Photography is Tommy’s Passion

You might not guess it by his title, but our video editor Tommy Bruning is also a talented photographer. He loves capturing a wide variety of people, places, and things, from musicians, sporting events, and national parks to college campuses.

When did your interest in photography begin?

Growing up I had a very active lifestyle, playing pretty much every sport at my school. I was constantly moving, and my mind was always occupied with some sort of activity. As high school graduation was approaching, I knew it was time to explore other interests and begin to find a potential career. Going from a lifestyle of activities and academics from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., college was a big change because I had so much more free time to explore, learn, and grow. After changing my major a few times, transferring schools, and trying out a few side hustles, I ended up meeting some people who were very into photography and videography, and I started working with them using DSLR cameras. Shortly after, and with the help of my parents, I got my first camera. I got busy right away and clung to photography.

How would you describe your photography and editing style?

Authentic. I try to be immersed and present in the environments I shoot in, and I want my editing to reflect those spaces to the best of my ability. I have to get into a rhythm. The only way I achieve this is by taking a lot of photos. If you ever see me shooting, you may be surprised by how many pictures I’m taking and how much I’m moving. 

Where do you draw inspiration from? 

I’ve always struggled with this question and how to answer it. (Even now.) I feel like I’ve never lacked inspiration. Art can be found anywhere and is abundant. So, I guess I draw inspiration from everything. The older I get, the more I find myself going back to the things I loved when I was a kid. Currently, I’m taking inspiration from Batman comics, video games with photo mode like Spider-Man 2, Tim Burton, ice hockey, Midwest winter, and music. A lot of music.

 

What’s the best piece of photography advice you’ve been given?

I’ve never really had a mentor or someone to help guide my journey for photography specifically. That being said, I had a boss during my sophomore year of college, and he was big on independence. He gave some great advice like, “Figure it out yourself” and “Don’t wait on anyone or anything, just go.”

How has your work evolved since you began shooting, and how do you hope it continues to evolve?

I have never liked rules or instructions. When I was starting out, I didn’t have any rules except one: just say yes. If someone came to me with an opportunity, I would say yes before I could even think about saying no. I never regretted having that rule because I learned at least one thing on every shoot, and met some incredible people because of it. If I told someone I would do something, I always did it because integrity is important to me. Hence my username and brand, tommydiditt. 

I said yes to pretty much every request for almost three years, but today, I do not say yes to every request. In fact, I say no more than I say yes. Now, I’m shooting more of what I want to. It’s great, but it’s different. For the first time in my life, I have structure, stability, and time. I have learned how to live fast, and now I am learning how to live slower and with more intention, and I’m really enjoying this new chapter in my life.

How has your personal photography influenced the work you do at Ologie?

Ologie does a great job of recognizing people’s strengths and letting them work within their bounds. My official title at Ologie is video editor, but the good people at Ologie have discovered and helped me do and be more than just that. I’ve gone on multiple photo shoots at different campuses like Baruch, Putney, Purdue, and Carnegie Mellon. Every photo shoot I have done for Ologie, they let me create in the way that I create, and I appreciate the trust they have in me. I think from the top down, Ologie understands art and the process of how art is created. I would also add that Ologie has done a great job of recognizing how my personal work can help us, so I credit Ologie and their ability to use their talent. 

What piece of work are you most proud of?

It truly is the next shoot, always. I feel like I continue to improve and continue to grow my eye. But besides that, it’s always changing. The music lover in me is most proud of the portraits I took of artist Trippie Redd, and the photo book I created and sold, called “pictures to listen to.” The nature lover in me is most proud of my photos from Glacier National Park. The orange in me (Ologie) is most proud of the photos I took at Putney. The kid in me is most proud of my Columbus Blue Jackets work. Even as I am responding to these questions, I realize why I love photography once again: My life’s highlights and some of my most proud moments are often captured. They help me remember what it was like to be there.

 

Where do you hope to take this passion of yours next?

Yet another reason I love this path is because of how wide open it is. I don’t have (and I never have had) a strong vision. I have great instincts and an ability to think on my feet. My instincts have gotten me to where I am today, but I don’t know where they will get me tomorrow. I simply do the best I can every day, and I put my faith into everything I do. 

Where can we follow you to keep up with your work?

Instagram: instagram.com/tommydiditt/ & instagram.com/tommydiditttt/

Website: https://tommydiditt.com/

Behance: https://www.behance.net/tommybruning1?tracking_source=search_projects|wilds&