Explore my collection of prints and see these moments through my lens! https://1-bryan-palumbo.pixels.com I live in Wilmington, NC, but I grew up in Connecticut, bringing a unique perspective to the world. Born Deaf, I found solace and expression through the lens of a camera. From 1982 to 1984, during my high school years, I immersed myself in Graphic Arts, experimenting with film photography in a
darkroom - transforming rolls of film into tangible memories. My parents noticed my fascination and gifted me an Olympus camera one Christmas, a present that became the key to my visual adventures. My senior year was a whirlwind of capturing life's moments, and my love for photography deepened. When college beckoned, I faced a triad of choices: Printing, Media Production (Photography), or Data Processing. My fascination with the physical transformation of digital designs led me to choose Printing. Over time, my Olympus, once a trusted companion, slipped into undesirability. By my last year of college, my passion for photography faded, and I sold my camera with a heavy heart. I married a woman whose passion for photography blossomed over the years. For 16 years, she chronicled our lives, capturing families, animals, and the curious moments that intrigued her. For our 16th anniversary in August 2019, we embarked on a trip to Colorado, where we explored the majestic landscapes of Estes Park. As soon as we arrived, she snapped away, her excitement palpable. I told her to hold back, believing that more spectacular views awaited us. I had felt a similar thrill during a spring break trip to Colorado in 1985, but that excitement now seemed distant. Our first day in the park was filled with her photos, and when we returned to our Airbnb, she showed me her captures. Each image ignited a spark and rekindled a passion I thought I had lost. The next day, I joined her with renewed enthusiasm. We explored every corner of the park, and as we compared our photos using our phones, I realized that my old skills were returning. My wife playfully noted that I had borrowed her style, but we both enjoyed the competition. We spent the entire day photographing, our shared excitement fueling a rekindled passion. Back home, I dedicated myself to learning photography. I joined the Samsung Photography Academy and later became involved with Vizio 365, a Deaf-owned photography community. Vizio 365 hosted monthly contests, and my first attempt at food photography was mediocre. However, despite my wife's critique, I won $20, which fueled my determination to improve. With the prize money, I enhanced my skills using my phone through the Samsung Photography Academy. Soon after, I won $365 for a photo based on a road/path theme and another $365 for an open theme photo. These victories inspired me to purchase a new camera, a Canon EOS R50, along with two kit lenses. I was disappointed when Vizio had to close its business, as I genuinely enjoyed working with Deaf photographers and missed that community. Nevertheless, Vizio's closure did not stop me. As I pursued my interest in the photography world, I immersed myself in YouTube tutorials, learning from photographers such as William Patino, Serge Ramelli, Mark Denney, Simon d'Entremont, and Joshua Dunlop. I tried to complete most of their programs/academy/institute, but it was difficult for me to read the closed captions and watch the mouse pointer at the same time. Their insights were helpful, but I struggled with some of the advanced techniques. After a few months of discouragement, I stopped taking photos. The fire within me had dimmed, but it had not been extinguished. Determined to reignite my passion, I searched for new guidance and discovered Tim Shield Photography Academy. His approach resonated with me, and suddenly, everything fell into place. I embraced his methods, and my love for photography roared back to life. I began taking photos with the same enthusiasm I had in high school, driven by a renewed sense of purpose and joy. I am on an exciting journey of learning and growth in the world of photography. My passion lies in capturing the beauty of landscapes, cityscapes, and the wonders of nature. Whether it's the vast expanse of mountains or beaches with piers under a brilliant sunrise and sunset, the intricate details of urban architecture, or the delicate textures of a flower in bloom, I strive to capture the essence of what I see through my lens. Each photograph tells a story, and I am dedicated to honing my skills to convey the beauty and emotion of the moments I encounter. From the shores of Wilmington to the peaks of Colorado and the Pacific coasts, my journey through photography has been a hero's quest for rediscovery. With each click of the shutter, I've found not only the beauty of the world but also the essence of my own passion, rekindled and blazing brighter than ever.
