Ashley Cohen
Staff Writer
Professional photographer Bo Bridges opened an art gallery in downtown Manhattan Beach last year to showcase his photos resulting in a thriving career and exhibits.
Bridges opened his original art gallery in 2006 in Hermosa Beach. He closed it last March and opened up his new gallery five months later in downtown Manhattan Beach on July 4. The space acts as an area for people to view his work and it functions as his main studio.
“The gallery has been a really big success,” Bridges said. “It’s flattering to know that people are interested in having one of my images in their home or office.”
The gallery includes photographs of people, sports, landscape, and architecture from local spots and locations all around the world including Fiji, Spain, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Japan. All photographs displayed in the gallery are limited edition prints.
“I feel like I’ve established a style that is a bit edgy and also creative,” Bridges said. “I like clean simple images with depth and I’m good at working with lights and fast with settings.”
Bridges’s main focus is action shots for athletes such as Kobe Bryant and Rob Pannell and corporate clients such as Gillette, Gatorade, Pepsi, ESPN, Toyota, and National Broadcasting Company. He recently photographed celebrities Beyonce and Jay-Z for Direct TV.
“Bo has a unique way of seeing things which makes his photography extremely captivating,” client and former vice president of Hard Rock Hotel Phil Shalala said. “He brings life to his shoots and knows how to capture the right images.”
According to Bridges’ assistant Spike Smigelski, Bo and his photography are strongly rooted in the South Bay region and lifestyle. The gallery’s central location near the pier gives Bridges’ work great attention through foot traffic of the popular downtown area.
“Bo’s love of adventure makes his fine art displays limitless as he thrives on going to extremes for shots,” Smigelski said. “He is able to capture shots from a point of view that many people will never experience in their lifetime.”
Bridges first started photography his senior year of high school in Zurich, Switzerland when his ceramics teacher suggested he take a photography class. He decided to take classes in college and later turned it into a successful career.
“Bo is the best of the best and it is a privilege to be able to work with him and learn from him every day,” Smigelski said. “His photography has reached a high level of attention and it is awesome to be a
part of a successful small business capable of growth.”
According to Smigelski, Bridges’ career has been dedicated to action sports and lifestyle photography fueled by ad campaigns and premier events. He recently did a brand launching shoot for String King Lacrosse at the Costa stadium who is now sponsoring the Mira Costa Lacrosse team.
“I’d like to have a show this spring and change up the gallery with some new images,” Bridges said. “I’m working with lots of new clients and every job is as fun and exciting because it’s new and different.”
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