We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brit Schwab. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Brit, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building that nobody sees would have to be my ability to get through tough situations on my own while still holding on to the beauty of life. I’ve learned how to find moments of light even in the darkest times, and that inner strength has become one of the most valuable things I’ve ever built.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Brit Schwab, and I’m from Thief River Falls, MN. I like to say I’m a special education teacher by day and a photographer by night. Photography has been a passion of mine for about seven years. I love all things Harry Potter, spending time with my friends, and a perfect day on the lake. On quieter nights, you’ll usually find me curled up with a good book.
When it comes to my brand, I’d describe it as natural and authentic. I aim to capture genuine moments in time and highlight the beauty in everything I photograph. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue documenting real, raw moments and to create images that make people feel something every time they look at them.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Oh wow, this is a tough one. Honestly, I’ve become who I am today because of the journey of being who the world told me I should be. For many years, I lived as the person others expected or wanted me to be. This lead me to be easily influenced and full of self-doubt. I never truly felt like I was where I belonged or who I was meant to be. It wasn’t until I realized that the most important thing in life is simply being happy. Not pretending to be, not just making everyone else happy, but genuinely being happy. Once I changed my mindset to focus on what truly brings me joy and makes me feel authentic, I stopped living for the world’s version of me. That was the moment I finally became the person I want to be.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I would tell her to be gentle with herself. Life will have its ups and downs, and there will be days when she feels like giving up or carrying the weight of the world, but she is stronger than she knows. Everything will work out as it should. Be kind to others, yes, but most importantly, be kind to yourself. Keep smiling, take care of your heart, and trust that you are enough just as you are.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
This doesn’t exactly relate to my photography career but I am extremely committed to promoting mental health awareness and early interventions at the elementary level, no matter how long it takes. I believe that supporting children’s emotional and mental well-being from a young age can have a lasting and positive impact on their lives. My goal is to create environments where students feel seen, heard, and supported, and to help educators recognize the importance of early intervention. Even small steps toward this can make a huge difference, and I am dedicated to making that impact one child, one classroom, and one school at a time.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am absolutely, without a doubt, doing what I was born to do. Teaching is my true passion, and photography is my art. Whenever I’ve tried to step back from either, I’ve found myself missing them deeply.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.photographybybritjo.com/
- Instagram: photographybybritjo
- Facebook: photographybybritjo
