Heather Brand is best known for her portraits of political figures, musicians, artists and everyday people. Her photographs have been featured regularly in numerous fashion and advertising magazines.
Like portrait photographer Arnold Newman, Brand has become well-known for combining the esthetics of a subject's environment and personality with a breathtaking moment of authenticity. Brand views each subject as an opportunity to express how they are seen by the world and what she sees in them. Often simple in composition and lighting, you are left with pure eyes often lost in thought. Her photographs are intriguing as they are beautiful. After viewing you yearn to reach into each subjects soul.
Born in Sacramento, California, in 1977, Brand received a degree in Communication with a minor in Music Industry from The University of Southern California in 1999. She subsequently continued her studies in Paris, France at Speos Institute of Photography after meeting French artist Michael Hertz. Hertz observed Brand as she snapped a picture of dancing ballerinas in a Paris Café and exclaimed, You know this is what you are meant to do with your life, dont you? This chance interaction inspired Brand to stay in Paris, with Hertz as her mentor where she learned how to use light as a French painter might. This influence can be seen in her work with lighting paralleling an 18th century French artist's studio.
In 2002, Brand returned to the states where she opened a freelance photography studio in New York. In 2007, she became the official photographer for John McCain during his 2008 presidential election. For a year and a half Brand was the only photographer granted personal access to McCain and his family. This work was featured in publications worldwide including, Glamour, Paris Match and Vogue.
Reminiscent of Peter Lindbergh, her work merged fashion, portraiture and journalism with a cinematic modernization. Revolutionizing the traditional approach to political journalism, her photos gathered a cult following during the heated election.
In 2009, Heather Brand relocated to Nashville, Tennessee to return to her love of music, photographing its thriving and eclectic scene. Following in the footsteps of Herman Leonard, she has discovered a fascination with photographing Nashvilles jazz and country legends. Concentrating on performances and behind the scenes moments, she is becoming an integral part of capturing the historical influence while at the same time shedding new light on the citys beloved music scene.
Heather Brands fine art work was selected for exhibition at the Salon dart contemporain de Museum National DHistoire Naturelle in 2002. Her series Regard a la Loupe, meaning through the magnifying lens, featured tightly cropped portraits was seen in venues throughout Paris. Brand is exhibiting her collection of portraits, Nashville musicians and fine art at the Nashville Jazz Workshop through June 2010.
Heather Brand is represented by Aurora Photo Agency and is based out of Nashville, New York, and California.
