Meet Hanif Brown | Photographer & Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hanif Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hanif, what do you attribute your success to?
Individuality. I believe creating things that are true to yourself is the most important factor. Not creating stuff to please other people or get other peoples approval or for likes and comments. As long as you have a vision for a project that’s for you, not anybody else, only then will you find true success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Wanting to try different things creatively. I always have random ideas throughout my day and once I write it down in my journal I add it to the long list of creative things I want to do. Also, I work with my group of friends who are artists, producers and designers. Creating promos and videos to help with their careers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s say my friend is visiting Raleigh for the first time. I’d first take them to the North Carolina Museum of Art to walk around the campus and grab a bite to eat at the West Cafe. Then we’d head to Artspace to look at new art galleries and connect with other models, photographers, etc. One spot I’d like to show my friend is the music studio I go to on a day to day basis, so he can see the creative process of my brothers and I whenever we’re in there creating music or videos.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to first give a shoutout to my mother who was the first person to introduce me to cameras and photography. Second I’d like to give a shoutout to all my brothers who I’ve grown up with on the southside of Raleigh: Hasahn, Keenan, Noah, Isaiah, Javaris, Jarius, Coop, Tra, and Fredo. Shoutout to my family for supporting my dream and trusting me with my own future. Shoutout to Council my family from across the country. Shoutout my brother Cris Dinero for teaching me about locations and the importance of shooting everything. Last but not least I’d like to give the biggest shoutout to my OG, my mentor, my big brother, George DeNoto, for not only teaching me about lighting, posing and camera angles, but for being a mentor in life. He always has the answers to any problem I come to him with and he has guided me down the right path, making sure I’m not doing anything stupid and bringing new ideas to my eyes to bring to life, which is the sole reason I am where I am today. I wouldn’t be doing photography if it wasn’t for him. All credit goes to him for starting all of this out.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideaofsin?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Image Credits
@doves.studio @yalocalwhiteboy Myself