Braden Summers, an esteemed photographer, has always been drawn to the beauty inherent in diversity, acceptance, and inclusivity. His journey from a small town in Connecticut to the vibrant streets of San Francisco marked the beginning of an illustrious career focused on capturing the essence of various genders, ethnicities, sexualities, cultures, and locales. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the Academy of Art University, Summers’ education and experiences in San Francisco’s melting pot of diversity shaped his mission: to showcase the world’s beauty through a lens of inclusivity.
A Voice for the Queer Experience
As a gay man, Summers brings a personal touch to his art, creating environments where subjects feel wholly accepted. His work is a testament to the diversity of beauty, challenging and expanding conventional notions of aesthetics. Summers’ queer identity not only influences his perspective but also imbues his photographs with a depth and authenticity that resonate with viewers. His project, ALL LOVE IS EQUAL, serves as a powerful illustration of gay love, filling a significant void in commercial imagery by depicting the beauty in same-sex romance.
Color and Composition: A Painterly Approach
Summers’ approach to photography is akin to painting, with a keen eye for color and a desire to achieve a harmonious, painterly quality in each image. This attention to color composition reflects his background as a painter and art history enthusiast, drawing inspiration from museum visits and art galleries. Summers’ work is a careful orchestration of elements, from environment to wardrobe, all meticulously planned to create visually stunning outcomes.
The Impact of Los Angeles
Living just outside Los Angeles in the serene woods of Topanga, Summers finds the perfect balance between tranquility and the bustling creativity of the city. This unique setting provides him with the freedom to explore and the resources to execute his visions. The proximity to Los Angeles’ talent pool and creative communities has been instrumental in his continuous growth as an artist.
Looking Forward
Currently, Summers is delving into the world of filmmaking, exploring new narratives through short films. This new venture represents an expansion of his artistic repertoire, allowing him to weave more complex and poetic stories. His journey from photography to film highlights his evolving narrative technique, promising richer and more nuanced explorations of themes central to his work: love, diversity, and acceptance.
Summers’ commitment to highlighting the beauty in diversity and his unique ability to elevate the queer experience through art makes his work not only visually captivating but also socially significant. Through his lens, viewers are invited to see the world in a broader spectrum of colors, challenging and expanding their perceptions of beauty.