Brian Cann

Bio

Brian Cann is a photographer, teacher and writer living in Stuttgart, Germany, specializing in portrait, editorial, fitness, event and art-nude photography. 

Having matured past the age where it is said, "if you haven't grown up by then, you don't have to", his work is edgy, social, and at times political, but always with humor. Not afraid to take on subject matters others avoid, he tries to steer away from cliche, trends, and the ordinary, whilst creating images that others will enjoy for years to come. 

He is originally from the UK, now living in Germany, with his American wife and kids: at home in many places but not quite identifying with any one. 

He is a member of the Stuttgarter Kuenstlerbund.

(portrait above courtesy of Wilhelm Betz.)

'Heirlooms' and 'Intimacies'

Two words that stand alone or can be combined and which form the basis for my 'philosophy'. I shoot images to be displayed on living room walls for generations, or images to be hidden in bedroom closets safely away from all but the most trusted of eyes: I shoot 'intimate Heirlooms' or 'heirloom Intimacies.'  

I work hard to create authentic, emotional images. I don't deal with snapshots. All posed images have an element of performance about them. I talk to the people in front of my camera, engage with them to bring out their emotions. That is what a portraitist does. That is how you get genuine images. 

The same authenticity applies when editing images. Yes, I 'photoshop' images: pimples, bruises, mom's spaghetti on your shirt front, cellulite, and stretch marks will have gone on edited images, but, unless you tell me otherwise, scars, birthmarks and tattoos will still be there. Tiny tucks to correct posture can be done, too, but I'm not going to take you down two dress sizes or add three inches to your biceps. Your skin will look like nice, real skin, not plastic skin. Your edited images will leave no-one guessing if it is really you: they will look just like you - but you on a really good day.