Meet Brien Hollowell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brien Hollowell.

Brien, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story starts back in July of 2012. On July 19th, 2012, I was preparing to go to a midnight showing of the Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, CO. I was supposed to go to the movie with my girlfriend at the time but we had a major argument that kept us from going. So instead of going to the movie, I ditched my girlfriend to go to a concert with a few friends. That night when I went to the show, a local photographer by the name of Maurice Anderson was taking pictures. I asked him could I see his camera and of course he said yes. It was the first time I ever took an interest in photography or cameras in general. So after the concert ended a few friends mentioned they were going to try and catch the midnight premiere of the Dark Knight Rises. Knowing my original plans for that evening was to go see the Batman movie at Century 16, I declined and just went home. So I went home.

Fast forward to about 3a/4a in the morning my mom rushed into my room. I’ll never forget the look on her face as if she saw a ghost. She asked me what I did that night. She kept asking me questions and I had to calm her down and ask her what the issue was. She said there was a shooting at the theater. Being from Aurora, CO I figured it was another gang shooting because the Aurora Mall has always had those kinds of random acts of violence. She continued to ask questions before turning on the television. And that’s when I saw what had taken place. An unknown suspect dressed in all black walked into the movie and riddled bullets into the theater audience. At that moment I knew that Jesus, who loves us and works all things out for our good had stepped into my life unknowingly and saved me from such a tragedy.

While I was being introduced to something that gives me life (cameras/photography), someone was planning to carry out something that brought hurt, pain, and loss to my community. I believe God called me out to fly by faith. It was like something out of a movie. Should’ve, Could’ve, Would’ve but didn’t happen. That’s how I got started as a photography. It was so dramatic that I could not ignore the signs God was giving me to pursue photography. I was always creative but now through photography, I found my voice. Soon after the shooting I dropped out of college at MSCD and left my dead-end bank job and started flying by faith. I was introduced to strong believers who love Jesus like I do and I had the opportunity to pursue my newly found passion at the Art Institute of Colorado. God surely took all my negatives and exposed them with the light of Christ and has developed and framed a life I couldn’t even picture myself.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. But I believe Jesus has established my every step. Knowing that has made it a lot easier then if I didn’t have Him by my side. A few struggles as a new believer and creative was knowing which way to go. When I look back, I realized I was taking mini leaps of faith. Each leap might have been small but in away it was monumental to where I am now. I’m still taking leaps day today. I don’t see things as a struggle but more of an obstacle I had to overcome. Sure there were times when I didn’t think I was good enough but the Holy Spirit led me through some trying times but I got through it.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Well, I’m a photographer. I love photographing people. I might be known for my black and white images. I love to light. I find myself on cool productions and building lights on sets. I’m grateful that my work speaks for itself. I’m my own person/individual. That’s what sets me apart along with my passion for the camera. I see now that my craft is evolving into other creative ventures which I’m super excited to see where the next five to ten years take me as a creative.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is honestly going to the movies with my family. We always had a movie night. Whether it was a drive-in theater or just at the house. I just remember that’s when family/friends would come together and spend major time together.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.brienhollowell.com/
• Phone: 3032578261
• Email: brien@brienhollowell.com

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