it was all about selfies and random pictures. Brilliance: When the folks at Instagram contacted you, what did they say to you about being selected as a suggested user? Don: They sent me a direct message saying that I was now on the list of suggested users, which is a dynamic list that highlights some of the top photographers on Instagram. They also mentioned what being in the suggested listed means and how they were looking forward to see more of my work. Brilliance: How did you feel when you received their notification that you are a suggested user? Don: It was a very special moment since I don't even consider myself a photographer. Maybe I'm now more of a professional instagrammer. Hahaha, but seriously, it was definitely a day I will remember for a very long time. >>>

@donborosch

<<< Brilliance: I have heard that many people selected as suggested users have been selected more than once. Has this happened to you? How many times have you been selected as a suggested user? Don: I have only been selected once. In fact I didn't know you could get suggested more than one time. It's good to know, though. Now I won't stop until I get that second suggestion. Lol. Brilliance: How has being a suggested user impacted your life and photography on Instagram? Don: It hasn't really been a huge impact. I might now think it twice before posing any pic. And I'm definitely trying to improve quality. Other than that, I now have a lot more followers and friends all over the world; I think that's the best part of it. Brilliance: My last question is what is the overall theme of your Instagram gallery? Don: I'm very attracted to simplicity. I like to really focus on the object (and that's why I always play with white backgrounds) but I'd describe my account as a mix of minimalistic style, fashion and simplicity. Once again, thank you for contacting me and sorry for the delay. It has been a great pleasure. It's a great honor.

The Four Year Journey (Instagram Suggested Users ) A Serial Interview Part 2: Manni Thomas @mxvvi

Children are the center of any loving parents' existence. So much so that there are parents walking around with stuffed wallets with small plastic folded photo holders of their progeny and packed handbags and purses of photos, sometimes in frames of their little bundles of joy from infancy to taking their first step to riding a bike without training wheels. There are no other prouder people that exist on planet earth than a parent. Meet Manni Thomas. He has many moments to be proud of from being wise to fact and treasure of being true to himself to being selected as one of Instagram suggested users from among an user population of over 300,000,000. But no other moment in his life can compare to what happened to him 4 years ago. Brilliance: How did Instagram contact you about being selected as a "suggested user"? Was it by email? Manni: They contacted me via email and through my DM on the official app. Brilliance: I have always wondered about this that I decided to start a series and feature dialogue from people selected as Instagram suggested users. Did the folks at Instagram send any kind of physical gift as a welcoming to being selected? Manni: Yes! I receive a booklet on the history of Instagram, as well as a 365 page calendar for the year of 2015. Brilliance: Impressive! Does being a suggested user put pressure on you? Manni: There's no pressure whatsoever. Being 'ME' is easy and people seem to like that I don't try to be anyone other than myself. >>>

<<< Brilliance: That is some good advice. What would you say to the youths on Instagram hoping to be some of the next selected as suggested users? How should they present their Instagram galleries? Manni: I would tell them to stay true to who they are, versus trying to mimic someone else's feed or theme. Instagram appreciates originality, not duplications that are camouflaged as if they're original. Brilliance: That's a powerful statement and one that I strive to exude because on re-starting my Instagram account that had lay dormant for almost a year, I found myself copying others instead of being original. I'm gonna keep that one for my own mantra. How has being selected as a suggested user effected your Instagram page? Manni: It has impacted me greatly! I've gained thousands of new friends and followers due to their suggestion. Brilliance: I can't imagine that but wouldn't turn down such an experience of being able to witness it for myself. How long have you had your Instagram page? Manni: I've been on Instagram since April 1st 2014 Brilliance: Oh wow. I was expecting your residence here to be longer. Anything new on the horizon with your photography? Manni: There's nothing new at the moment. Unfortunately, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the time nor man hours needed to dedicate my focus into a new project, but I will present something to the world in the near future. Brilliance: I'm that I'm not the only one looking forward to what you have in store. How old is your daughter by the way? Manni: My beautiful daughter is 4 years of age.

iSu

(Instagram Suggested Users ) A Serial Interview Part 3: Light Reid @light_reid

Photographer Light Reid was elated when the folks at Instagram contacted her about being selected as a suggested user. And although she and myself speak different language, we were able to meander our through this interview.

Brilliance: When you logged onto your Instagram page this morning, what was different about today on Instagram than any other day? Light: Well firstly I was so happy and surprised by the message from the Instagram team that I was featured to be one of their suggested users, and I also noticed a huge amount of fans started to follow me. But to be honest I also felt a strong sense of responsibility that I should try my best to take better photos and to be more creative to inspire other users. Brilliance: What exactly did Instagram say to you about being selected as a suggested user? Light: In the email they wrote that I was featured as a suggested users because of my works, and they mentioned that they hope that I would continue creating more beautiful pics in order to inspire more old/new users on the Instagram. It will be a great opportunity for all of us to learn and to be inspired by each other. >>>

<<< Brilliance: Yes. That is a good way to inspire other by being yourself. How long have you have an Instagram page? Light: I started my page about 10 month ago. I think I am still new to Instagram and have lots to learn. Brilliance: You are very humble. When did you start enjoying minimal? Light: At the beginning of my instajourney I basically just put some of my traveling pics on my feed. However, a few month later I started shooting some minimal pics and tried creating them on my own. I will not say Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a 100% minimal photographer but I do enjoying shooting minimal pictures. I really like it that minimal shots have details and small beauties. I have a lot of fun shooting minimal photos and I also try my best to creating more minimal settings. Brilliance: I can relate to that statement. Are you a professional photographer? How long have you been into photography? Light: Haha, I am not a professional photographer but just a girl who likes taking pictures, I have been interested in photography for about a year and a half. I'm still learning.

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The Genius of

SERGEY ZHDANKO @zhdankosergey Instagram Minsk/Busan

Minh T's Moment Photographer

An interview with Minh Tran

One of my favorite minimal Instagram galleries is the one belonging to professional photographer Minh Tran. He is obvious a person in high demand these days and from looks of his visual expression of minimal, face and light I would expect nothing less. Minh granted me an email interview to talk about his posh visual taste and I have found that even though he is just ordinary like the rest of us his passion for visual expression is more powerful than verbal. Brilliance: Minh, how long have you had an Instagram page? Minh: I started my instagram page about 7 months ago as a creative outlet for my photography. As a graphic designer, I often have to work within the client's visual vocabulary, and so my work portfolio doesn’t necessarily reflect my own personal aesthetic. Therefore, I'm using Instagram is a platform for me to truly express who I am. Finally there was a place for me to experiment visually in a language that is true to myself. Most of my clients are in the luxury market space, range from interior designers, fashion labels, to antique furnishing stores, so I’m constantly being exposed to beautiful things. I want to capture some of what I see in my Instagram. Also, I was trained as an architect and so my work has a strong architectural influence. Brilliance: Yes. The architectural influences are powerfully in your body of work. Since I was a young boy, I have always wanted to be an architect. You have a few portraits in your gallery. Is photography your line of work? Minh: Part of my work as a graphic designer is helping clients create brand images and vibe for their companies. I love how images can become a palette and build the story of a brand. So in my instagram, I am putting together all the things that I love which include architecture, nature, portraits, interiors, etc… While doing so, I’m also trying to create an imaginary storyline that link the images together. Brilliance: It seems like you're having fun with your style of photography and if part of that storyline if minimal it rang through because this is why I asked for an email interview. Your minimal composition is impeccable. What have you found is the best part about posting to your gallery? >>>

<<< "Finally there was a place for me to experiment visually in a language that is true to myself. Most of my clients are in the luxury market space, range from interior designers, fashion labels, to antique furnishing stores, so I’m constantly being exposed to beautiful things. I want to capture some of what I see in my Instagram." Minh: Instagram has always allowed me to fine tune my own visual style and voice. I love that I’m acutely more aware of my surroundings - always looking for an image to capture. And of course I love the immediate feedback that I get on the images, pointing out things I didn’t even think about. That interaction is invaluable and can only occur on a platform like Instagram. Instagram is an incredible platform that allows my viewers to respond to my images immediately. It also has allowed me to find my own visual voice and style. As I distill my images to the essential core, I have found that this creeps into my own life as well. I thrive to live a simple lifestyle and appreciate the simple moments in my life more. Brilliance: How long did it take for you to get the flow and theme that your gallery possesses of all those stunningly wonderful and faint pastels Minimals? Minh: I strive to capture a simplicity and quietness of a moment. My images are not bold and shouty, they are a bit sensitive and introspective. I find that a quiet and muted palette provides that cohesion for my images. This palette is also prevalent in my life outside of my photography. I have always opted for a muted interior space and wardrobe. I typically don’t wear anything of heavy pattern or bright colors. Brilliance: That's interesting because many artists tend to dress the complete opposite of their body of work. Where does your inspiration come from when captioning your posts? Minh: I wish my writing was a stronger suit but instead I speak better visually and so I keep my caption quite minimal and let the image do the talking.

MINH TRAN

"Only light can drive out darkness." MLK Jr @thismintymoment Instagram California

Model: Yesi Fortuna @awsukinow Photographer: Jonathan Stafford @thenoiz_ Dallas, Los Angeles, New York www.jonathan-stafford.com Instagram

Sukilynn

An interview with Yesi Fortuna with cameo from hubby Joshua by Michael Mode

WIFE | MODEL | FASHION & STREET STYLE PHOTOGRAPHER www.sukilynn.com @awsukinow Instagram Dallas | Los Angeles | New York

"The thing that attracts me the most about Yesi is that her passion is intoxicating and being around her for just a moment anyone can tell." - Joshua Fortuna

One of the greatest facets in life that I admire and enjoy reading about most is about powerful women. Women photographers are having their work grace some of the pages of the world's most powerful magazines. Vogue, Essence, Forbes, Time and National Geographic just to mention a few are experiencing groundbreaking successes on the world scene mostly through the eyes of women. Meet business owner, dog lover, photographer and wife, Yesi Fortuna. Yesi's expertise steers towards fashion and street style photography, to which she satellites from her current home base in Dallas, Texas to Los Angeles and New York. >>>

<<< One take away that I experienced while interviewing Yesi is that not only is she an effortlessly gifted professional but she is fun! And I have spoken with a lot of women in the workplace over the past 35 years, especially those that own their businesses, and not that "fun" is a requirement from a machismo standpoint to point to an ingredient for success, it just dates the level of experience and confidence and that speaks volumes to others. Brilliance: What does Sukilynn mean? Yesi: It's a compilation of names that were both given to me and made up. At one point, I thought my name (along with other things) weren't good enough. Even though I have grown long past that, it's unique, allows me to create a brand and most importantly, it is a reminder of my humble beginnings. Brilliance: I can identify with that moment of epiphany and yet how your legacy of childhood is a tapestry of both life and acceptance. I think to some degree we have all been there before. How long have you had your Instagram page? Yesi: A couple of years. Brilliance: How has Instagram aided or inspired your photography? You know, like has it effected your drive or outlook towards photography? Yesi: Only in the sense that I include Instagram in behind the scene moments. Brilliance: What is your dog's name? Yesi: Winny Fortuna, our kind and brilliant Boston Terrier! Brilliance: Here is a question for your husband: Joshua, you made a brief mentioning of being extremely proud of your wife. Would you please add to that caption you wrote on the post of a photo of your wife featured in D Magazine? >>>

<<< Joshua: The thing that attracts me the most about Yesi is that her passion is intoxicating and being around her for just a moment anyone can tell. When I met her she told me about her seemingly over-ambitious dream. Only now I can step back and see that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. Brilliance: Wow! That is a lovely expression about your wife and profound belief in her. That doesn't get old hearing husbands dote over their wives' professional careers as well as assigning them honor! Yesi, how do you connect or establish connections with your models and folks that hire you in order to capture their true essence? Yesi: It all depends on how they inspire me, really. I have learned that I'm a good judge of character and many of my clients not only respect my take on their personality but look forward to seeing how I portray them. Brilliance: Yes. Trust goes a long way and be the key to many successful ventures. You're a fashion photographer. Has your career led you to anyone famous? Yesi: I have shot with MTV's Basketball Wive's TV star, Evelyn Lozada. Actress Katie Cassidy and Reality TV Star Sydney Rae James. Along with some Dallas local Celebrities like Songwriter Dustin Cavazos and Fashion Blogger Amy Havins of Dallas Wardrobe. Brilliance: Quite an impressive list! One last question. What's on the horizon with your photography? Are there any shoots that you can talk about? Yesi: I have been specializing in Street Style Photography with Fashion Bloggers but I am looking forward to some personal creative projects. Although I foresee a lot of positive change in 2015!

Photographer: @tonykrash - Model: Yesi Fortuna

YESI FORTUNA @awsukinow

Instagram Dallas | Los Angeles | New York www.sukilynn.com yesi@sukilynn.com

25 Brilliant Minimals When selecting 25 great Minimal photos can turn into a daunting task because of the vast amount of great Minimals being tagged to the Brilliance tag #myminimalphoto. As 2015 treks onward and 2014 has ebbed into oblivion, I find this list a special one due the fact of all that I am learning and have been taught about the nature of minimal. There are some really extremely talented photographers that have either mastered this genre or that have accidentally captured some impeccably brilliant minimal settings. Barbara Walters does her 10 Most Fascinating People, Oprah still points out her "favorite things" and back in the day, Siskel and Ebert charted their top 10 Greatest Movies of All Time, I have my list of 25 Brilliant Minimals. I won't call these the best of the best but these picks took a lot of time to dwindle from a list of 8,800+ down to just 25. That was an excruciating task. And some of these minimal settings may at first glance be called into question as being a viable select but look closer. I'm sure you will agree that these picks are aces.

JEROME GALLAND @jeromegalland Instagram

DAVIDE

@omniamundamundis Instagram

PHONSAY @phonsay22 Instagram

BRYCE LOOYSEN @bnlx

Instagram

XAVIER DOMÍNGUEZ @leroivax Instagram

DAN CHEN @thecuriousdan Instagram

KIM HALL @runnerkimhall Instagram

ROB SOCIETY @robsociety Instagram

SCOTT HUNT @scottdhunt Instagram

SAMUEL JURCIC @ma_hovina Instagram

LULLABYCAFE @lullabycafe Instagram

WILLEMIEN KAMPS @wikaatje Instagram

MATHEW MARTINI @martini_mat Instagram

@twistdee Instagram

WILLIAM SMITH @billsmith2315 Instagram

KORAY GELMEZ @koraygelmez Instagram

MICHAEL ZOFIO @michaelzofio Instagram

SIMO BCN @simo.bcn Instagram

GIRL GONE COASTAL @girlgonecoastal Instagram

MICHIEL @michiel_vds Instagram

CHRISGRU @chrisgru Instagram

ZSUZSANNA HLAVﾃ，S @hlavacs Instagram

KHAIRIL AMRI @sxrxnxty Instagram

DUYGU

@cancanancavidan Instagram

NICHOLAS MASTORAS @nmastoras Instagram

Photo credit: @jiiimiii

Photo credit: @gulcinozsoy

Photo credit: @richardrhuynh

Photo credit: @milfanagung

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Connor T. Dwyer Design | Photography @connortd Instagram

Sometimes, You Never Know Sometimes you never know what goes into capturing some of the most innovative, adventurous and iconic shots posted on Instagram. One super popular photographer, Connor Dwyer, may seemed to have tried almost every kind of pose and angle when shooting. Take for example this shot: it appears to be a photo shot from up high either from a drone or taken by a friend from atop a balcony. This shot was taken by Connor! (Say whaaaaaat???) Here's how he explains the process. How many takes did it take to achieve this shot? "This one was very fun. It took me around about fifty tries to get this shot. I eventually used slow-mo camera and screenshot a still. The pose was off in some and it was blurry in others." Where did you get the idea from? "I got the idea a while back while a timer cam and I thought it would be fun to see if I could try and time it perfectly, to get a higher up shot. Then I thought of the self portrait potential!"

@connortd - Instagram

"I wouldn't recommend throwing your phone in the air to take a selfie."

Evga

MOM | WIFE | PHOTOGRAPHER

@evga

Instagram

Listen

The Journey Home An interview with Vincente Dominguez

Musician | Visual Creative | Educator | Photographer @_vincente Instagram Phoenix, AZ

Scientists have charted birds migrating to the south for decades and for many folks the question reminds, why do they migrate, and why always to the south? Is it really instinctive or is it something else, or is it both? Is it that birds never forget where they came from, where warmth is, and where home is? I'll leave that up to scientists but I will venture out to say this: people are the same way. Almost everything we do as humans is aimed towards having a level of contentment, survival and balance. Meet Vincente Dominguez. Brilliance: How long have you had an Instagram page? Vincente: I started using Instagram in August 2012 on a whim. I had absolutely no experience in photography and was able to cultivate sense of technique, aesthetic and style solely through the app and self-exploration. My photography is centralized around organic everyday moments from tabletop compositions to my travels near and far. I believe that anything can be captured beautifully and everyone has a story to tell. All of my photos are coupled with music in order to give more depth and meaning to the imagery itself. Sometimes the music inspires the photos I shoot and sometimes the photo inspires the music I select. Wholeheartedly, the Instagram community has been an amazing way to inspire & be inspired and I continually look forward to what each day will bring. >>>

<<< Brilliance: I remember reading one of your posts that you are relocating from one state to another. Is this part of your music career move? Vincente: It is! Originally from Phoenix, AZ, I moved to the beautiful city of Lexington, KY to pursue my graduate studies at UK on a full ride. Making the return to Arizona, I was fortunate to have several employment offers in music and visual arts to pave my way back to the Southwest. Brilliance: Well, congratulations sir! That is amazing! How long have you been playing reeds? Vincente: I've been a woodwind performer since the age of 10 when I started playing the clarinet. My interest in the instrument sparked from discovering legends such as Pete Fountain and Benny Goodman. The clarinet's warm, lush tone captivated me and I was immediately obsessed with becoming a top-notch musician. My dedication and perseverance took me to new musical heights as I ventured through high school and eventually college where I fortified my musicianship and expertise. Graduate school allowed me to hone-in on my artistry and become a formidable performer and educator. I wouldn't be where I am today without the continued support of my amazing parents and my relentless work ethic. Brilliance: We need more educators! We really do! I have fond memories of being in band at high school which, to me, was the toughest because of teenage angsts and just learning about the world through fellow students in circumference. Our Band instructor was tough but each time at Concert, Sight-reading and Marching during UIL contest season. When we received sweepstakes, all 1's, then did we understand that hard work always, always pays off. When did you realize that you wanted a career in music?

Vincente: When I was in my senior year of high school, I was given the opportunity to perform as principal clarinet in the Arizona All-State Orchestra after winning the last round of auditions. George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue was slated for the finale of the program and I was overwhelmed with happiness and excitement. As a younger musician, having the chance to perform one of the most iconic pieces in the orchestral clarinet repertoire was more than anyone my age could have asked for. Practicing, rehearsing and performing that concert ignited a fire in me that inspired my desire to pursue a career in music as not only a performer, but a music educator as well. >>>

<<< Brilliance: Oh wow! The principal clarinet. Back in the day that would go to the first chair player, and if the first chair player were a 3-way tie then each principal part was an audition by the three. At Midland High there was 2 girls and one guy. It would fluctuate. I was second chair second row. We have 3 rows. How does it work if you want to play with a world renowned orchestra? What is the process in going about being selected as a new player? Vincente: Typically, most orchestral jobs are won through a series of auditions held by a panel of the orchestra's top-tier members. Months before the audition day, a list of excerpts from the orchestral repertoire are announced to serve as the audition material. An audition will usually be 'blind' not visible to ensure that each candidate receives a fair chance at performing their best. In the case of a clarinet audition, the judging panel is constructed on the Maestro, principal clarinetist, another principal woodwind, a brass player and a string player. With a diverse group of judges, each audition is heard with unbiased critique. If you pass the preliminary round, a secondary and final round follow before a winner is named. Like most other jobs, orchestral jobs also require an 'interview' process. The only difference being performing a series of auditions rather than conversing in an interview. Brilliance: As I read this I was thinking back on the times when I audition for All City Band in Midland, Tx. and actually made it. I remember thinking back then, all of that practicing really paid off! I, too, played clarinet. What is your dream when it comes to being where you want to be in music? I hope that question made sense. Vincente: Since starting my formal music education, my goals and direction has changed several times. Having finished graduate school with new perspective and creative interest, my current goal is to pursue a career as a professor of music and visual arts at a university in the years to come. Equally, I can see myself thriving as a creative director or performing in a top-tier orchestra. Collectively, I would be happy with any of the above, but it is my long-term goal to combine all of my talents into a career that allows me to utilize them all. In the near future, I have several performance opportunities with the Phoenix Symphony, performing as a freelance artist as well as maintaining a private studio of students who I teach on a weekly basis. Practicing each day, I'm also working towards taking several orchestral auditions in the months to come. In my photographic work, I'm currently working on a few creative projects in the Phoenix-Metro area with local art galleries and companies. Breaking into the freelance market, I'm pursuing every opportunity I can to collaborate with other creatives. Long-term, I hope to have my own studio space for music and visual arts in the next few years. I'm looking forward to what the future holds!

Model: @tumurbaatar

Tumurbaatar Otgontsetseg Street Photographer | Portraits Ulaanbaatarian @tumurbaatar Instagram

Cooking Across Continents An interview with Tomy K ENTREPRENEUR | CHEF | PHOTOGRAPHER @tomyk Instagram Greece

When it comes to cooking I can find my way around a kitchen, and so can more and more men around the world. And I'm not just talking about world renown chefs. Meet Tomy K. When it comes to cooking and capturing a few of those dishes in minimal can be priceless. However, Tomy tells a heartwarming story involving friends and family and how his passion for minimal and the kitchen came to be. Brilliance: Hi Tomy. And thank you for this interview. What do you do for a living? Tomy: I am a graphic designer and I also own an e-shop (www.iamtomyk.com) with products I make such as cushions, custom made frames made by paper, notebooks, posters. Brilliance: Where did your love for photographing food come from? Tomy: I love food and food books, I always look at the pics, the styling, I follow a few food bloggers that I love their work, and since I have a good taste I thought I should give it a try. And it looked quite good. (and tasted better! hehe) Brilliance: What is your favorite dish? Tomy: Anything with minced meat. Bolognese and a greek dish called “pastitsio” (pasta and minced meat and béchamel sauce.) >>>

<<< Brilliance: Oh wow! That's what some of us in America call "comfort food". A bowl of that is like food that sticks to your ribs. How long have been cooking? Tomy: Hmm..I think the 1st time I cooked was when I was 12. I loved watching my mother cooking. I kept asking her questions about the ingredients, the procedure. I was her little helper! Brilliance: My mother had to work multiple jobs and most of my childhood, probably started around 11 or 12, I was on the phone while she would give me directions on starting dinner for the day and I would make sure that my brothers and sisters would eat. She was innovative that way. Do you enjoy baking over cooking? Tomy: I am a terrible baker. All my attempts have been a disaster. So I stick to what I do best. Just cooking. Brilliance: I didn't know there was a difference until I saw a Food Network show about candy making which is different from cooking. I thought cooking was cooking anything in the kitchen. How long have you had your Instagram page? Tomy: It must be 3 years now. It was love at first sight. I finally found a great way to express myself, meet new people, see the world in a different way. I can say I am addicted to it. Brilliance: I tell this story over again about how I got started on Instagram, which to a strong degree had I not pursued getting to know it I wouldn't be on Instagram today because I didn't get it at first. What is your dream job? Tomy: To open a store where I design the products, cook and serve, all at the same time. >>>

<<< Brilliance: I have never seen the name spelling of TOMY. I have seen Tommy, and my brother's name is TONY. So I always check to make sure that your name doesn't have an extra "M" that I overlooked. Is that how your mother decided it would be spelled or is TOMY the original spelling of TOMMY? Tomy: You are right, Tommy is normally written like this. Even since I remember myself, I write it just with one m. Consider it a way to stand out. Brilliance: Where are you from? Where were you born? Tomy: I am a proud Greek, but I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. When I was 6, we moved back to Greece. Brilliance: Since you enjoy cooking, do you often throw dinner parties for friends and family? Tomy: Oh, yes! I really enjoy cooking for friends and family. For any occasion! Even for my dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Alfie) birthday! I even enjoy the cleaning after! Brilliance: Sounds like you would definitely be a great restaurant owner. I've noticed a few minimal shots in your Instagram gallery, when did you discover minimal photography? Tomy: I love minimal style in every aspect of it. (architecture, decoration, graphic design). I love experimenting with it, as long as it has something to say, not just to do it.

TOMY K @tomyk Instagram Greece

Model: @hahajoel - Instagram

"When I take pictures of people I try and capture them in a natural state as opposed to a posed one." - Patrick Hardy

PATRICK HARDY

Husband | Dad | Web Designer | Photographer www.patrickhardydesign.com @patrickhardy Instagram

Model: @hahajoel - Instagram

PATRICK HARDY

Husband | Dad | Web Designer | Photographer www.patrickhardydesign.com @patrickhardy Instagram

Models: @monomarley | @munhsaihan

Tumurbaatar Otgontsetseg Street Photographer | Portraits Ulaanbaatarian @tumurbaatar Instagram

Jermaine Corey Street | Portrait Photographer NYC @jermainecorey Instagram

DANIEL WALCHER

"The Bruce Wayne of Power Minimals" (A Soliloquy) Student | Traveler | Fashion | Photographer Germany

@daniel_walcher Instagram

"I am a student in my last year of High school. I do not have that many experiences but I would say that one of my biggest talent is that I specialize in linguistics. Currently, I am fluent in Chinese. About two years ago, I learned Chinese. And, I have been a translator for some small businesses here in Germany with branch ties in China. I began studying mechanical engineering 2014. So I am quite busy these days. I also went to a Design vocational high school 2 years ago and studied Layout, Design, Drawing, Sketching, Shooting Movies, Fashion and other corresponding courses. I really pushing myself in this field. I play volleyball like 4 times a week and I play piano almost every day for an hour or so."

Model: Oliver

Victor Holm Photographer | Gothenburg, Sweden www.viktorholm.com viktor.holm@gmail.com @viktor.holm Instagram

Model: Matthew Brue Shooter: @phillipandersonedsel Instagram

Philip Anderson Edsel Musican | Husband | Photographer

@phillipandersonedsel Model: Matthew Brue Instagram

Light and Shadows An interview with and tips from Hacob Khodaverdian PHOTOGRAPHER P/ 866-614-2262 E/ havcob@hacob.com www.hacob.com @hacobphoto Instagram California

If you're an amateur photographer you welcome advice and tips on how to further and how to hone your approach to photography from the experts. One of those experts is photographer Hacob Khodaverdian. Here are few tips he uses shooting objects on white background and he talks about how his passion for photography began. Brilliance: How did you get into photography? Hacob: I am not sure how romantic my story of how it all started is, but it all began with a 35mm Minolta camera. I took a "photo 101" class at a community college just to learn how to use the camera to learn the difference between f-stop and shutter speed... and many say "the the rest is history". It was love at first frame! Brilliance: That's a great start and from judging on how you shoot, photography seems to be a great passion for you. Is this true? >>>

<<< Hacob: It truly is. I have been a commercial photographer for a long time and the longer I hold the camera the bigger the passion grows. Taking pictures is like conducting a symphony orchestra, you see or imagine a scene in your head and you have all the different parts of the instruments to create and bring to life what you just envisioned. You can light it "loud" or soft, you can crop it tight or go wide, make it monotonous or give it the rainbow treatment. Beethoven's 5th symphony will sound the same yet so different when conducted by different maestros. And that is what makes photography just as exciting and makes passion for it so possible. Brilliance: That is a great illustration of passion for photography. I am a classically trained musician and I can identify and appreciate the cadence you you skillfully attached to photography and the duty of a maestro to that of photographer. When shooting on white background, what exactly is involved in each shot, such as equipment, and etc..? Hacob: Shooting images with white background can be achieved in many ways and each will have a totally different results. Here I will discuss the two main tips: The most common is just setting your shot on white background (such as white seamless paper) and light it in any way the object desires. Here, you will achieve shadow or drop shadow as it is known. You can change the nature of the light and thereby the shape of the shadow by moving the light up and down and side to side. You can also change the quality of the light by adding diffusion materials to your light which softens the shadows and softens the texture of the objects at hand. You can shoot almost any object with this set up, be it opaque or translucent, shiny or mat and so on. >>>

<<< Another way of shooting on white background is to set it all up on a white plexi glass surface and light it from underneath. The beauty of this light is that it diminishes all the shadows since the light is wrapping all around the abject. There is a limitation in using this light, since you can not use it for all objects. The objects placed on this surface should have a slight translucency or at the very least have a distinct shape and formidable recognition, such as paper clips. Also you will be better off shooting with strobe(flash) rather than hot light (tungsten), since hot light under the surface will warp or may be even melt the plexi. Brilliance: Great tips. There are some techniques that I am currently incorporating in my own photography. But I haven't taken a course in photography and desperately want to very soon. It's inspiring when you virtually meet someone willing to share their how-to's so freely. Thank you sir. Where do you get your inspiration? Hacob: I am inspired by the works of traditional photographers. Masters like Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Yousuf Karsh and the more contemporaries such as Michael Kenna. These were the real pioneers that did it without the 40MP camera and without the monthly subscription to Adobe Photoshop CXXs. But my inspiration also comes from other disciplines, such as Architects. I have always been fascinated by them. It is not too difficult for us photographers to bring to life what we have imagined, no matter how ambitious the image. But for artists like Architects they have to build their imagined projects with bricks and mortar. Like the "Blur Building" of Diller and Scofidio, Renzo Piano's "Centre Georges Pompidou" and so on. I guess in the end what inspires me the most is when the creator never gives in to compromise.

The Aviator A interview with Grant Legan

TRAVELER | PHOTOGRAPHER @grantlegan Instagram Earth

I believe that you can learn a lot about a person from the friends they keep. And when it comes to social network, you can also learn a lot about a person by browsing (not stalking) their social network pages. Meet Grant Legan. One thing I hadn't paid close attention to, until editing this piece, were the 63,000+ following Grant's Instagram page. Pages with huge numbers of followers normally don't catch my attention and in many cases, when I do notice such pages are an automatic deflect. Despite having this huge amount of followers Grant operates his Instagram page as if he only has a few thousand followers. He interacts with them. I have found many folk on Instagram with the same amount or more followers seldom interact with their followers. He converses with many of his followers, he asks and answers questions which is rare and he even laughs and has fun with his followers. Now that's a class act. Brilliance: How long have you had your Instagram page? Grant: I've had it for just over 3 years. Brilliance: That's about how long I have had my Instagram page. I think I'm approaching 4 years in February. Have you ever been selected as a "suggested user"? Grant: I was suggested last October and gained 20k followers in two weeks. Instagram followed me for a few days. WOA!" Brilliance: That's incredible and such a boost. Wow! Your page really made a good impression on those guys over at Instagram. How has Instagram affected your photography and, if so, your life in general? >>>

Grant Legan - @grantlegan Instagram

<<< Grant: I find that it makes me more aware of everyday life. It gives me the ability to capture moments quickly, without thinking too much. I think it has made me react more to my everyday surroundings. That there is beauty that can be created or seen every single day. Brilliance: That is a powerful statement. I find myself thinking too much around a setting instead of just clicking, which in many case ruins the photo because it has become too rigid, and which also means that I'm trying too hard. I remember watching and listening to a photographer friend tell her clients "Just to about your life. Try to pretend that I'm not here." Her photography is always so fluid and unrehearsed. What's on the horizon with your photography? Anything that you can talk about? Grant: Working more with other talented creatives. I find collaboration is the best way to learn along with travel. Continuing to meet and collaborate within the community and continuing to evolve that world together. Brilliance: That sounds like a lot of fun! Any recommendations or advice for those starting out on Instagram? Grant: Post what you love, and what makes YOU proud. Explore new things, and find inspiration within it. Interact within the community, its a wonderful place. Brilliance: I have found interacting with the community to be true. You never know who will answer back. I hope it continues to go well with those future collaborations and I wish you success in all of your endeavors. Oh, yeah! One other question: How did your latest instameet turn out? Grant: It went really well, we had a lot of amazing people from the LA area come out at 7am, I met some really talented folks, you can check out the hashtag from that day #THATDTLA!

Grant Legan - @grantlegan Instagram

GRANT LEGAN TRAVELER | PHOTOGRAPHER @grantlegan Instagram

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Rewarding excellence in the quests of brilliant minimal.

Brilliance: Elements of Minimal Copyright ÂŠ 2014 by Michael Bryant Mode All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from Michael Bryant Mode Powered By Bookemon. www.bookemon.com