Brandon Oda is a uniquely talented photographer and software developer from San Francisco. He specializes in portrait and landscape photography. Oda is inspired by nature and frequently takes road trips around the state of California to explore its amazing diversity. Through his hiking and mountain biking adventures, Oda finds new ways to express his artistic vision and share it with the world.
It is rare to be a professional artist as well as a software designer, but Brandon Oda has made a name for himself in both areas. Oda writes and tests photo editing software. He uses his own software to edit his work, giving it a completely original look. Oda attended the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. He studied coding at nearby Brown University. His dual skills make him much sought-after in the photography world.
Oda recently opened a state-of-the-art facility in San Francisco where he works in his studio and creates software. While his studio work is excellent, his body of photographs taken in nature made his name in the industry. Oda will continue to innovate both in the photography sphere and in technology. He is a force to be reckoned with among young photographers in San Francisco.
What is your favorite thing about traveling?
I enjoy exploring different landscapes and environments. The quality of light changes so much depending on the surroundings. I love taking photos of the sunrise and sunset in each new location. This grounds me and ties my work together. I also love getting to know the people wherever I go. Some travelers go about their business and never talk with the locals, but I feel that getting to know the locals is one of the best parts of travel.
Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?
Travel is somewhere between a hobby and a lifestyle. Much of my time is spent in my studio and in the San Francisco area. I travel when I can, but I would like to travel more. Being a travel photographer would be an amazing job. My business keeps me settled most of the time.
Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?
I am planning a trip to Japan this winter to visit family. I’m excited about this trip; I’ve been planning it for years. Since I have family in the area, I have a different perspective on Japan than most tourists. My cousins will have great recommendations for restaurants and activities. I also plan to get to the northern island of Hokkaido and take some photos of the majestic wintry landscapes.
What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?
Make sure that you take time to reflect on each destination. Don’t zoom around from monument to monument. This will give you a superficial view of the place you visited. Take the time to slow down. Have a cup of coffee at a little cafe and take some photos. Running frantically around town to see all of the sights is one of the worst mistakes an inexperienced traveler can make.
Where would you like to go?
I’m really excited about my trip to Japan. I’m also looking forward to a trip to Turkey someday. I’ve heard that the landscapes are gorgeous and that the historic buildings are wonderful to photograph. I have never been to Africa, and I’d love to take photos there. My wife would love to go on a safari.
Where would you like to revisit?
I recently spent a week hiking and taking photographs in Yosemite National Park, and I’d love to go back there. In California, we are so fortunate that we have such an amazing array of landscapes. I would also travel back to Taiwan, where I haven’t been since I was in high school. Taiwan is a small island but there is a great variety of things to see and do. The food is outstanding.
Do you travel alone? Why?
I usually travel with my wife. I feel like traveling alone would be lonely. Once in a while, I do need to take a solo trip, but I spend the entire time wishing my wife could have come with me. I also travel with my mountain biking club.
If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?
This is a difficult question. There are so many fantastic places around the world that I feel everyone should see. If I have to narrow it down to three places, I would say San Francisco, Tuscany, and Provence. San Francisco makes an excellent base to explore all of the Bay Area. You can get to the wine country easily. Tuscany has a fantastic blend of historical sites and wild landscapes. Provence has incredible food and is a beautiful place.
Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?
Wherever I go, I have to carry a lot of photography equipment. I do pack up the house where equipment is concerned, but I don’t overpack when it comes to my own things.
