Anniston, Alabama --- (WLJS) An Anniston photographer tells WLJS News about a new documentary set to release in 2014 on his life and struggles to success following a recent announcement to retire from a decade in the photography business due to health concerns.
Landon Brooks, 31, sole proprietor of Anniston based Landon Brooks Photography, spoke exclusively with Jacksonville's WLJS 91.9 FM anchor Ed Moore III on Sunday to inform the public that due to recommendations from his physician, Brooks, after 10 years in the business and almost 10,000 clients later, must abandon from his duties as a photographer in order to address health issues related to high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, anxiety and depression.
His documentary, titled "Landon Brooks: Behind The Eye", according to Brooks, will be on his life and the struggles he's had to overcome in the photography industry.
"It's a documentary about a young man from childhood who overcame the tests and trials of life growing up in a single parent home,” said Brooks. “It’s a very candid documentary that explains the ins and outs of the business, how to cut corners to make things happen as well as how to get in the industry. It will also Address my learning disabilities and rumors and allegations that people have brought against me. It is also going to reveal the three biggest secrets of my life."
Brooks says the documentary is currently in production and has not yet revealed an exact release date.
The Sunday interview with Brooks, who is a 2002 Anniston High School graduate, was released by WLJS News through an online article shortly after 9 P.M. Monday. The article received 1,000 views by 1 A.M. Tuesday morning and over 2,000 views by 11 P.M. Thursday night. According to online records acquired through Google, Brooks' statement has been seen on the internet in parts of Malaysia, Japan and Canada.
"After long thought and medical advice, I have decided to retire my services in photography on January 1, 2014," released Brooks in the statement Sunday.
"I would like to thank my customers who have made me who I am today and for entrusting me to capture some of their most important memories. I have enjoyed capturing these moments that will last a lifetime. It has been an honor to serve you. I would also like to thank all of my family and friends who have supported me over the past 10 years. You all have helped make me who I am today."
Read Brooks' full statement by clicking here: www.wljsfm919newsjacksonvillecalhoun.blogspot.com/2013/12/pictured-left-anniston-photographer.html
Brooks revealed more to WLJS News Friday that his road to success was anything but easy. More of his story below:
"While a student at Gadsden State Community College, I used to worked as an emergency room tech at Regional Medical Center in Anniston and we saw people die every night. Some [had] heart attacks, [some] car crashes. We [also] dealt with rape victims and [other forms] of abuse. Not knowing how to deal with some of those issues after work --- having gone from being in special education classes to being opened up to this kind of stuff --- brought a lot of anxiety and emotions that I didn’t know how to deal with.
[So, one day] I went to a pawn shop called Kenny’s Pawn Shop on 16th and Noble Street and bought a camera, a Cannon AE1. With it, I started taking pictures to relieve stress from the hospital.
"I would just go out and take pictures of nature. "[At this time], I knew nothing about a camera. So I know this was a blessing from God. I always wanted to be a nurse or a doctor, but with my learning disability, I knew that just would never be. But sometimes God gives you gifts that are unexplainable.
"One day, I took the pictures back to the pawn shop. The owner's name was Kenny Kilgore. I told Kenny I believed I had a gift with photography. I showed him some of the pictures that I took with the camera and he agreed.
"In late 2005, I had an accident at work and I fell and hurt my knee. In the process of being out of work because of the injury to my knee, I was terminated from RMC.
"Then in May 2006, I went back to the pawn shop and told Kenny if I had some help, I think I could go further with the whole photography thing. He actually helped finance me to start my own business. He gave me $1,500 sometime in May 2006. What that $1,500, I opened up in the Quintard Mall on June 17, 2006.
"Six months after opening Landon Brooks Photography, my grandmother died of cancer. When she passed away, I was forced out the apartment that she and I shared because I was listed as a caregiver on her Section 8 lease. Since I was listed as a caregiver for her rather than an actual tenant, I could no longer live in the apartment as an independent tenant. This left me without a place to live. So I would stay with one of my teachers from Gadsden State Community college, including friends and other associates.
"People think I’m this young, smart businessman, [but] if they only knew what I’ve have been through in my life. It’s almost like I’m ashamed of feeling like I have to portray to my fans, my customers and my family. People just don’t know about my disability and what I go through. Had it not been for some of my closest friends who know me and know the real story --- Sylvester Boyd, Bryan Dorthart and Selena McRath --- those people were really, truthfully, Landon Brooks Photography. All Landon could do was take the picture.
"Anything dealing with the business aspects, those three people really formed [the business]. They were able to bring it all together. Because of my learning disability, I wasn’t able to spell, write and do some of the math that is required to be in business. They were the brains behind the business. I was just the face behind the business."
Brooks' business at the Quintard Mall shut down in 2008 and since then, he has attempted to open multiple office locations in Anniston for his business, but has been unsuccessful. He says he has since taken his empire on the road, and even while lacking a physical office, calls from clients kept coming.
"When Selena and Bryan went their separate ways, that’s when everything just went away. It just left my name attached to something great. I only know how to take pictures. I only know to treat people the way I want to be treated. With that talent mixed with my personality, I think that’s the only think that remotely kept people coming back to me."
According to Brooks, his clients have stretched far across northeast Alabama, booking sessions in New York City, Los Angeles as well as parts of Japan, having worked thousands of weddings, concerts, school functions, political gatherings, birthdays, even natural disasters.
Brooks' work over the past 10 years has also stretched over into the celebrity world, including people such as rapper T.I., comedian Kevin Hart, R&B singer-songwriter Anthony Hamilton and gospel singer Kim Burrell.
(From Facebook)
Brooks has received words of encouragement from clients, friends and other loved ones from across the U.S. and around the world. Below are some of the responses from Brooks' Facebook page. All responses have been lifted directly from the original post.
Leah Heflin: "Praying for you Landon. You have always been an amazing person and photographer."
AndreaMz UnRated Richmond: "Oh my Landon!! This really touch me People just don't what others go through but you managed to keep a big smile on your face i got to make sure me and my babies get our first family photos with you"
Dawn Traywick-Floyd: "You are, and have been an inspiration to me,( altho we have never met personally), just thru Facebook and reading your post. Thank You My Friend!"
Shana Maddox: "Hate to see you put down the camera, you had so much talent"
Bambi Burkhart Parkhurst: "Just take time to heal! The love from us will always be there"
Warren Dates: "Landon how honorable of you to shed your mask and show your true self! May God's peace sustain you through your trials, and may he grant you an abundance of strength to continue the journey! I know lives will be changed because of your testimony and we praise God for that! Be encouraged, because you've already won..."
Keller Panther: "Im touched! But at the same time my head is saying noooooo to you retiring! To not have the option of coming to you for pics .....its been a few years ...you were still in the mall the last time .... and you took pics of my kids and my sister in laws all in angel wings. ( they are still in frames on the wall and my dd was 1 shes 8 now...) glad you are gonna do what u need to do ....hope u can get out of your depression very soon .... hope to still see you on facebook ...."
Kelly Shea Mckinney: "Landon, this is just the beginning of another chapter in your life. You have already overcome so much and we are all very proud of you. I'm sure that you will be successful in whatever your next endeavor turns out to be. I love you always and Im in total agreement for God to heal and restore your health."
Barbara Jean Wright: "My GOD Landon that GOD has giving you a message for the people what a Blessing'"
Meghan Bamberg: "you are an amazing man. taking photos of the moments we can never get back but cherish forever. you speak of course faith trust love and loyalty. you are not only a friend but a brother in our house. you will be missed but your photos and legacy will live on. your hands in time will find that camera again as you capture that smile. your health is important and for most the number one thing. your in my prayers. love you may God being you peace and your soul joy"
Lessly Renna Turner: "Wow, I am speechless. Retiring at such a young age, and the mark you have left over Alabama, Japan, Georgia is remarkable. If you need anything, just call me. I would be honored to assist you in opening your gallery when you are ready. You have nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of-bringing your battle with depression and other health issues out in the open, only makes you more of a hero in my book. Not because of what you've done but because of the person you are inside. Do what's best for you because I want you around for years to come."
Gunga Horton Williams: "Praying a peace with all that is, aren't and you think should be... I pray fullness, wholeness and the power from knowing that you are enough. I decree and declare that you are just were God need you the most. A presence help!"
Precious Latora Mitchell: "Im speechless... but i understand... your health comes first... i love you always!!!! God Bless!!!"
Cynthia Elston: "Landon I know personal what u are going through for I suffer with rheumatoid arthritis & high blood pressure to. But if it wasn't for the Lord some days I don't know how I make it, but I know He got my back. But I will b prayer for u. By the way u still owe me some pictures!!!"
Marvina Garrett: "Sometimes you have to put you first. Take care and stay blessed!"
This report was made through WLJS News in Jacksonville, Alabama on 12/7/2013 at 10:19 A.M.
For those who are experiencing symptoms of depression and need assistance, please call the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance at 1-800-826-3632 or the National Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
