Influencer: Big Men Edition - J Scott (Bear+Bull)
J. Scott has demonstrated to the globe that his images are among the best in the game thanks to his acute eye and artistic flair.
From portraits to group gatherings, his camera's versatility will leave you with more than a thousand words.
To discover more about J. Scott, read the interview below.
About 14yrs ago; I was in Canada and snapped a picture randomly of my ex-wife and her cousin. I surprised myself that it actually looked kinda decent once I cropped it a little. Photography and being an "artist" was never in my focus. But that's all I needed to get intrigued into taking pictures and the love came shortly after.
No formal training. Just took thousands of pictures, tried every type of photography I could and joined creative photography message boards for C&C and inspiration. YouTube videos and library books for learning Photoshop originally and then Lightroom.
That's when I started viewing processing and editing as two different things. #thankyoubaphomet
These days, mostly portraits and just pictures of people. Hopefully on the fun creative side, strong lighting, maybe a creepy demented twist if fitting. But if I have previous experience in it, I will consider most paid gigs.
When Bear+Bull started, it was mostly focused on the more masculine bearish guys just because it was NYC and they were who I met and hung with when I moved there.
But overall, I've been doing this professionally for 12+ years; at this point, whoever books a shoot and hires me. Within reason of course. I still have a very solid "line in the sand" with my business/moral code. At least it's a constant work in progress.
These days, the only "physical" requirment for my personal projects is the face and eyes. They have to catch me; the rest just doesn't matter.
Myself. Self-doubt is always the loudest voice I hear. And the business side of being a photographer, I suck at it.
Shooting on location around the country or globe with my partner and a small crew. Photographer and Co-Creative director for shoots. Similar to what Joey Lawrence (the photographer) and Chase Jarvis have done.
Bear+Bull Photography
Disclaimer (all rights to these photos belongs to J Scott and the Bear Bull Brand, im using these photos for promotional purposes only)
Well bears specifically, probably about 22 years ago when guys were sharing more pictures online and I found everything. But I was in complete denial of what that meant for me. It started with straight porn then straight bear porn, then gay bears, {insert the blank}, etc. Lol
When I look back, bigger dads at my "church" growing up always caught my eye. And obviously on TV, most were hairy and bigger that caught my eye.
I think like most things in life, everyone's experience is different. Coming out and moving to NYC in my late 20s, was definitely a unique experience and at first I jumped right into the gay/bear community. A lot of sweet and amazing people but a lot of hurt souls, outright nasty people and thirsty bitches. So yes but no; I've seen plenty of people feel included and/or excluded unfortunately.
I've made legit lifelong friends and family because of the b.c. So many memories that I look back on often. I've also learned so much about myself by meeting so many random people. But it just comes back to who we spend our time with and what we get out of it.
For me, it's just keeping the "bear community" in proper perspective. Appreciating it for what it is but remembering we are people first. The community should just be one aspect of who we are and what we value in life.
And what I mean by "people" is everyone in the LGBTQ+ community but including every gender/orientation that supports each other. Breeders, allies, etc.. just everyone who belongs and legit tries. The rest can fuck off.
Honestly I'm not sure how to answer this one. An icon to me doesn't fit in a bear related category. I could talk about people that I respect, who I feel have the right voice and attitude in life. Someone I appreciate... Or just who's got that gorgeous face, bubble butt, etc etc. Nah...
For bigger events, I've only been to Spooky Bear once with my first BF. Otherwise it's just been stuff in NYC and PDX. If you visit Portland, they have plenty of events during the summer and a few throughout the hibernation period of winter.
I've heard LazyBear and Tidal Wave are a lot of fun. But again, that is so subjective based on what you're looking for.
Relaxing in a pool with a bunch of chill people and bonfires with cabin vacations sound good to me. But crowds
J Scott Gallery
Disclaimer (all rights to these photos belongs to J Scott and the Bear Bull Brand, im using these photos for promotional purposes only)
I live with my partner Rob but we are polyamorous and have a small #chosenfamily including another partner who lives with his husband out of state. As we tend to say often, just pieces to the puzzle.
But speaking of our gorgeous Rob, I saw his profile picture on bear411 and just knew I had to say hello. I was shocked he was semi-local too. I had finally accepted that I was gay and was looking online for anyone that seemed nice and competent to chat with. Attractive was a perk but not a requirement. I wasn't expecting to connect with Rob. It took some time before life aligned for both of us but we finally had a chance to meet in person.
once he walked in, we caught eyes and hugged. That was it. We clicked online and stayed connected as friends for almost two years. I didn't need more than that.
Ha. Ummmmmm... It feels like I'm this ever evolving persona of a person, that's still trying to figure shit out after life resetting a few times. Some parts are beyond amazing, some parts exhausting, the rest needs a kick in the ass. C'est la vie.
So I guess one thing I'd change about myself would be having a better open perception of people, an enhanced 3rd eye so to speak. But being able to turn that off too for down time.
Hobbies, careers, feelings, people, etc... When something catches my attention, I tend to get very passionate, almost beyond my control. Very zero to hundred, and back to zero sometimes.
I hope my obsessi..... I mean passion and love just amplify the real subject and/or feeling of the photo. I think it does, at least for the people that appreciate what they see.
Insanities
Special Thanks
J Scott deserves a special thank you for a fantastic interview.
His photographic ability is exceptional.
Visit www.bearbullphoto.com for information on reservations and pricing.
