Daily Inspiration: Meet Brianna Bandy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Bandy.

Hi Brianna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey in photography was a very unexpected surprise. I did not ever take photography classes in school when I was younger, I never even thought that photography would be something that interested me. My story actually starts with my Grandpa. The only Grandpa I was ever close to had a huge passion for photography. He would take his camera on all of his journeys throughout the United States with my Grandma. He would take photos in Alaska, Mexico, Europe, South America, etc. of animals, plants, trees, their venues, anything he could think of. September of 2016, my parents sat us down and told us he had been diagnosed with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer; a very quick, life-threatening cancer. When he passed away in January 2017, exactly one year and day before my wedding day, I was completely heartbroken. I had just started doing photography at this time when we found out he was sick and my first photo I ever took was of two butterflies up at my family’s cabin, which was actually his favorite place to be of all the places he traveled. My Grandma had seen this photo and knew I had a special eye for the art. The summer of 2017, she offered me his Canon Rebel T3i with all his lens attachments. Now that I have been in photography for a few years, I find myself feeling very close to him even though he is not physically here. Receiving his camera gave me the inspiration I needed to really make a career out of it. So here I am, three years since he passed away having a loving passion for photography.

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?
Photography was not a smooth road. I would say the biggest struggle has been building my clientele. Luckily today, we have networking programs like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, etc. where we can get in touch with people all over to help with their photography needs. My second biggest struggle is actually learning the art of photography. Since I have never studied it before, I had to teach myself all about lighting, staging, enthusiasm for my clients, location, etc. Time has helped me along with amazing friends and family who have allowed me to photograph some of their most precious moments in life.

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 have a very scientific mind with an artist’s touch. I love to read, play volleyball, hike, boat, draw; however, I also like to problem solve and study the weather. I have a minor in mathematics with a Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology and I currently work in a bank as a loan representative. That tells me my life has taken some diverse and interesting turns that I didn’t expect. Photography, out of everything I do, is what really gives me that break I need to clear my mind and just enjoy what I am doing. I would say the best part about it is making the kids laugh on camera, or catching a bride and groom’s first kiss, or the love between grandparents and their grandchildren. When I can make someone’s day more enjoyable and most importantly smile, that means I have met my goal. I would say my biggest passion, and where my experience is leading me to, is to specialize in newborn, maternity and wedding photography. Of everything I have done, I love those three the most.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I would say luck plays a small part in photography. If you have patience, you will get the shot you desire. As you can see with my butterfly pictures, the butterflies were not posing for me. I was lucky that they were even there at all. However, sitting on the porch of the cabin and waiting for them to show up and taken numerous shots led me to the perfect picture I was wanting. Kids, they don’t always like getting their picture taken, they just want to go play on the swing set that is located at the park you are visiting; however, as luck would have it, the ball or bubbles you bring allows you to get that one good photo for mom and dad. So, I think if you are prepared and patient, you will always get the picture you want and luck has a very small part in that process.

Pricing:

• $75/45 minute minis
• $175/hour boudoirs, engagements, family, newborns
• $300 starting price for weddings

Contact Info:

• Email: bandybrianna2020@yahoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bribandyphotography/