Brandon Oda
With an unusual combination of skills in photography and software engineering, Brandon Oda has become one of the top photographers in the San Francisco Bay area. He is involved in both portrait and landscape photography. Unique among photographers in his field, Oda has created his own photo editing software. With complete control over the creative process, he is able to create stunning works of art.
Brandon Oda is a Los Angeles native. In high school, he was interested in both the arts and the sciences. His parents supported him in pursuing an artistic career. In college, he studied photography at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. His time at RISD helped him to come into his own as an artist. He sold his first photographs to galleries while he was still a student.
Oda settled in San Francisco and opened his own photography studio. He is continually inspired by the fantastic beauty of California. With his wife and friends, he takes road trips around the state and photographs its diverse landscapes. He has a special interest in sunset and evening photography.
Portraits are a more recent addition to Oda’s portfolio. He photographs models and ordinary people, creating insightful images that reveal the subject’s personality. In his San Francisco studio, Oda hones his craft while fine-tuning his photo editing software. He has achieved great success in the photography world at a relatively young age.
What is your hobby?
My hobby is mountain biking. I love to get out on the trail.
How did you get started with this hobby? What inspired you?
I enjoy hiking, but I was looking for an outdoor hobby with more adrenaline. A friend got me into mountain biking. There are so many amazing landscapes to explore in California. I feel like I’ll always have new places to go.
Tell us what you love about it.
I love being out in nature most of all. I love the quiet of mountain biking. It’s something I tend to do alone, and I love having the time and space to myself. I love the physical challenge, and I often stop to take photos along the way. I’m not the fastest mountain biker, but I enjoy every mile.
Are there any groups you’re a part of or events that you attend related to your hobby?
I belong to a local trail riders’ club. We get together for social rides, and we raise money to help preserve the wild places we bike in. I’ve made many friends in this group, and I recommend that every mountain biker join a club in their area.
Have you had to invest in equipment and if so, please share some of the things you’ve bought.
I’ve invested quite a lot of money in my bike and supplies. It’s not a cheap hobby, but if you take good care of your gear, it will last a long time. I recently purchased a new bike. It has made my rides so much more enjoyable. I also bought a new bike rack for the back of my car. That way, I have room for my bike and my wife’s when we go out together. I am trying to get her into mountain biking, but she is more interested in hiking.
Where do you buy most of your supplies?
I buy nearly all of my supplies at my local bike shop. I believe in shopping locally, even if some items may be cheaper when you buy them online. A local bike shop is a fixture in a community, and it helps bring riders together while outfitting them for great rides. My favorite thing about shopping at the local bike shop is the knowledgeable staff. No matter what kind of problems you have, the local bike shop can help you. They are also great at maintaining and repairing my bike when necessary.
Are there any good books for beginners?
I recommend The Mountain Biker’s Training Bible by Joe Friel. This book breaks down the process of training and makes it easy for novice riders. Getting fit to ride a mountain bike is uniquely challenging, but it’s worth it when you can ride longer and faster.
How has this changed your life?
Getting outdoors feeds my soul. I spend a lot of my time indoors editing photos, and when the week is over, I just want to get outside. Mountain biking has brought me a lot of joy. It also brings me a feeling of inner peace after I finish a ride. The “biker’s high” is strong and keeps me coming back for more. I love to get out on the trail at sunrise and enjoy the whole day in the woods.
What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?
Make friends at your local bike shop. You can be properly fitted for a bike as well as ask any questions you might have. Bikes need regular tune-ups, so you will need to take your bike into the shop a few times a year. When you become a regular at the local bike shop, you’ll make lasting connections.
Are there any other hobbies you have?
I also love to swim. I swim several times a week as a means of keeping fit.