Today we’d like to introduce you to Beau Cardwell.
Beau, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I really appreciate the invitation and opportunity to share my photography journey. Before any of this began, I poured years of time into digital art by painting portraits. At some point, I realized that it just wasn’t for me anymore. In 2019 I went through some life changes and realized I was struggling with anxiety and depression. In effort to lift my mental health, I started investing in myself by changing my look often, buying clothes, etc. It was the first time in my life that I was really focusing on figuring out who I was as a person. That Spring, I walked into Earthbound Trading Co. to grab some new threads and was scouted out to model for their clothing. Going to shoots and seeing what happens behind the scenes had a direct impact on what I do today. I really enjoyed my experience with Earthbound, but it began this itch and curiosity in my brain seeing the photographer put together these great scenes.
Thanksgiving 2020 I bought a camera and started reaching out to local talent to create art with. It felt like such a natural transition, and I was immediately drawn to the craft. I knew from early on I wanted to create dark and moody art with an ethereal feel…like seeing someone in a fever dream. When inviting models to collaborate with I encourage them to come as they are, wear what makes them feel comfortable and happy, and we will get the shots together. It’s a dance with one another, and while everyone moves differently…I feel that the final images come out much better allowing for full teamwork. At times we will work with a loose concept or idea, but ultimately these things should be fun and not stressful! I can’t imagine producing a stressful environment and expecting any sort of desirable results.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Creating a safe and respectful space has always been on the forefront of my mind. There are many people out there that attempt to taint the art with ill intentions, or sometimes just not respecting boundaries that should be in place when working with a model.
From the very start, I knew I wanted to shoot fully clothed and very conservatively. I have nothing against nude, boudoir, or any similar photoshoots if the intention supports the art…it can produce beautiful results. It’s when good intentions are not a priority that creates a toxic situation. I use my photoshoots as a visual platform to hopefully demonstrate affirmative values.
I really enjoy taking challenges and turning them on their head. When starting, you learn about times of the day that you shouldn’t shoot because the sun is in x or y position and creates poor situations for lighting. I say, “Let’s do it and we will make it happen”. Often times the situations you most avoid can produce some unexpected and amazing results. Treating everything as a learning experience will further expand your tool bag no matter the avenue you are pursuing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I show up with a Yellow Red Bull and take pictures of awesome women. If someone brings up my Instagram, my grid will mostly be portrait work. I really became laser-focused on making that look organized and have a comprehensive flow. I love food and was really inspired by this gold-flaked chocolate I saw online. I thought it would be cool to transform portraits into something as rich and elegant as that.
I’m extremely driven and passionate towards models leaving the shoot feeling confident and beautiful. I spoke about finding my confidence and to be honest; it is something I still sometimes struggle with. If my work can mitigate anxieties and we can work together to encourage a positive result, then I have done my job as a photographer. I think that most would agree that having someone be on cloud nine over the final images is one of the best feelings in the world.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
There will always be naysayers that will come between your passions and goals. Some of these people will use the guise of constructive criticism just to bring you down. Just don’t ever stop pressing forward. Oh…and have fun!
“Don’t ever, for any reason, do anything to anyone for any reason ever, no matter what, no matter where, or who, or who you are with. or where you are going, or where you’ve been…ever, for any reason whatsoever…” – Michael Scott
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/beaucaptures
Image Credits
Janine Czajka
Britt Webster
Miranda Miller
Whitley King
