Check out Tonya Brye’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Brye.

Tonya, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I am a native San Diegan who is currently a student of photography. My passion for people is what drives my passion for photography. I have realized that being able to touch people’s hearts through photographs brings a feeling of reward and incredible pleasure. I want to give a voice to people through visual imagery. The story is up to the viewer to write.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
What drives me are people. People who serve, people who have immigrated to the U.S. and people who despite their struggles, are able to overcome obstacles and continue to find success. A melting pot can be seen as a metaphor for a society in which many different types of people blend together as one. America is often called a melting pot, with a specific cultural recipe of acceptance for people who are not the same in terms of race, religion, and culture. Within our differences, we find our commonality.

While photographing, it is almost like having a conversation (mini-therapy session) with myself about where I fit into the world, what is important and how I can possibly move forward and connect with others. I want to use photography as a tool to express the importance of unity.

Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
Creating a unique, unprecedented image is a difficult task to do, as it seems as though everything has already been done. The ability to express a mood and paint with light to create a story – to some degree, interpretive photography.

Conceiving a new point of view with angels, image placement and experimenting with shutter speeds. I try experimenting with unfamiliar views made by positioning the camera askew or pointing it up or down. Creating a sense of euphoria with movement or extended exposure time.

Most leisure photographers use their cameras to document important events and capture memories without artistic motivation. My goal is to use photography as a means to express my vision through an image. Thus, when trying to understand if a photograph should be considered art by “experts” is an arbitrary process. The stress of if there is an underlying message denoting the consideration as fine art photography is subjective and personal. The challenge of taking photographs that have a positive impact and a permanent imprint can overshadow the joy if you let it.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Publications and Exhibitions:
2015 – Elaine Lowry Brye l Be Safe, Love Mom
2015 – Faith l National Geographic
2016 – Full Moon l NBC 7
2016 – After the Rain l Lume Cube
2016 – Kanella Glover l Indian Gaming Magazine
2017 – Army Mom Strong | The Heart of a Military Mom
2017- I Am America |Hyde Art Gallery
2018 – Diversity | Santa Fe Workshops Campus
2018 – Family | Hyde Art Gallery
2018 – I Am Beautiful | California Center for the Arts
2018 – Justice| Hyde Art Gallery
2018 – Making a Difference | Photographer’s Forum Magazine

www.bryephotography.com

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bryephotography.com
• Email: tebrye@gmail.com
• Instagram: tonya.brye

Image Credit:
Tonya Brye of Brye Photography

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