BRIAN MILO: The Art of Printing

Interview with Brian Milo — my personal printer, and the master printer for ‘Dark Skies Over Tokyo‘ by Haptic Industries.

1. Great to have you Brian. To start off, what is your life story? Where were you born, how did you first pick up a camera?

Good morning and thanks for having me Eric. I have worn many different hats in this incarnation on earth; son, father, husband, friend, drummer, photographer, student, teacher, construction worker, print operator among many others.

I was born in Rockford, IL. My father did a lot of family documenting with his cameras. He was borderline compulsive considering it was the old film days. I’d say he was a sharp shooter! He passed when I was five and left masses of photographs. My photographic interest was peaked at an early age by his photos. I bought a Minolta 35mm when I was 19. This was my first real camera, before that I had lots of disposables.

2. Why do you make photos, and what does it mean for you personally?

The process of making photographs to me means to explore different levels of consciousness through human interactions and being present in the moment. I suppose you could say it’s training to use my third eye.

3. Who are some artists who have informed your artistic vision?

A large portion of my inspiration comes from music and the visuals that go along with it.

Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo is a artist, composer and lead signer of the band Devo.

Martin Gore – the main songwriter for Depeche Mode.

A couple photographers that have really inspired me are Anton Corbijn and Jacob Aue Sobol – both primarily for the ability to capture the souls of individuals.

I also love Martin Parr’s work. Martin seems as if he was an alien sent here to spy on earthlings and report back to the aliens on how humans interact.

4. Can you tell the story of how we first met — and what drew us together?

I have been following your blog for years. There’s always something fresh, a new look at a old master, mixing philosophy with photography, composition – I never know what I’ll wake up to but it usually gets my mind wandering on a good path. We met at your workshop in March of 2015 in Chicago. Good times being around all the creative energy and I look forward to doing it again.

5. Why did you get into printing? And what importance are prints in this digital world? What is the difference between a print and just seeing them on a screen?

I started printing because I wanted 100% control over my prints.

As a historical document of our times, I think prints are and will always be very important. A good piece of paper will outlive any dvd, thumb drive or hard drive.

Prints will change the way a photograph feels. Is it matte, glossy, heavy, or light? There’s a feel to prints that you don’t experience on the screen, much like books to ebooks, both are good and serve a certain purpose.

6. How do you make a business from your photography, and printing? And what are your future dreams?

I started photographing bands in 2001. The bands led a job working for Jagermiester music. I pulled out three North American tours including the last full Ozzfest tour and The Motley Crue Saints of Los Angeles tour. It was a great way to travel the full United States and document the state of music at the time.

In 2010-2011 I built a wedding business with my friend Ryan Davis over treadmill walks and talks at the YMCA. It was pretty exciting at the time and it’s been a blast to be able to support ourselves and family’s through a camera.

The print business is something that naturally happened through photography. I am looking to build a few solid relationships with inspiring photographers over the next few years as well as work with the local art community here in Rockford.

At this time in my life I do not know what my future dreams will look like. Life is a constant evolution and I’m over here riding the wave right now.

7. What tips, advice, or guidance would you give to other photographers who want to print their work?

Go for it! Have patience, read the printer manual. Lots of little details can go wacky between the computer and printer, try not to get frustrated. Finding a mentor will help you grow much faster. If you don’t want to bother with printing give me a shout:

Phone: 815-520-4657
Email: brian.milo@gmail.com

8. If you started photography all over again, what advice would you give yourself?

There’s only so many fucks you can give in a day. Make your fucks count.

9. Where can people check you out?

10. Any shout-outs you’d like to give?

Bill Furlong, hope you’re looking up today buddy! Gil Perez, thanks for your help throughout the years.

Learn more: Dark Skies Over Tokyo >