Bryan Garris is a traditional analog photographer currently living in Dahlonega, GA. He primarily works in the medium of black and white film and makes handmade silver-gelatin prints in his darkroom.
Born and raised in North GA, Bryan spent his youth exploring the creeks and forests behind his house and camping with his fellow Scouts. The beauty and experience of nature always fascinated him, and he became interested in photography at an early age. This interest waned as he pursued degrees in Music Education and Music Performance - but near the end of his studies his passion for photography was reignited and he began to focus on learning this craft.
Mostly self-taught, Bryan began by studying Ansel Adams' seminal books and photographs focused on black and white imaging. Other influences include Clyde Butcher, Edward Weston, and more modern photographers such as Michael Kenna and Andreas Gursky.
Bryan's subjects have included the swamps and rivers of south Georgia and north Florida, the deserts of Arizona and California, and currently the Appalachian Trail and other landscapes of the north GA mountains. An avid hiker, he often packs heavy large-format cameras many miles while hiking, climbing, or canoeing to various locales. Other subjects of interest include documentary images as well as architecture.
In 2014, Bryan's first major gallery showing was presented in Valdosta, GA. This show included over 40 documentary images of the Strickland Mill in Remerton, GA as it was demolished. Built in 1899, this building was a cultural touchstone of the area. Bryan's images helped bring closure for those involved with the mill in its storied lifetime. He has also exhibited in both local and national exhibitions, and recently presented a collection of documentary images made at various political protests and rallies across GA and FL entitled "Our Political Landscape" at Canvas and Cork Gallery in Dahlonega, GA.
Bryan's commercial photography, as well as other audio/visual work, can be found on his website Garris Audio/Visual.
