In the world of action sports photography, capturing the raw intensity and beauty of the moment requires a unique blend of skill, passion, and creativity. Brie, a photographer who has carved out her niche in this dynamic field, brings all of these qualities to the table. With a background rooted in competitive sports and a love for adventure, Brie has developed a style that is both candid and editorial, reflecting her journey from aspiring creative to working with top-tier clients like Oakley, Netflix, and Nike Swim. In this Q&A, Brie shares her insights on everything from her creative process and gear preferences to the challenges she’s faced along the way. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or just curious about the world behind the lens, Brie’s story is sure to inspire and motivate you to chase your own creative dreams.
Popbuff: Could you share some insight into your background and how you first got into photography?
Brie: I’ve always been drawn to creativity, ever since I was little, making short films with my friends. I took media and video editing courses throughout high school and college, but it wasn’t until I quit my marketing job in 2016 that I really pursued photography. I wanted to create a career that aligned with my passions and the places I loved to visit. At that time, Instagram was really taking off, so I decided to go all in with photography, and I haven’t looked back since!
Popbuff: What drew you to action sports photography specifically?
Brie: I’ve always been passionate about sports. I have a background in competitive trampoline and tumbling, and I love surfing, snowboarding, and playing soccer. I think my upbringing and love for these activities naturally led me to want to capture elite-level sports and high-intensity action through photography.
Popbuff: What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve encountered in your photography career, and how did you overcome them?
Brie: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my photography career is patience. I’ve learned that timing is everything, and sometimes when things aren’t going the way you hoped, it’s just making space for something much bigger than you could have ever imagined. Being grateful for everything I’ve worked so hard for and reflecting on how far I’ve come has been incredibly helpful in overcoming self-doubt and impatience.
Popbuff: Do you have any memorable experiences or standout moments from working with clients like Oakley, Netflix, and Nike Swim?
Brie: I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such dream clients. Each one has been a blessing and an integral part of my growth, not just as a photographer but as a person. Some of the highlights for me have been swimming in the water during these shoots and having the realization that I’ve been able to build my dream life—and that it’s all working out just fine.
Popbuff: Who or what have been your biggest influences in the world of photography?
Brie: I’m really inspired by older images from the ’70s and ’80s. I love Helmut Newton and Peter Lindbergh’s fashion photography—it’s so timeless and raw.
Popbuff: How would you define your photography style, and how has it evolved over time?
Brie: It’s been both fun and challenging to navigate my evolution as a photographer. In the beginning, I was very focused on shooting surf and anything related to traveling to tropical destinations. While I still have a deep love for that lifestyle, I’m now trying to incorporate my whole personality into my images and bring more depth through storytelling and fashion. I’d describe my style as candid and raw, with an editorial approach.
Popbuff: What advice would you offer to aspiring photographers looking to break into action sports photography?
Brie: Stay true to your vision and never give up!
Popbuff: How important is it to build a varied portfolio, and what tips do you have for creating one?
Brie: The most important thing is to get clear on your goals. Ask yourself, who is your ideal client, or what is your overall intention with your work? Once you have that clarity, start curating a portfolio that aligns with the style and direction you want to pursue, while also infusing your unique style into the mix.
Popbuff: What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not behind the camera?
Brie: When I’m not behind the camera, I love playing soccer and surfing. I’m also a huge music lover—anything that gets me dancing, count me in! And I’m a big foodie too—haha, I love it all!
Popbuff: How do you keep your creativity sparked?
Brie: Creativity comes in waves for me, so when I’m feeling inspired, I like to journal my ideas with the intention of bringing them to life someday. When I’m feeling a bit stuck, moving my body really helps me stay present in the moment. Over the past year, I’ve started practicing breath work, and it’s been incredibly valuable for my creative process and overcoming mental blocks.
Popbuff: What equipment and gear do you normally use for your photography sessions?
Brie: For personal shoots, I love using mixed media, including a lot of 35mm film and Super 8. I’m a big fan of Portra 400—the coloring is absolutely timeless. I shoot film with the Canon 1V and use a mix of 8-15mm, 35mm, and 85mm EF lenses. For commercial work, I recently upgraded to the Canon R5, and I’m really impressed with the quality of images it produces!
Popbuff: What advice can you give photographers on picking the right gear for action sports photography?
Brie: If I were just starting out, I’d recommend getting a 24-70mm lens and a 70-200mm lens—those will cover you from all angles. One of the hardest parts for me in the beginning was deciding which lens to use, but the more you shoot, the better your intuition becomes in making those decisions.
Popbuff: What effect do you hope your photography has on viewers and the action sports community?
Brie: My goal with my work is to inspire others to get outside, play, and not hold back when it comes to creating and trying new things.
Popbuff: What message or emotion do you strive to convey through your work?
Brie: I hope my work reminds people to feel alive and stay true to themselves, no matter what. Every person is beautiful in their own unique way, and I aim to convey a sense of joy and authenticity through the images I create.
Brie grew up in Southern Orange County, California, and majored in Communications at UCSD. She is currently based on the west side of Los Angeles. Check our her portfolio at https://brielakin.com/
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