Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Lewis.
Hi Brianna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
When I was in high school, I took a photojournalism class. It was required and I didn’t care much about it. But at the end of the year my teacher suggested that I apply for the yearbook staff. So, I did. Again, I didn’t care that much about it. I thought it was fun, but I didn’t try very hard when I was taking pictures or working on my spreads.
Fast forward to college. I applied to Texas Tech as a Chemistry major. At orientation, I realized that it wasn’t what I wanted to do, so my dad suggested that I switch to a major in the College of Media and Communications. He had always said that I had an eye for photography, so I agreed with him and chose Creative Media Industries.
I remember taking a photography class in college. Our professor had us take photos of our friends to help us practice rule of thirds, leading lines, etc. This assignment is what made me fall in love with portrait photography. I remember driving out to Ransom Canyon and taking photos by the Robert Bruno Steel House. After that, I was hooked. I asked my friends if I could take photos of them all the time. From there, people I didn’t know started reaching out for photos. Now, 4.5 years later, here we are! I do it for a living and I’m still in love with it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As much as I’d like to pretend owning my business has been a smooth road, it hasn’t. There are days where I doubt myself. Days where I worry that I won’t book new clients. Days where I wonder if I chose the right career. When I have those negative thoughts, I try to remind myself that I’m where I’m supposed to be, I’m doing what I’m supposed to do, and everything will work itself out. There’s no use in worrying about the future. Just focus on the present moment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When I first started my business, I lived in a college town. That is where I “blew up” and first gained popularity. I would say my senior photos are what I am known for. I still love photographing seniors but don’t do it as often since I’ve now transitioned into weddings.
I’m most proud of overcoming my social anxiety. I chose a profession where I’m around new people all the time, and at the beginning, I was always so nervous before my sessions. I would rehearse what I was going to say to my clients all day leading up to each photoshoot. Now, I feel much more comfortable meeting new people, and I have become more outgoing as a result.
I think what sets me apart from others is my editing style paired with my shooting style. My shooting style is classic with a mix of some editorial-type shots. But my editing style is a little different than what I’ve seen other people do. It’s warm and moody but still has some good pops of red, green, blue, etc. I see a lot of photographers with muted tones and while I love the way it looks; I think my style fits my photos best.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something most people don’t know about me is that I have stereoblindness. This means that I see in 2d instead of 3d. It doesn’t affect my day-to-day life, but I think it does affect the way I take pictures. I see scenes differently than other people and I think it translates well in my work and composition.
Contact Info:
- Website: briannalewisphotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/briannalewisphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/briannalewisphotography
Image Credits
Brianna Lewis
