Conversations with Breelle Hilsenrath

Today we’d like to introduce you to Breelle Hilsenrath. 

Breelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Photography has been a crazy journey for me. I started in high school, taking photos for Photography 101, simply because my teacher happened to live next door and I needed an “easy A.” Truth is, I hated that class (to no fault of his, I just didn’t take the time to care), and had a C all semester until I (BARELY) made it through the written final exam that saved me. But then, I went out with my Ahpa (Dad in Korean) and took our cameras out to play. Anywhere and everywhere. Trips to Idaho Springs, standing on bridges with tripods as cars passed beneath us at night. Eventually, my sister, who was Miss Teen Colorado, at the time, needed headshots. So, my parents forced me to take them – which to an 18-year-old was an annoyance. Little did I know, it would win her pageant cover contest and people were asking me left and right for photoshoots. 

Senior portraits became a big thing for me until my second year in college when someone asked me to shoot their wedding. For newbies – DO NOT – do what I did! I jumped straight into my first weddings, having never shadowed another photographer. Luckily, it worked out for me, but I’m not lost to the irony of how much easier it would have been had I learned good habits in the beginning instead of teaching myself business and etiquette as I went. 

All that to say – it took me years to figure out my strengths in portraiture and weddings, but I’m super proud of and grateful for the little 17-year-old girl that built a business, halfway by mistake! 

I moved to the mountains where my elopement-focused brand flourished for six years. But now, my focus is on creating more artistic portraits in and around the city, as well. Which is why I’m back in Denver and ready to just see what – and who – inspires me next. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Business ownership is HARD. Especially when you’re 18 and just starting out. I would say the biggest obstacles, aside from actually learning business practices, has been setting personal boundaries within it. I’m so passionate and eager and excited to go pretty much anywhere and everywhere to document love stories – but I’m finally realizing that in booking every possible weekend, I’m missing the chance to write my own. 

So now I’m only taking on clients I resonate with, in places I adore, and in situations where I know that nobody else can do as good a job as I can. I think following my intuition and respecting myself enough to set business hours to reply to emails and phone calls, setting aside a few intentional weekends per month to see the people I love, and honestly just LEAVING MY CAMERA AT HOME when I’m out – has helped me so much. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a wedding and portrait photographer that’s known for having a little grit and edge to my photos – I call my style “Light and Moody”. The “light” means not terribly dark and still timeless, and the “moody” obviously refers to an editing style that adds a little punch and depth. I’m also heavily inspired by film, nostalgia, whimsy and things that make people FEEL. And I want my work to replicate that. 

I think my clients also know I’m GENUINELY interested in them as people, and even end up friends with lots of them. I balance being a professional, but also just being a normal ass girl behind the camera (can I say that word in here?) 

I show up prepared and with timelines, but will also dance with you or share a drink with you at your wedding! It is because of my ability to balance professionalism and friendship with my clients that I’m able to get genuine emotion. And I’m thankful for my awesome couples that share those values with me! 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m a HUGE book and podcast junkie, but here are some favorites in no particular order: 

Books: 

“You are a Badass at Making Money” for getting over weird, limiting money mindsets you may be holding. 

“Profit First” for structuring your accounts (yes – I realize this may be controversial, but it works for me!) 

My favorite book for no tangible business reason but it’s just so good you should read it is 

“The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera. (They have a movie version that’s pretty great if you’re too lazy to read it like my boyfriend is) 

Podcasts: 

“GOAL DIGGER” by Jenna Kutcher 

“The Jasmin Star Show” by… Jasmin Star, duh. 

“Shine and Thrive” by Sara Monika 

And favorite to pass time in the car when I’m on my third hour of driving after a 10-hour wedding is “Crime Junkies”. That sh*t will for sure keep you awake on winding roads at night! 

Pricing:

• Portrait pricing starts at $600
• Wedding/Elopement Coverage starts at $3500

Contact Info:

• Email: breellehilsphoto@gmail.com
• Website: www.breellehilsphoto.com
• Instagram: breellehilsphoto
• Facebook: breellehilsphoto
• Twitter: breellehilsphoto
• Other: TikTok! @breellehilsphoto