Under influence | Brian Bett: ‘creative block is my greatest challenge’

Living in a bubble

Living in a bubble, 2017 © Brian Bett

Meet Brian Bett: a 19-year-old self-portraitist based in Nairobi, Kenya. Here he reveals his major influences, and touches on the challenges of creative block

I started taking self-portraits in 2014 when I got my first camera, and I became really enthusiastic about it by the close of the following year.

I was so keen on editing pictures and making them surreal with Photoshop at the time, and learned as much as I could about this before I could start taking it seriously.

Lacklusture

Lacklustre, 2017 © Brian Bett

I was drawn to the medium when I saw the work of Joel Robison – amazed by the way he could shrink himself and put a new perspective on the world around us.

My main influences and inspirations include the photographers Alessio Albi, Chris Rivera, Logan Zillmer, and Kyle Thompson. I just love their styles, how they process their images, and the stories their images tell.

One of my all-time favourite self-portrait photographers has to be David Uzochukwu. I just love how subtle his work is, while containing so much meaning.

Keeping the good things close.jpg

Keep the good things close, 2017 © Brian Bett

As an artist, creative block is my greatest challenge. There was a time this lasted for weeks, and I worked through it by watching movies, going to new locations, and sketching to get new ideas and feel inspired again.

Beyond my photography I do filming both professionally and as a hobby. I also make music – mainly electronic – which can be found on Youtube and Soundcloud.

Explore Brian’s latest self-portraiture on Flickr and Instagram

We think Brian Bett is one to watch. You do, too? Give us a shout on Twitter, and support the artist’s work by sharing this feature with your friends

Comments 41

  12. David January 24, 2018

    Oh wow! I’m one of those people who from a position of no information decided “Photoshop is cheating”. Then I see your work and think “no, Photoshop, in the right hands, is creating, exploring and inspiring”. I love your images!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply to this comment

  28. Ken Harrison January 25, 2018

    I ran across this in my search for information on improving mobile photography, and am so glad I did despite it having nothing to do with my search. I would call these inspirational, beautiful, imaginative.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply to this comment

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