Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Sanders.
Hi Brandon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. I grew up in the church where my grandfather pastored, and my where my love for music began. At an early age, I taught myself to play the piano by ear. I have been performing spoken word poetry since the third grade. Competing in different youth poetry slams grew my love for live performances. During high school, I found a new hobby- freelance photography. I grew an interest in capturing conceptual portraits, and that’s where my business ‘Brandon Sanders Photography’ was born. I graduated from high school with an Associate’s Degree in Arts. I wanted to continue to excel in my dreams so I decided to attend the University of Houston to study Theatre Acting. I am now in the final semester of my Junior Year, and I finally feel my career taking off. I now work at North Houston Studio- a local photography and event rental space. I also am a student worker at the University of Houston’s Piano Technology Program. During my time here in Houston, I have been asked to perform my original spoken word for the Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner as well as represent the School of Theatre and Dance for the president of the school, Renu Kahtor for important donors events. You can catch me performing spoken word on Tuesday nights at Taste Bar + Kitchen with other local artists!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to get to where I am today was not easy at all. I was raised by my wonderful grandparents, but I spent most of my childhood passing my mother and father on the side of the streets, at times when they were battling with alcoholism and drug addictions. I come from a community that is surrounded with love but faced with harsh realities everyday, such as poverty and lack of employment. I decided to use art as my healing. People took advantage of me as a child, so I struggled with my own identity for many years. At times when my own realities hindered my opportunities, the only way I could see the bright side was through art. Music saved me. Poetry saved me. Theatre saved me. Photography saved me. It was through these different mediums of art that I found a real sense of purpose. To inspire and uplift an audience is a huge task. The performer that I am now, is the performer that I once aspired to be. I am chasing my dreams no matter what comes my way. Though the road was not always smooth I painted my own future and now I can’t look back.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am most proud to be the true definition of an all around performer. I am able to give 100 percent of myself on stage, and it is really freeing to my spirit. I am a musician, actor, poet, and photographer. Throughout the year, you can see me training and challenging myself with new clients, new characters, new songs, and new original works of poetry that included other mediums of singing, and dancing. It is a combination of all the things I do that sets me apart. I don’t box myself in to one artistic form, I flow effortlessly and tackle them all.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
A good attitude is very important to me. There are days when I don’t want to create or don’t feel like giving 100 percent of myself. Yet, I position my heart to focus on the work and know that it is all bigger than me myself. The work I do is a part of my legacy and I know my grandparents are proud. Having a bright personality has kept me focused on the work, and gives me reasons to keep creating.
Pricing:
- $75/hr in studio shoots with $150 deposit (must book 2+hrs)
- $50/hr on location shoots with $75 deposit
Contact Info:
- Email: brandon201792@gmail.com
- Website: brandonsandersphotography.pixieset.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/b_sanders12
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandonsandersphotography/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/TheBrandon201792
Image Credits
@BrandonSandersPhotography
@Tyler.vp (Main Photo)
