How does Atlanta influence your photography style?
I would say Atlanta influences my style of photography by its scenery. Since it is in the south,there's so much greenery, gardens, and nice locations in general where you could make something simple into an amazing photoshoot.
Can you talk about every day Atlanta, the little things, and how they inspire you? The people, the smells, the places, what is about Atlanta that is so magical?
The culture of Atlanta that inspires me is the Black culture. Atlanta is Black culture, so capturing people that are like me, whether it's a simple portrait or a full-on photoshoot makes me feel good. You'll never find another place like Atlanta.
Today more than ever, being southern and from Atlanta especially, a place where so many Black icons are from is very special... Can you speak on that?
Atlanta seems to be at the forefront of everything now. The artists and music that's come from it have gotten more recognition than before. Most of people's favorite current singers and rappers are from Atlanta! Even now, the film industry is coming to ATL. It's becoming bigger and bigger each year.
Can you give some words that describe Atlanta, that shows in your work?
Very Black.
Where do you go from here? After Atlanta, where?
After Atlanta, I definitely want to be in New York City!
Braylen Dion is a 21 year old filmmaker and photographer whose work aims to renew the representation of Black people in media by personifying intimacy, and softness. Developing upon his interest in photography that began at 11 years old, Dion’s work has recently been featured in Vanity Fair, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, GQ, Business Week, BET, and BRICK Magazine. His commercial work includes collaborations with Sprite, Nike, Off-White, AFROPUNK, Atlantic Records, LVRN, and Sony Music among others. Braylen is currently based in New York, NY and Atlanta, Georgia.