Bryon Bigford Photographer
43302 What led you to get interested in photography?
Bryon Bigford Instagram and a book, but it goes much further than that. When I was younger when I went to deer camp, back in 1990’s, in the evenings we would sit around and tell stories of what we had seen throughout the day. When I was asked what I had seen, they always thought that I was stretching the truth. So I thought that if I had a camera I could always prove what I had seen.
Fast forward, I was new to Instagram and Facebook, and I was fascinated how people could capture waterfalls with a silky smoothness, and I was just documenting my adventures with my phone. So for Christmas in 2015 I decided to buy a camera and a book. 200 hikeable waterfalls in Ohio. That’s when it all began.
43302 You proved early on that you had the eye of a photographer! Your first photos were all or mostly landscapes and nature. Can you show us a photo that told you you were on the right track?
Bryon Bigford That’s a tough question. I guess that moment came when I was asked to do family pictures for a friend. I was a little apprehensive at first, I guess that I was doubting my talents. Overall everything went well, and they were extremely happy with how the photos turned out. As I started to hear the feedback of what other people thought of my work, I believe it just validated what I already knew. This is one of the photographs from that session.
43302 What is the most rewarding part about being a photographer for you?
Bryon Bigford The most rewarding part about being a photographer is the pursuit of the next “Wow: photograph.
Whether it’s getting up at four in the morning to go take waterfall pictures, or staying up after midnight to photograph the Milky Way. All the time spent with family and friends in pursuit of the next “WOW” photograph. That’s my reward!
43302 What kind of gear do you use? What equipment is a must-have for you no matter where you are going to be working?
Bryon Bigford Well, back in the winter of 2015 when I was choosing a camera, in my mind there were only 2 choices. Nikon or Canon. I was going to buy a Canon, but a family friend said she had a Nikon and her and her friends shared different lenses. Looking back I’m glad I took that advice. Being a Nikon shooter has it’s advantages. One being that I can use older manual focus lenses, that I love. Just about any Nikkor lens made since 1959 will fit on any Nikon camera. But there are a few exceptions.
Next is having a good solid tripod. There are many brands, and I use two Vanguard and K&F Concept. With the Vanguard being the workhorse for its heft. A tripod is a must have, in my style of photography. With the use of the manual focus lenses, I need the stability to avoid camera blur and a lot of my photography is long exposure.
A good backpack or camera bag is helpful, and last but not least, a circular polarizer is a nice accessory.
43302 What are some of the awards you've received for your photography? Is there a recognition you've received - maybe a comment or a letter - that is extra special to you?
Bryon Bigford I have entered my photographs in the Mansfield Art Center’s May show two years in a row. There are hundreds of entries and it is a privilege to have your work accepted to be part of the show. I have had four total pieces accepted and have sold two.
The Mid Ohio Fine Arts Society had a show in 2020 and my entry received first place in photography and I also received a Merit award for another piece.
This past year, I entered the Popcorn Festival art show and took first and third place in the photography category.
In addition, many of my photographs have been featured on Instagram. The one that is extra special to me is the backstage photograph that I took of Eddie Montgomery in 2021. He has used that picture to promote his other shows all across the country.
43302 If I want to purchase one of your photographs or inquire about setting up an assignment, what's the best way to contact you?
Bryon Bigford The best way to reach me is through my email big4ord@gmail.com. Other ways are through Facebook and Instagram.
Or I can be contacted through my web page, https://bryonbigford.myportfolio.com/home
Waterfall at Ash Cave, Hocking Hils.
Bryon remembers: The photo was taken in 2020 after heavy rainfall in the area. I love the mood - the serenity that the park offers at times. The Hocking Hills is probably my favorite place to take photographs.”
