Meet Brendan Monahan | Photographer & Aircraft Maintenance

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

Hi Brendan, how do you think about risk?
I think taking risks is very crucial for one’s growth personally and professionally. I definitely think learning and exploring what the unforeseen things that might come up but the positive of taking said risk can lead to some of the greatest memories and moments in a person’s life and career. Taking risks has been a huge part of my life/career and luckily it has usually worked out well. When I was first starting out I took a risk to pursue photography on Oahu where I didn’t know anybody and rudimentary photography skills. That decision helped me adopt a, “the worst that happens is you’re going to learn a hard lesson” mentality and made it easy to luck into opportunities with out feeling like I’m really taking a big risk. Now days I’m more reluctant to take a risk with trying to start a family and try to be an adult, but sometimes the right risk comes around and you just gotta take it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think I’m most proud and excited that I’m still professionally doing photography. It has not been an easy journey by any means, but it has been an incredible one at that. I’ve honestly gotten to where I am by sheer luck, taking chances and a positive attitude and saying I can try. I moved in with an 85 year old relative I had never met in Hawaii for $250 a month and started taking photos of surfing, waves, and taking pictures in the water. I would go with a telephoto lens and tripod when I wasn’t at my part time job and just take pictures all day. At some point people would come up and offer me cash to take a couple pictures of them surfing or skating and friends would ask to take pictures or refer me. Living in Hawaii is amazing but it is incredibly expensive, so I got a job doing resort photography and as much as felt as though I sold my soul, I met some incredible photographers and artists and lucked my way into a mentorship who helped me launch my own business. The other major challenge like everyone else was the pandemic, which happened 5 months after launching my business and watching contracts evaporate. In order to overcome that I became an essential worker learning a trade and luckily being hired to take marketing and media photos of our jobs and helped open me up to more photography and work opportunities to where I am now photographing professionally and working on airplanes and always finding the fun in what I’m doing. I’ve learned so much through these experiences… I think most importantly having a sense of humor and a positive attitude and good work ethic will get you really far. I’m not too sure what I’d want the world to know about my story or brand I’ve never had such a in the spotlight feeling haha! I guess that I/my brand exists and am ready to make/capture some incredible adventures and memories and share incredible experiences with those who are ready!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve been gone from LA for 10 years with short visits every couple years, but I always make sure to visit the good folks over at Kennedy Surf Shop in Woodland Hills then head down to the beach. I would do my best to show them all the old school mom and pop’s like Philippe’s or Catch 21 off S Central. We would go to a Dodger game and maybe a few day trips to the Kern or Sequoias or even Big Bear… Or if its one of my childhood friends I’m pretty sure we would spend most of our time sharing a few beers and stories at one of several overlooks watching the stars and out to the ocean and LA.

I love connecting with the nature and local people, the people who’s families have been there for generations, or the people who have moved there and took the time to learn and care about the history and culture and let the environment change them not change the environment. Its so fun to learn about the people and what there day to day is like and just the beauty of human nature and connection. I love going to eat and explore the places the locals hang out at and immerse myself.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents at the top. They’ve been my biggest supporters and have just believed I could be successful in whatever I wanted. Keri my wonderful wife has always supported me, helped me achieve some of my wildest dreams and it is always fun to work on projects together.

Liz Barney and the Ola Collective team. Liz taught me so much and really helped my photography career succeed. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities and adventures we had.

All of my friends and family I’ve made in Hawaii, time and time again they’ve brought new inspiration to my life and memories that have shaped who I am.

Website: brendanmonahanphoto@gmail.com

Instagram: _brendanmonahan