Today we’d like to introduce you to Bradley Wentzel.
Bradley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been interested in photography since I was a kid in Junior High. I enrolled in photography classes every year when I got into High School – I really enjoyed the process of receiving and executing creative assignments.
I then began freelancing for San Diego magazines and photographers for a few years before moving up to Santa Barbara to attend the Brooks Institute of Photography to refine and hone my skills. At that time, my main focus and work was based in portraits and action sports mostly for editorials. I continued freelancing throughout Southern California when I was referred to photograph for an Off-Road race team, which involved shooting from the team helicopter. After shooting several races for them they asked me to shoot some of their other activities in aviation, which turned out to be the Lewis Air Legends collection of aircraft.
Shooting for Lewis Air Legends was an incredible experience and allowed me to photograph some rare and iconic aircraft from wildly unique vantage points. The owner of Lewis Air Legends, Rod Lewis, was instrumental in helping me carve out a place in the niche world of aviation photography. This built a foundational portfolio for me to pursue aerial photography in the aviation industry as a freelance photographer.
Since then, I’ve shot for dozens of aviation magazines, companies, and brands including Breitling, Kodiak, and Joby Aviation – shooting warbirds, modern planes, and aircraft of the future.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There’s no defined roadmap in freelance photography, so there is some trial and error along the way that requires patience while building momentum and clients.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer specializing aviation. I’m most known for my aerial aviation photography, which requires me to photograph an aircraft from another aircraft while in flight (air-to-air photography).
One of my proudest moments was photographing and directing the global ad campaign for Breitling’s Super AVI collection of watches.
I bring a unique perspective to aviation photography by leaning into my diverse experience and background in the photography industry for inspiration.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
All of my favorite childhood memories involved the outdoors, specifically growing up surfing and skateboarding in San Diego, and camping and backpacking through Yosemite and Mammoth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bradleywentzel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradleywentzel/
Image Credits
Bradley Wentzel The Spitfire
T-6 Texan
Lewis Air Legends collection
Military Aviation Museum.
