Meet Brian Moreland | Photographer

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

Hi Brian, how do you think about risk?
I tend to overthink a lot, so taking risks can be a struggle. But at the same time I think that taking risks is necessary if you want to do anything creative. Some of the biggest risks I’ve taken were putting together and self-publishing a monograph of my work and starting my own business, Send Cash Please, where I sell all the photographs on my website plus clothing and merch.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As I mentioned previously, I just released my first monograph entitled “Forgettable” after a little more than a year of work. The book focuses on the concept of nothing – in particular. It revolves around recording my everyday experiences and objects. These photographs are a scrapbook of my life and an ongoing exploration of my environment and travels. We’re so used to seeing dramatic and in-your-face photographs each day on our phones and in the media, but I’m exploring the images that float in between the tranquil and the theatrical. My work touches on the quieter and indecisive moments, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty of the mundane.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wow. Where do I start? I’m going to have to pull up my Notes app for this.

First off, thank you so much for flying into Burbank because I can’t be friends with someone who flies into LAX and expects to be picked up.

Okay, so right off the top I’d say Taix French restaurant is a must visit, (and just so we’re clear it’s pronounced “Tex” like tex-mex.) I highly recommend trying the French onion soup with a side of fries and sitting in the lounge area with a cocktail.

Dive bars and tiki bars are also necessary- Hit up Drawing Room, HMS Bounty, Ye Rustic Inn, and Tiki No. If you’re at Tiki No, get the scorpion bowl. You’ll forget you ever had it.

As for restaurants, I’m a big fan of La Pergoletta, Jitlada, L&E, Bavel, Mini Kabob, Roots Indian Bistro, and Salsa & Beer. LA has a lot of good breakfast spots too- Delta, Nat’s Early Bite, and Tacos Villa Corona are my go-tos for a Sunday morning.

Anybody visiting should definitely check out all the gallery openings LA has to offer. Notable spots are Hauser & Wirth, Night Gallery, and, of course, the Fahey/Klein Gallery. The Huntington also has a great museum and really cool gardens to walk around. Malibu Creek is a go-to destination for a hike and swim. And to top it all off- while in Malibu you can grab some fish and chips at Malibu Seafood. Last stop has to be the Atwater Farmers Market so you can pick up avocados the size of your head. There’s cool shops over there as well.

Ok – I think that’s everything. I’m gonna go to sleep now.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have so many people in my life who didn’t shit on my dreams right away. First, my wife, Brittany, deserves most of the credit. She puts up with all my neuroses and never lets me give up, even when I really want to.

I’ve also had countless teachers who’ve mentored me, but the one who stands out is Jeremiah Patterson, my painting professor in college. He gave me my first really honest critique—soul-crushing at the time, but hilarious to look back on because he was right.

Then there’s my boss, David Fahey, director of the Fahey/Klein Gallery here in Los Angeles. He’s always been open to letting me pick his brain, which I’m incredibly grateful for, even if it’s slightly disturbing sometimes. I also want to mention my amazing co-workers at the gallery, who luckily haven’t strangled me yet. It’s awesome to work with people I trust, can bounce ideas off of, and enjoy having margaritas with.

And finally my parents, sisters, and in-laws who have always shown their endless support and encouragement.

Website: https://www.brianwmoreland.com

Instagram: @sendcashplease

Image Credits
Brian Moreland
Brittany Moreland
David Fahey