Keep an eye on Raoul Brown, the next big thing (pictured above)!

He has burst onto the scene in the world of photography and has managed to, in a short time, gain amazing success through the mere quality of his work. We have had the wonderful pleasure of working with this talented and impressive photographer.  Below you will find some of his work and read our recent interview.

WASIAlife: What inspires you most about photography?

RB: It’s funny every time I’m asked this question my response is always different. I enjoy the freedom to capture images from all walks of life, the ability to create art and to share my view of the world with others. I’m always curious if anyone views the world the way I do which is reflected in my art. I’m doing a personal project where I approach people throughout my travels and capture their movements. Sometimes, I feel like they were waiting for me to come along and give them permission to release, show or share whatever they want to with the world/me/my viewers. WOW I’ve captured some amazing images.

 WASIAlife: What made you venture into professional photography?

RB: I was encouraged to become a professional working photographer by other professional photographers, family, friends, clients and my significant other, Makeda. Before I turned pro, I did odd jobs for family, friends and anyone who hired me. Twenty-two months into shooting events and portraits sessions, I started receiving job offers from other photographers, event planners and designers. Subsequently, I received exposure on social networks and by word of mouth. Job offers and bookings started increasing which is when I decided it as time to start Raoul Brown Photography. Before I could do that I wanted to take some more photography and business courses. While taking courses, 12 of my photos were published. After 18 months and a few thousand dollars in courses and equipment, I decided it was time to go pro.

WASIAlife: How has your photography and point of view evolved since you first began?

RB: Ha ha ha … Makeda and I talk about this all the time. I see movies and Life Stream differently. I’m always studying lighting techniques used in scenes throughout the movie, studying camera angles and locations, set designs, costumes, makeup, special effects, etc. I stay at the end of the movie and read the credits to see the set designers, lighting crew/company; then research their techniques. My definition of Life Stream is the energy the human body exudes and its color at a given time. I love capturing that …have you ever stood or sat in a public space and people watch? Watch them go about their day. Happy, sad, confident, anxious, stressed, angry, late, nervous, all these moods carry a different color. Sometimes, it shows in the way they dress, in their cheeks, eyes, hands, hair, or body language and the way they interact with others or others interact with them.

WASIAlife: You work with models and shoot street wear. What about fashion do you find intriguing?

RB: I love the way a look or outfit enhances a person’s mood or day. I love capturing that.  People’s personal style or mood can be reflected in the way they dress.

WASIAlife: What is your personal defining fashion style?

RB: WOW … Rocking out what you have in good sense/taste. You can have the latest wear, best hair and makeup from the top designers and artists and still don’t make the cut. I come along in boots, jeans, white t-shirt, blazer or jacket and rock it out.  I’ve done that and I love that. Did I mention I’m a flirt, ha ha ha? I guess what I’m saying is …you bought it, so, have the confidence to wear it in good sense and taste. I guess I’m blessed I got help with my fashion and style from my parents whom passed them to my lovely sisters who taught me. Thanks girls …smiling…

WASIAlife: If you could do anything else, what would it be?

RB: Ha ha ha! I would still be a photographer. I love it!

WASIAlife: You live in New York City, one of the greatest cities in the world, but if you could live anywhere else in the world, where would that be?

RB: Paris and when I need a break Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. I love it there!

WASIAlife: Is there anything about you no one would ever guess?

RB: Some of my passions include cooking, dancing, snowboarding, running extreme races, people watching and listening to the sound of my lady laugh. I say a prayer before every shoot. I love tea, I start up conversations with random people; I got that from my mom. I made my own drink at Starbucks.

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