Bronson Farr: Be Yourself

One Club Member and photographer discusses the importance of being authentic to who you are

It's a brand new year, and we are looking forward to welcoming many new members to The One Club family in 2024. January is a time for reflection and renewal, and as we look toward our goals for the year, we would love for you to be a part of them.

With the help of Brooklyn-based photographer and One Club Member Suzanne Saroff, we’ve been capturing the stories and highlighting our very creative members through a series of stunning portraits.

Bronson Farr, the outgoing and super talented Black Filipino photographer and director, is our first Member to be featured in 2024. He is a proud member of the queer community and loves to create a visual pop, spotlighting the LGBTQIA+, POC, and AAPI in his work.

One of Bronson's first major connections to the One Club community was when he served on the jury for Young Guns 20. Since then, his photography was recognized in last year's ADC Awards, and you just know that we will be seeing more of him in 2024! 

We had a great conversation with Bronson about his photography journey and the positive role The One Club community has had on his career so far.

Describe your path to becoming a full-time photographer.

Initially, I had a regular corporate job because I felt I needed to fit into that socially acceptable mold, but I was doing my art on the side. I felt like if I were a photographer, I would be good, so I just did it.

Being successful by showing up is a huge takeaway from my life. I think 80-90% of life is showing up and trying, and then the other 10-20% are the people who help you to achieve your goals– having a good community behind you will lift you up. You figure it out. It’s the pursuit of happiness at the end of the day. I saw that photography made me happy, and I wanted to be creative in this world. Thankfully, I broke into the industry by doing things like this interview and meeting new people who cared about my art and career.

“Being successful by showing up is a huge takeaway from my life. I think 80-90% of life is showing up and trying, and then the other 10-20% are the people who help you to achieve your goals– having a good community behind you will lift you up.”

Who is the most authentic client you have photographed?

Definitely the host of the new Netflix show, Survival of the Thickest, Michelle Buteau. She was completely herself on set. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to photograph her because so much of what you create is the chemistry between the photographer and the actor. There aren’t a lot of photoshoots for plus-sized Black women, and Netflix gave her the stage to have a show and do a full-on photoshoot. They really showed up and showed out for one another. It is powerful for everyone to see how much this type of media representation is needed, and how grateful we all are for the visibility and the chance to create for Netflix. It was a super memorable moment.

“It is powerful for everyone to see how much this type of media representation is needed, and how grateful we all are for the visibility and the chance to create for Netflix.”

Based on your proud pride, how do you feel about queer representation in media/business/society today vs. 5-10 years ago?

There’s more visibility today, (especially for the trans community) in media, corporate, and politics. It’s a blessing to have the world recognize their existence and contributions to society. As we all walk in the light and understand these important nuances of life, there are those who still want to walk in the shadows and tokenize us or give pushback on the existence of trans and queer people — those are some of the things that come with the increase in visibility.

Tokenism is one of the huge challenges. A lot of the stories in the beginning were about the struggle, abuse, mental health, and negative aspects of being a queer person. So it was displayed in one way that is true, but not true for everyone– highlighting one aspect of the experience and thinking that it ticks the box. What we want to strive for is a more holistic view of these stories.

Describe your experience participating in the Young Guns 20 Jury last year.

Observing and discussing the work young people are making around the world and reflecting on what resonated with me and my peers was great to feel and see. Going into it, I didn’t think about what I would benefit from from the judging experience, but looking back, I see that I gained SO much.

Volunteering for the community obviously makes you feel good, you feel that spirit. But also, at the same time that you’re looking at all of this work, you’re being inspired by the work itself, and the narratives the entrants are bringing to the table. You are building your own creativity, just by judging the work and being in that environment, as well.

The largest hope I have is that the winners pay it forward. The Young Guns alums continue to show up and give back, and they are great examples of what it means to be in this community.

Connect. Learn. Elevate. Give Back. Which one of these membership themes resonates with you the most, and how would you like to engage with this community?

All aspects of membership– mentoring, learning, connecting, and networking, are so important to one’s career. Right now, what resonates with me the most is giving back. I got here through a non-traditional route and am a believer in bringing people on who have a non-traditional education. We are better together when we are unique, because experience comes in so many different ways, shapes, sizes, and timelines. Being willing to bring on different people will not only grow your business, but also inspire you as a creative. Giving back is so important because I see the fruits of that labor. Having a stake in someone else’s career helps the entire community.

“I got here through a non-traditional route and am a believer in bringing people on who have a non-traditional education. We are better together when we are unique, because experience comes in so many different ways, shapes, sizes, and timelines.”

Giving back, showing up, and volunteering all work together for your career. If we focus on the community, the people, and the art, the success and the money will come. Sharing my network is an important part of my growth that contributes to the accomplishments of others.

“If we focus on the community, the people, and the art, the success and the money will come.”

The One Club for Creativity believes the more diverse storytellers and creatives we have in the field, the better off the work and the world is. Our programming includes Where Are All The Black People, the largest diversity career fair and conference in the industry, Next Creative Leaders, an award for women and non-binary people who are rising in the early ranks of leadership, COLORFUL, a competition for exceptional young talent of color, and events throughout the year that celebrate creatives in any number of different communities. If you are looking to find a footing in this industry, Bronson is one (incredible example) of our 3,000+ members who are excited to hear your story and lift you up. And, if you are looking for ways to build community, we invite you to join us in making creative industries more inclusive and accessible for all.

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