Brandon Fien
You probably have an idea of who this guy is, as he’s become one of the most popular waterfowl photographers on social media. if you are one of the few who doesn’t know who he is, Brandon Fien is a 17 year old Northern California kid who lives to photograph waterfowl and waterfowl hunts. He’s done work for big names such as Sitka, Beretta, and Tanglefree Waterfowl. We wanted to know more about Brandon so we talked with him about his passion and about who he looks up to in the industry. Check out the Q&A below.
All photos property of Brandon Fien
SR: Best advice to give to an amateur photographer who is getting discouraged by the amount of high-quality content on Instagram these days...compared to his/hers?
BF: Everyone has to start somewhere. Most of the photographers that are posting high quality images on Instagram have 10+ years of experience and content to choose from. Don’t get discouraged, get inspired.
SR: Everybody has a camera now a days. What sets true photographers apart from guys with cameras in that rarely leave the blind bag?
BF: All of the photographers that I look up to now a days choose the camera over the gun 9 times out of 10. They are constantly looking for the next moment to capture and tell a story, new angle, different lighting techniques. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Let your work speak for itself and the rest will follow suit.
SR: Best advice for a photographer to take in order to build strong relationships with brands in the waterfowl industry today? How were you so successful?
BF: My first piece of advice would be to not get so hung up on the idea of “getting sponsored” just to say you’re with that company. Work with brands that you believe in. Using this method will lead to a more genuine relationship with a company. Be loyal, honest, and go above and beyond the average with your content. Always be pushing yourself. Don’t settle for mediocre or “good enough.” Build up your work constantly. Before you know it, you’ll have name brands “sliding in your DMs” when they need a project done.
SR: Worst hunt vs Best Hunt to date & explain?
BF: My worst hunt was a hunt a few years back that was just with a bad group of people. Their methods of hunting were just morally wrong and they were basically just killing without any respect for the animal. The entire hunt was spent stuck in a marsh with leaky waders and two boneheads.
My best hunt was last season when I got to experience Flooded Timber Arkansas in the premier duck woods. I got to hunt with Mr. Bobby Martin, my Dad, Jim Ronquest, Jake Latendresse and his son Walker. It was Walkers first ever duck hunt and I was there to experience it all. From mallards breaking tree tops to buying a Red Ryder at a Walmart for Walker. It was amazing and I would do anything to go back.
SR: Most memorable photograph and why?
BF: This is my most memorable photograph to date. This photo is of my good friend @wadejahhh of his first band ever. It was a day on a public refuge in California and we had clearly found the X. It was a day with perfect conditions. Sunny, North wind, and few hunters. We spent all day picking out mallards, pintail and wigeon. There were 3 of us, so by the time we reached 20 birds, we agreed we were gonna “go green” for our last one. Just then, a courtship of mallards busted through the pond. Wade picked out the closest one, and took the shot. The bird landed in the perfect spot so instinctively I reached for my camera to photograph the retrieve. As soon as he picked it up I saw the flash of the leg. I tried to keep my cool as I photographed his wave of raw emotions paint the images.
SR: Who is someone you have always wanted to hunt with and where would you want them to take you? What 3 questions would you ask them?
BF: I have always wanted to hunt with Ryan Bassham from SITKA Gear. I’ve followed along with his work for nearly 3 years now. He’s a great guy with good intentions for the game he pursues. I’d want to go chase King Eider on the Alaskan coast with Mr. Bassham. The hunt just seems so intense and raw. Bad conditions and beautiful birds. An outdoor photographer’s dream.
I would ask Ryan:
How do you stay busy and intuitive with SITKA? In other words, how do you keep the public intrigued with the brand?
What are the reasons you choose Waterfowl over Big Game?
What is the best part of your job?
SR: Rank your top 3 photographers in the game today
BF: Hard question. I like dozens of photographers for dozens of different reasons. Here are my 3 favorite (not in order.)
Lee Kjos, Jake Latendresse, Tom Martineau.
These 3 photographers have the biggest influence in my work. I constantly look up to these 3 (as well as many others) but the raw story telling of these guys sticks out to me.
SR: You can only have one camera body and one lens for the rest of your life- what do you pick and why?
BF: 1dx Mark II with the Canon 70-200 2.8 III
This is a powerhouse duo that works extremely well for both photo and video.
SR: Best beginner set ip (easiest to use)?
BF: I’ve always been a Canon guy, so in my opinion the best starter kit would be any Canon Rebel with an 18-50mm lens and a 75-300mm lens. Best Buy, Costco, Target, and any other store with electronics sells that all in a package. I recommend it to anyone interested in photography without breaking the bank!
Click on Brandon to find him on Instagram