From Combat to Creativity: Koeal Braxton's Journey as a Freelance Photographer

Recently, I had the opportunity to have a conversation with Koeal Braxton, who is a freelance photographer located in Palm Bay, Florida. Our discussion covered his artistic journey, experiences as a veteran, and his photography business. I believe you will find the conversation both informative and interesting.

AA: Where are you from? Tell us your origin story. I'd love to hear about your upbringing. What was it like for you? Also, I'm curious to know your favorite childhood memories with your family. Lastly, what did you want to be when you were growing up?

KB: I was born and raised in Newport News, VA. 7 cities are what they call it. I am the oldest of four and from myself and the youngest, we are 18 years apart. Growing up in a city/urban area where it was not easy but was very family oriented. Friends, families, neighbors would come together as needed to build those strong communities, instilling long life lessons that one could use to carry on further in life. Being with family was huge. We always got together to celebrate holidays, special occasions, family traditions and other activities.

KB: I was big on art, video games and sports such as basketball, football and tennis. I was always occupied with one or more at a given time. Being involved with sports and programs, the majority of my childhood I was with a program called An Achievable Dream that was focused on giving better opportunities for kids academically but also physically. This is how I started playing Tennis and did so for 10 years (Till I graduated High School)

AA:  I'm curious to know what motivated you to join the Air Force. Did you come from a family with a tradition of military service that influenced your decision to join? Were there specific experiences or stories that inspired you to pursue a career in the Air Force? Additionally, what do your duties in the Air Force entail? What does a typical day look like for an Air Force member?

KB: One of my best friends was one of my motivators to join the Air Force. I had no intention or ideas to join the services. I also don’t regret it either. He enlisted first towards the end of our senior year, then he informed me about it. After some thoughts into it, looking into my personal life, path I could take and the devastating attack on 9/11 I believed to myself I knew where my next path was going to lead me and that it did?

KB: In the Air Force I enlisted as a Security Forces member, providing world-wide defense postures to some of our most powerful, valuable and vital assets and personnel. Security Forces entails security but also Law Enforcement. With those two titles there’s many other branches within the scope of our duties that we provide. Many of it is direct hands-on training, building it into experience through multi-levels. As a military member, especially in my field you are always on call. Must always be readily available, we never stop working as it is a 24/7 operation, providing the protection and services for the Department of Defense. As a first responder, typical day is always unpredictable. Train to be ready to stay ready for any type of call.

AA: Do you have any memorable stories from your time in the Air Force that you would like to share? Whether it's an eye-opening experience, a funny anecdote, or a poignant moment, I'd love to hear about your experiences.

KB: We would be here all day trying to capture a memorable moment during my time of service. Many of those days are memorable because of the multifaced job that I’m apart of and building relationships with so many people from different aspects and cultures. Every location I’ve been to has been a true experience from moving to the mid-west and country area of Wyoming, to going abroad to the culture of Korea and then one I’ve always wanted to experience, in Okinawa Japan. Japan was by far the best experience and base I’ve went to for many reasons. Culture, food, way of living, respect, ease of living, family, life, community and so much more. Outside of those areas I also traveled and lived in Guam, Kuwait, New Mexico and my final station where I am currently located, at a Space Force transitioned base in Florida.

AA: What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

KB: I believe my most career accomplishment by far is being an adaptable and a leader. Being able to adapt in quick changing situations can give a sense of balance and control. Not allowing situations to be overbearing or to lose sight of the people or mission that’s dependent on you. That also leads into being a leader. Being a leader has taught me valuable lessons as a person and asset to whichever situation that I am challenged with. I never thought of myself being in the position that I am in now. It wasn’t an easy road, but I am forever grateful for the experiences and challenges I was faced with to make me who I am today.

AA: What are some things you miss about being in the service? What are some you are glad to have left behind?

KB: The people, i’s the people who truly drive the mission every day. The connections you forge, the lessons you learn, and the diverse individuals you engage with create an experience that’s impossible to replicate. Many of those you work alongside become like family. Often, you spend more time with them than with your own family, and that’s just part of the job.

AA: Do you think military personnel are not fully appreciated for the sacrifices they make in today's society?

KB: I have seen this viewed in a various opinionated ways and reasons. As many military members don’t ask for the appreciation, we have a good base of people out there who show they’re thanks to service members for what they do on a daily basis. I believe quite a few people miss out on getting to know or learn the life of our members, the importance or importantly why do they serve. It is important to know and understand the steps of life and sacrifices that service members go through on their home soil and when they are away defending the country one way or another. One thing that really does not sit well with me is those who chose when it is ok to support our military members to carry a narrative that may or may not suit a perspective of “said” narratives. Our members are not a crutch to lean on just to benefit an opinion or argument when it fits their needs.

AA: After 23 years of military service, now that you've retired, I'm really curious about your plans for the future. I'd love to know the specific areas you're thinking of focusing on after leaving the military. With all your experience and expertise, I'm really excited to hear how you're going to use them in your post-military life!

KB: My future plans are a bit fluid, as there are several factors influencing the direction I want to pursue. Currently, I'm exploring opportunities in security management and related professional fields, aiming to apply the skills I gained during my military career in a civilian context. Additionally, I’ve embarked on an accelerated cybersecurity course, as this field offers an exciting way to expand my expertise in securing the digital realm. It's a valuable skill I’m eager to add to my portfolio. Alongside these ambitions, my passion for photography remains constant, and I still envision becoming a full-time photographer. Balancing family life, personal passions, and career aspirations is key to making it all come together.

AA: Now, what inspired you to pursue photography as a career?

KB: It is actually a funny story as my wife is the one who took a photography class in college. During that time, she wanted to purchase a camera and I was against it because they cost so much. Well, we ended up purchasing her first camera, Nikon D5000 for her course and just for family trips. During this time frame on family trips, I ended up with the camera majority of the time. This also led into my other hobby and passion, cars which at the time I was the President of a car club in Cheyenne, WY called Trend Settas. Taking photos during our trips and car shows in Colorado, to hosting models and further producing car photoshoots one of the models became interested in building a portfolio for modeling portraits. That is where the obsession really begun and I honed in on actually learning about photography as a whole. Before I was just having fun, being creative and using my eye as an artist to capture imagery the way I saw it.

AA: What genre of photography do you primarily focus on?

KB: I often get asked about finding a niche, and it’s a topic that comes up frequently among photographers in the industry. While many professionals, mentors, and colleagues emphasize the importance of honing in on a specific style or niche, I’ve always expressed my work across several genres. I believe all advice is valuable, and I apply it in ways that resonate with me as an artist. For me, it’s about finding balance. Creating in certain genres more than others without abandoning any unless they simply don’t align with my style.

KB: One area I’m particularly fascinated with is shooting fitness professionals. I’m drawn to the strength and dedication athletes showcase through their physiques, and I enjoy pairing that with my love for nature and scenic landscapes. For example, I like creating visual story lines that combine the power of a fitness athlete with the beauty of natural environments. Whether it’s during a sunrise or sunset on a tropical beach, in the awakening deserts of the Midwest, or even on the streets of a busy city. These types of images allow me to merge my passion for landscape photography with fitness photography, creating a unique narrative that highlights both human strength and the beauty of the environment.

AA: What professional photographers have influenced your work, and how do you incorporate their techniques into your photographs?

KB: I’ve learned something valuable from each of the professionals I’ve worked with, whether it's camera techniques, lighting, marketing, or social media strategies. Each mentor brings a unique perspective to the table, and I’ve developed my skills by pulling from their strengths. Don Hales and Brett Seeley were my first mentors, and I was drawn to their work in the boudoir, portrait, and fitness spaces. I followed their work closely before starting to learn from them directly through one-on-one sessions and workshops, which helped me refine my photography techniques.

KB: Michael, whom I met in Japan, is not only a close friend but also an exceptional artist and businessman with a sharp, unmatched talent. Over the years, I’ve connected with several other photographers, like Danny, Ashlee, Cam, Underground, Joey, and Ronald. Though I haven't met them all in person, I’ve benefited from their public training programs, which have added key fundamentals and advanced techniques to my toolbox as a photographer. Danny is a new artist to me over the last year and a half and subscribing to his channels and learning specific photography techniques that clarified and even simplified things I’ve known but provided a direction help in my workflow.

KB: Eric Snyder, in particular, feels like a reflection of how I see myself as an artist poised, versatile, and able to master anything he sets out to create. He’s not only incredibly smart and talented but also a genuine, down-to-earth individual who excels in the industry. Each of these mentors and peers has played a part in sharpening my skills, and I’m grateful for the growth I’ve experienced through their influence.

AA: How do you decide on pricing for the services you want to offer your clients as a photography business owner?

KB: As a growing photography business owner, pricing my services was one of the toughest challenges I faced. When I first started charging, my mentor advised me that the quality of my work and the value I provided warranted fair compensation. That was a turning point, and from there, I began to develop basic packages for photoshoots. Initially, I didn’t put too much thought into it; I based my pricing on what I thought my audience would pay. However, as my clientele grew and I became more serious about my business, I realized I needed a more strategic approach. I had to refine my packages, tailoring them to fit the needs of different audiences while reflecting the quality of services I offered.

AA: When it comes to photography work, I'm interested in learning about the gear and setup you use. What type of camera do you use? Do you have any preferred lenses or accessories? Additionally, I'd like to know about your preferred lighting setup and any other equipment you find essential for your photography work.

KB: This is a very good question. For me I am a Nikon user. I've preferred Nikon since the day I picked up a camera and started doing any work. When I was looking for what camera I wanted, I went to the store and played with them to check out the features, how it felt in my hand and which one just felt comfortable to me. Nikon topped that. I felt better in my hands, the menu, the options, how it performed just felt more like me. I have had 5 different camera bodies. Started with Nikon d7000, D700, D750, D850 and now I am using the Nikon Z9 Mirrorless camera. My favorite lenses I chose are at least one mid range zoom, my 24-120 f4, Nikon Z 70-200mm 2.8 and Nikon Z 85mm. There are two other lenses I want to have. Us Photographers know your investment goes into your glass (Lens) but the type of lenses I want come at a nice price tag. I can create with the ones I have. Later I want to add a 14mm f4 or 2.8 and a 50mm lens. When it comes to lights, I have had quite a few different brands, feeling out which one worked the best with me and less of a hassle when shooting. I started off with Alienbees, the tried Profoto, Bowens, Phottix which I had for a few years before moving to my current setup, Flashpoint. I work with the 400 XPLOR, 600 XPLOR PRO and 600 XPLOR pro SE. They are versatile, High-Speed Sync capable and battery powered. I've worked with non-battery powered for years and I had many setups that allowed me to have capable power at all costs with battery power but going to battery powered made traveling and changing setups on locations much easier.

KB: Essential items and accessories to my style of work would be one strobe light with a softbox (to include gridded) or umbrella. This is a clean, basic but versatile setup especially for outdoors. Not a lot of gear to carry and can allow you to stay on the go. As far as accessories, my belt clip would definitely have to be one. Being able to access your camera quickly and having it secured on your waist or strap allows you to move more fluidly without putting it back in your bag or holding it in your hand. There are important times as a Photographer that you will need your hands free, for direction, adjustment, moving areas etc.

AA: Which camera brand has been your favorite and has played a significant role in getting you into photography and advancing your career? I'm interested to know which specific camera model or features from that brand have had the most impact on your journey so far.

KB: Nikon is the only brand I have invested in and I plan to keep it that way. I have tested out other photographers' new cameras to check out what they loved about their new or upgraded camera but in the end, nothing has won me over to entirely move to another brand. My Nikon Z9 has been all in one camera I've been looking for Nikon to release. The capabilities of dynamic focusing and speed, ability to shoot in low light situations while encompassing a great video, something I plan on working with later I knew that this was the camera I would have for years to come. It came out in 2021, but the demand was so huge it stayed sold out in major stores for over a year. I remember in Oct of 2022 when some businesses were supposed to receive some shipments in, many were already claimed from pre orders, or they received a limited amount and they went off the shelf fast.

KB: One day at work I was glancing at other stores just looking up Nikon Z9 cameras and I emailed this one business that was located in California and inquired if there were any available. (Sometimes online people don't update their sites in real time so I was just throwing a hail mary out there lol) They ended up emailing back saying that they had 1 left in stock. I kind of froze as this was my chance to grab it but I had to make sure this wasn't a scame and the business was legit. One good thing that put my mind at ease was this store was a verified Nikon seller and I was able to verify that information on Nikons list of authorized sellers. It was a done deal to me and I purchased it the next day. Even though my current camera at the time, the D850 was not like the Z9 because it was mirrorless, I was still able to use my current lenses on it until I was able to upgrade to the Z line lenses for the Z9.

AA: Explain three ways to use light to create a powerful photo.

KB: Light is everything in photography, and once you master it, it can define your signature style. One of my favorite approaches is using a single strobe light paired with natural sunlight. The sun is an incredible light source, free and versatile, aside from the heat! I love shooting during sunrise or sunset, where I can combine two genres that I’m passionate about, creating a distinctive look. In these moments, I position the sun behind the subject to light up the environment, while using a strobe or reflector to illuminate the front. The amount of light I add depends on the specific look we’re aiming to achieve, but this setup creates a perfect balance between natural and artificial light.

KB: Another technique I enjoy is a 3-light setup. I haven’t used it much in recent years as I transitioned between strobe light brands and refined my style, but I recently upgraded my gear and brought back a third light to my toolkit. I’m excited to return to this approach. Typically, I use two rim lights and one key light, or alternatively, a key light and fill light in front, with a rim or hair light for added depth, depending on the focus of the image.

KB: A classic lighting setup I learned early on from my mentor, Don Hales, is the "Clamshell" technique, commonly used in portraits and beauty shots. It involves placing two lights like an open clam—one key light at a 45-degree angle above the subject, and a second light angled upward to fill in shadows. This technique creates soft, even lighting, perfect for highlighting the subject's features and creating a polished, professional look.

AA: Please describe a challenging photo shoot you experienced and how you overcame the obstacles

KB: When an obstacle arises before or during a photoshoot, it is imperative that you stay professional, flexible and being able to source out and figure out a solution to the issue that you have at the time. Being in these situations is not if you have been but when. They will occur. The important part is how will you adjust.

AA:  Describe one of your best photos and what makes it great.

KB: Let the photo speak to the audience. They will do most of the talking.

AA: Who has been your favorite client to work with, and who is one person, male or female, with whom you would like to take photos but have yet to be able to?

KB: There’s nothing more rewarding than successfully capturing a client’s story or a special moment. Knowing that they can look back and truly appreciate that moment in time is the ultimate goal. It’s about creating something timeless that resonates with them on a personal level.

KB: As for talents that I would love to photograph, the list is long and diverse. Ultimately, it's about reaching a point in your work where your style and vision resonate with people, so they see themselves represented in your art. For instance, I’ve always been captivated by dancers and their dynamism and artistry make them incredible subjects to capture. Two dancers I would love to photograph are Kylie Shea and Misty Copeland, both of whom bring something unique and powerful to the art of dancing and ballet.

KB: There are countless other professionals, models, and artists I’d be excited to collaborate with, but I’ve learned not to dwell on the dream clients or opportunities. Many factors are outside of our control, and focusing too much on what could be can distract from the present. Instead, I focus on pushing myself to become the best artist I can be. When the time is right, those opportunities will present themselves. As they say, “Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.”

AA: How does it feel to be a freelance photographer?

KB: It’s refreshing, but it can also be overwhelming at times. As a freelance photographer, everything rests on your shoulders, and there are so many aspects of the business you might not expect to handle in this modern era. Beyond the creative side, you have to learn about marketing, retouching, business operations, customer service, branding, and much more. Freelancing offers the freedom to shape your craft in a way that reflects your unique vision, but it also comes with the responsibility of mastering a wide range of skills to succeed.

AA: What does success look like for you as an artist?

KB: As an artist this can be a very personal and very in-depth way of seeing yourself as successful. Quite a few subjects are discussed when defining this.

KB: Portfolio Development: How has your work progressed over the time since starting this career. Has it got better, worse? Have you developed a certain look and how appeasing is it to yourself or the public.

KB: Clientele growth: Has your clientele changed or stayed the same? The connection you have made with clients and collaborators can outline the type of artist you are and the direction you are leading as an artist. This can be in either genre of work or the projects you have been a part of.

• Artistic Recognition: Being recognized by other professionals in the industry and not through validation.

• Personal Growth: Consistently growing as an artist. Never stop learning techniques, honing on your craft, if it is one genre or being diverse.

• Community Professional: Being able to communicate, build and provide a open, creative and healthy space when it comes to being a photographer in the industry or related fields.

AA: What are your favorite movies, TV shows, books, and podcasts?

KB: You are good with the difficult questions as this goes over 35 years of entertainment. Lol I will say Fresh Prince, The WIRE, Law and Order SVU, Martin and many other nostalgic shows are ones that I still watch to this day. Movies, where do I start. Bad Boys series and

KB: Heat are some of my all-time favorite cinemas, the Transformers series,

KB: I have got more into podcasts in the last few years being able to hear information through interviews from a lot of professionals, artist, athletes, entertainers and many others. It is great to hear their story and hearing it come directly from the source and not watered down or misconstrued through the media. I also enjoy good documentaries that covers events that has happened over the course of a lifetime including stories during the time of war and major shift changing events, murder mysteries, untold stories, WILD.

AA: What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time? Are there specific activities or interests that you find especially enjoyable or relaxing?

KB: In my free time, I love to travel, often with a camera in hand, capturing the essence of historic sites or the energy of entertainment hubs. Gaming has been a part of my life for over 35 years, and it’s still as exciting as ever—whether solo or with family, it’s a fun way to connect, unwind, and indulge in a bit of friendly competition.

KB: Staying active is another passion of mine; working out not only keeps me physically fit, but also sharpens my mental well-being. It’s something we should all integrate more into our lives, as it can truly take you further. I also value quiet getaways, where I can escape the noise and recharge in peace.

AA: I would love to hear your love story! How did you and your wife first meet? What was the moment or quality about her made you realize she was the one you wanted to spend your life with? And how did your decision to marry her and start a family together unfold?

KB: We were introduced by mutual friends and ended up chatting on the phone for a few days before we finally met in person. Our first encounter was relaxed and casual—just enjoying each other’s company over some Chinese food.

It’s funny how love often finds you when you’re not actively seeking it. When someone invests their time in your life and enhances your world without you asking, it really highlights how much they value you. I came to realize this later on, and it created a feeling I had never experienced before. It made our lives together flow effortlessly.

AA: What led to your decision to become a father? Please share your experience of fatherhood. How would you personally define fatherhood? What have been the most rewarding aspects of being a father for you? What values and lessons do you hope to teach your children as they grow up?

KB: I've always dreamed of being a father, but I quickly learned that there’s no manual for parenting. You draw from your own childhood and life experiences to shape the kind of leader you aspire to be for your children. The journey is rarely straightforward; it’s filled with challenges that test your approach to raising them.

KB: Children are the foundation of the next generation, but their unique personalities will also guide who they become. Your role is to help them navigate this world, and while it's tough, the rewards are immense. I want my kids to grow up grounded in core values of humanity and respect—for themselves and for others. I want them to appreciate life, never to take anything for granted, and to learn from their mistakes. We have one shot at this beautiful journey—why not make it count?

AA: What would you say if you had the world's attention for 5 minutes?

KB: We stand at a critical juncture in our history, facing a crisis that threatens our very survival as a species. The chaos and destruction we witness around us is not the world we are meant to inhabit. Greed for money and power has overshadowed our fundamental duty to care for one another as human beings.

KB: Racism has no place in our hearts or our societies. We must respect and celebrate our diverse cultures, for it is this diversity that enriches our shared human experience. Our survival depends on our ability to unite, to work together as one, while still honoring the unique traditions that make us who we are.

KB: Let us protect our future at all costs.

KB: Together, we can create a world where compassion triumphs over division, where cooperation replaces chaos. It is time to rise above our differences and forge a path toward a brighter, more harmonious future for all. The survival of our species depends on our collective action and unwavering commitment to each other.

AA: Koeal, I appreciate you sharing a lot about yourself and your photography

journey! Wishing you the utmost success in all your future endeavors!

Koeal Braxton - Freelance Photographer

All information pertaining to Koeal Braxton Photography can be accessed through the Linktree provided below:

https://linktr.ee/BraxtonPhotography

*** All photos by Koeal Braxton Photography, unless otherwise noted **