Cinematic Portraits & Documentary Storytelling: From Remote Tribes to YouTube

Brett Garamella has spent over a decade making cinematic portraits and documentaries around the world, from Cuba's tobacco farmers and Colombia's coffee growers to MMA fighters in Dagestan and athletes like Michael Jordan and LaMelo Ball. His documentary short film The Champion qualified for Academy Award consideration. He has worked with global brands, such as National Geographic, ESPN, and DJI.In this talk, Brett shares the creative process behind cinematic environmental portraits and documentary storytelling: building trust with subjects, shaping light in the field with portable setups, and capturing the real stories behind the images. He also talks honestly about building a creative life from the ground up, through documentaries, YouTube, workshops, and international expeditions. Expect real images, behind-the-scenes footage, side-by-side lighting comparisons, and practical insight for anyone looking to do more with their photography.Q&A to follow.