Breanna Dobbins - Humanitarian Photojournalist

Breanna Dobbins

21 years old

Student earning her Bachelors degree

CONTACT INFORMATION:

email: breanna@breannadobbinsphotography.com
website: www.breannadobbinsphotography.com
blog: www.breannadobbins.blogspot.com

         

          For my first interviewee my subject was Ms. Breanna Dobbins. We met for coffee at Starbucks near our school and it was an honest pleasure getting to know such a talented and selfless individual.

Where are you from?

I’m from Ashville, North Carolina.

How long have you been in photography?

I have had a camera since middle school but did not really start becoming serious about photography until about 5 years ago. I knew during my senior year of high school that I wanted to become a photographer.

Were you “artsy” as a child? Into music or drawing?

Yes. My twin is more the academic one and I’m more of the artsy twin. I love music and I drew a little as a child.

Do you prefer shooting in the studio or on location?

Location! I love being in the environment with my subject. I do more Humanitarian/ photojournalism work. It has helped me develop a good eye and a good understanding of exposure.

What other photographers do you like?

Gary S. Chapman. He is a humanitarian photographer. I have emailed him a couple of times and have received responses and his blog features equipment he takes with him on shoots. He seems like he really wants to help other photographers.

What is your favorite piece of equipment?

The camera. I work a lot with natural light. I also like reflectors and a speed light as a fill but mainly my camera.

What is one rookie mistake you see a lot?

People immediately think they can work at their dream job when they get out of school. You need to work you way up. No one should ever hand you a job. You must earn it.

When you’re not taking photographs, what do you do in your down time?

I enjoy spending time with my family. I have a twin sister and an older sister who is married with two little girls. I love playing with my nieces.

Is there anyone who has greatly influenced your life?

My sister and my best friend. My sister is very strong in her faith and my friend is really outgoing . They both helped influence the person I am today and my work. When I moved here I had to be outgoing.

Do you know what you want to say prior to photographing?

When I am shooting for non-profit organizations I know I want to highlight the organization but I don’t know the dynamics until I get there.

Where do you find your inspiration?

My faith. I have gone on multiple mission's trips that sparked an interest in non-profit organizations. I also want to help people and I can fuel that through my photography. I would like to one day join the Peace Corp. as a photographer and be able to travel and help people. I'd love to one day relocate to Africa.

What are some things you wish you could tell your peers?

You have to take control. If something goes wrong take responsibility and either email an instructor or tell the cage or nothing will get resolved.

Do you have a mentor or professor that is pushing you?

Mr. C. He is good about sending me links to the type of photography I am into. He seems to really be interested in seeing me succeed. I know I can go to him with a question and he will give me an honest answer.

What do you find to be the hardest thing about photography?

The hardest part of being a photographer is letting people know you’re a professional and asking to be paid. Since I’m a student it’s hard to convince people your not a lemonade stand. Many people have a camera these days so convincing someone to pay you for something they could ask their friend to do it for free is tough.

What is your pet peeve in classes? How can we fix it?

People being disrespectful. Either the talking during critiques or being on facebook and missing things the instructor says then asking questions they would understand if they were paying attention. The way we can fix it is just start being respectful and perhaps the teachers calling them out on it.

Finally, I know some students are facing criticism and mockery from individuals who don’t think photography is a real degree or think it’s just a hobby. Do you run into that and do you have any advice for those students?

Students need to push through it and work hard because they are doing what they love instead of a 9 to 5 desk job. The business classes are helping me realize, “wow, you can do what you love and earn money for it.” Those individuals will soon realize that too.