Variety

Many of the photographers I know love to specialize. In theory, specialization leads to mastery. And for those that can make a living this way, I truly respect them for it.

But for me, I get bored fairly easily and love to try new things.

I'm based in Dallas, TX. My name is Brian Hilson,
I am a:
fashion photographer
food photographer
product photographer
headshot photographer
portrait photographer
pet photographer
fine art photographer
conceptual photographer
...The list goes on. I shoot it all and I absolutely love shooting it all.

A few of us were talking over sushi the other night about variety of images. A good friend of mine is an amazing food photographer, another friend is an incredible concert photographer. Over dinner we were talking about the different vibes we enjoy creating in Photoshop and I brought out my iPhone. Coincidentally enough, the night before, I decided to see how many different looks I could come up with from a single headshot. And I showed them this folder of images loaded up the previous night.


The original


Basic black and white

Black and white with heavy gold toning



Original with some minor color tweaks



Black and white with selective focus and bronze toning



All in all, I really prefer to not specialize. I have entirely too much fun playing with images like this.

An open letter to a muse

We haven't worked together, not really. But I see your photos, your smile, the way you carry yourself... and it makes me daydream of the day I get you in front of my camera. Not the one I shot that time, but the one you really are, the one that comes out behind closed doors when you allow you to be you. I've met that "you" and I truly respect that "you" I met.

I remember meeting you and feeling so small. Your work made me tremble, just a little, but it was enough. My work wasn't worthy of you yet. It's been three years now and I'm still not worthy. Truth be told, I'm not sure I will ever be, I'm not sure I want to be.

When I shoot, I think of you often, wondering if you will like what I create, wondering how you would feel if you were gracing my camera instead of the person actually there. And it makes me try harder.

One day it will happen, possibly. Then again it might not. The more I think about it maybe I prefer that I never become worthy. Because this way, I never will. But I will keep trying. And I will continue to improve. And even if we never create anything magical, I'll never have you far from my thoughts. Then again, even if we do create something amazing, you will still be there. Because of... in spite of... you. And I thank you for it, at least here.

Thanks for being you and everything you inspire me to become.