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In this creator spotlight, we interview photographer and designer Bryan Minear to explore his unique style, favourite gear, and creative philosophy. From desert landscapes to everyday Midwest moments, Bryan shares how he approaches making images - and why The Top Shelf has become his go-to camera bag. Enjoy the full Q&A below.
How long have you been taking photographs professionally or unprofessionally?
I’ve been making images for a little over 20 years now. What started as a creative outlet alongside my design career quickly turned into a career of weddings, portraits, and commercial work. Which eventually evolved into something much deeper: a lifelong pursuit of chasing light, emotion, and meaning. Though my subjects often tend to feature the natural world, I have a hard time putting myself into a genre-specific bucket anymore because there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t have a camera in hand making images of anything interesting i find in my daily life.
What would you say is your photography style?
My work lives somewhere between fine art and documentary. It's atmospheric, cinematic, and rooted in design principles. I’m drawn to mood, color, and composition that evoke a sense of place and emotion. I like to think of it as modern luminism: images that feel both intentional and ethereal, bridging art and observation.
What or where do you most love to shoot?
I always feel most at home in the desert — from Death Valley and White Sands to the dunes of Northern Michigan. But lately, I’ve found equal inspiration in the quiet compositions I come across here in the Midwest. There’s a magic to the in-between everyday moments we tend to overlook, where fleeting light, subtle textures, and small scenes can tell even bigger stories.
What is your go-to camera/lens or any other recommended gear that is a must-have?
Lately my favorite combo has been Fujifilm X-T5 paired with XF70-300mmF4-5.6, and X35mmF1.4, as well as my GFX100RF. It’s an extremely lightweight kit that is incredibly versatile, covering a huge amount of focal range with a simple 2 camera setup that packs down nicely in my Top Shelf.
What is one of the most exciting or exhilarating things you’ve done to capture a shot?
In 2019, I woke up at 2 a.m. to scale a sandstone and granite mountain solo in Wadi Rum, Jordan so I could photograph the Milky Way over the desert. I ended up staying for hours, making timelapses beneath the stars and watching the first light of the sunrise spill across the horizon. The solitude was next level. It was one of those moments that remind you exactly why we do these crazy things.
Who inspires you as a photographer?
My photographic inspirations range from the painters of the Hudson River School — Frederic Edwin Church and Albert Bierstadt — to modern photographers like Ansel Adams, Todd Hido, and Saul Leiter. I’m drawn to artists who see light as both subject and storyteller, and who can convey a deep sense of visual emotion and depth.
Do you have any advice for aspiring photographers?
Don’t chase followers — chase curiosity. Make images that feel like you, not what you think others want to see. And never be afraid to fail publicly. Growth comes from repetition, reflection, and remembering why you started.
What has your experience been like so far using The Top Shelf?
I’m not going to lie — it’s become my go-to everyday carry bag. It’s the perfect size to hold all my essentials while keeping a sleek, minimal form factor. The sling is unbelievably functional, it honestly puts other similar bags I’ve used to shame. I almost wish I still photographed weddings… almost, because it would be such a great bag to work out of for events.
Find him on Instagram & Threads
