Aaron Brimhall: Capturing Speed and Adventure

https://www.behance.net/aarsohottt1b42

Aaron Brimhall, born in Salt Lake City, Utah, kicked off his photography career snapping snowboarding action, later shifting to automotive and action shots. His big break came with collaborations for brands like Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, and Toyota, mixing a gritty, self-taught vibe with commercial flair. A key moment was his early work in Hong Kong, linking up with motorcycle crews, followed by his first feature in Time magazine. His images pop with vibrant colours—think fiery reds and deep blacks—and bold contrasts that make machines stand out against wild deserts or urban grit.

  • Primary Genres: Automotive Photography, Action Photography, Commercial Photography
  • Primary Photography Style: Maximalism (dynamic, high-contrast), Experimental (gritty, bold)
  • Key Message: Brimhall channels the raw power and adrenaline of vehicles in motion, crafting immersive scenes that fuse adventure with automotive identity.
Brimhall’s work zeroes in on vehicles—cars, motorcycles, or action sports—set against epic backdrops like deserts or city streets. His style screams high contrast and vivid colours: fiery reds, deep blacks, and shiny metal tones that ramp up the sense of speed. Texture’s a big deal too—dust clouds, tyre tracks, and metal gleams pull you into the shot. He nails movement with panning, blurring backgrounds while keeping subjects razor-sharp, and uses harsh natural light to cast long shadows. That light, often snapped at golden hour or under clouds, highlights vehicle curves and makes them leap off the frame.

He shoots with digital cameras, leaning on fast shutter speeds and wide apertures to freeze action and isolate subjects. Foreground bits like fences or onlookers add depth, sucking viewers right into the moment. In editing, he cranks up saturation—especially reds and blacks—and sharpness, turning every detail, from metal shine to dust grit, into a hyper-real, cinematic punch. It’s all about making images that feel alive, pulling you into the ride.

You’ll spot Brimhall’s photos on Instagram, where they shine, or in ads for Toyota and Land Rover. His big prints also hang in car showrooms, built to hook viewers into the thrill. For intermediate shooters, his style teaches storytelling with contrast and texture—digital’s flexibility suits his fast-paced gigs, but his colour and light tricks nod to the zone system’s tonal control. It’s a push to mix precision with bold risks.

Storytelling drives Brimhall’s shots, turning them into tales of adventure and rebellion, not just snapshots. A lone rider ripping through sand or a car drifting downtown carries a vibe of freedom, built through smart composition where every detail sets the mood. It’s a lesson in shooting with purpose, making sure each frame tells a clear, gripping story.
  • Accolades:
    • Collaborated with top clients like Land Rover, VISA, Toyota, and Urban Outfitters
    • Featured in Maxim, Dice magazine, and Rubbers magazine
    • Worked with brands like Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, and Volvo
  • Trivia:
    • Shot motorcycles in a snowstorm for wild textures
    • Self-taught with a childhood point-and-shoot
    • Snowboarding injuries shaped his daring eye
    • Lived in Hong Kong early on, bonding with bike and rooftop photo buffs
https://www.behance.net/aarsohottt1b42

Photography Lessons from Aaron Brimhall:

Aaron Brimhall shows how experimenting and taking risks can make your photos stand out—think shooting in snowstorms or from crazy angles. His knack for detail in texture, contrast, and layout proves you can tell a story, not just capture a scene. Try panning or bold edits to grab that energy, and don’t shy away from tough spots to find fresh views. It’s about mixing guts with skill to hook viewers emotionally.

Website and Instagram:

YouTube References:

Citations:

0 Comments

Leave a reply