Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Collier.
Brianna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey in photography a few years ago, purchasing my first camera and teaching myself how to use it. This developed into taking family pictures, my heart goes to those first families, what a learning experience haha. A very good reminder at how far I have come. I had started taking solo trips to New York City. I would roam the city and work on my camera techniques. I met a community of photographers, that I remain close with today.
I specifically remember a late night on the Brooklyn Bridge, it was drizzling, foggy, I was very hangry and tired. My camera was all set, ready to go, or so I thought. I was super excited for this shot. I looked at it, horrible, how can I not know what I am doing? Feeling a bit defeated, I took a deep breath and continued on. I had all these dreams I had envisioned and the doors were starting to open up and I felt that I wasn’t able to accomplish them. In my hand I held this camera, a significant piece to the journey, professionally and personally, I had been on that meant so much to me. As I had all these thoughts swirling my head, my friend’s voice echoed, “Do the unexpected.” I will fail at times, I will learn from those failures. This moment wasn’t about the one shot, it was about the belief in myself and what I was capable of. I have continued to do the things others don’t expect. Months later I came around to editing that photo, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I had thought, it remains my top selling photograph.
My passion for photography and the desire to learn and challenge myself is never ending. I love to get lost behind the camera, roaming the streets of the city. My connection with photos has always been the emotions captured. Street photography has taught me to find the meaning behind the shot. Learning to frame a scene, capture a moment, feel the picture. I have brought those lessons into my family sessions. Providing a space for my clients to be themselves. Laugh, make silly faces, dance, enjoy the time, tell some hilarious jokes. These are photographs families will look back on for a lifetime.
Fast forward to today, I have an incredible studio in the twin cities. I am traveling to and from New York, being a leader in the photog community as a female photographer. Teaching others, learning from others, intertwining the passion of photography with mental health. I have been given some once in a lifetime opportunities, became a RAW artist, published in a local magazine. I love to push the boundaries, forever unexpected as I would say.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think anything in life is smooth. Some struggles are staying relevant, making sure you continue to learn and grow as to not become stagnant. Which I find beautiful in photography, you can always challenge yourself to become better than you were yesterday.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer. I specialize in portraits, family sessions and street photography. I am most proud of how far I have come and finding what truly speaks to me. I am unique in the way of letting people be themselves in front of the camera, putting them at ease. Capturing a moment.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
As technology continues to evolve, those who are motivated will continue to grow. If you don’t shift with the times it will be hard to keep up. I believe a photograph won’t ever lose its value, people will always want the memories from special moments.
Contact Info:
- Email: capturedbybrianna@gmail.com
- Website: www.capturedbybrianna.com
- Instagram: captured_by_brianna & captured.by.brianna
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/capturedbybrianna24
Image Credits
Brianna Collier
