Brian O’Leary creates beautifully dynamic street photography that documents the architectural decay of Flint, Michigan. His sharp, layered compositions offer a focused view from foreground to background, often spotlighting abandoned buildings and industrial remnants that speak to the city’s history.

A Flint Native with a Photographer’s Eye

“In 2013 I picked up my first DSLR camera and began to train my eye and perfect my photographic skills.”

Self-taught and born in Flint, O’Leary’s familiarity with the area works to his advantage. Quick to hone in his skills, his personal style quickly became recognizable. East Village Magazine discussed his style of “dynamic symmetry” in which he strives to achieve in his work through patience and observation. 

His street photography blends photojournalism with a painter’s sensibility, something he attributes to his years working security at the Flint Institute of Arts. “I studied the paintings there,” he says. “That’s what I wanted to replicate.” He draws inspiration from Vivian Maier and Henri Cartier-Bresson, emulating their attention to everyday life and deliberate framing. “I always look for symmetry,” he says. “I guess I’m addicted to it.”

This proximity to visual masterpieces influences his own work, adding a painterly quality to his compositions.

Learning from Art and Sharing His Work

Brian O’Leary also has deep creative roots in Flint’s music scene. Before photography, he spent years playing bass and guitar in punk, metal, and indie bands. His artistic journey continued at Mott Community College and the University of Michigan–Flint, where he pursued psychology and environmental science before fully committing to visual art. Today, he also creates short films and music videos, with credits in more than 10 local film projects.

Featured at Buckham Gallery and with aspirations in both photography and film, O’Leary hopes to continue gaining recognition. He shares his work on Fine Art America, Flickr, and Instagram.

Inspired by Brian’s work? Whether you’re capturing urban grit or natural landscapes, Grand River Giclée can help transform your photos into archival prints.