Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryanna Joy Saunders.
Bryanna Joy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in North Carolina. I was blessed to be able to travel around the world (because my mother worked for an airline) at a young age. My parents always tried to make our trips educational. Taking advantage of the flights, I’ve been all over and gained friends along the way. Accra, Barcelona, and Jamaica are 3 of my favorites.
Me and my older brother got my mother a digital camera in 2007 for her birthday. It was a Nikon Coolpix L11. Somehow I ended up using it the most and became the designated family photographer. The simple point and shoot allowed me to freeze-frame multiple journeys abroad.
Through these experiences, I learned to appreciate history and culture different than my own. I still love to travel! The world and the people in it are all beautiful.
Fast forward. Now I am an Alumna of Clemson University. I picked up a camera again after college. This time I dove into the technical aspects of photography. Shooting in complete manual mode gave me more control. My photo hobby transitioned to a business this year.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well, I never thought owning an operating my own business would be easy. I enjoy taking pictures and editing. The business and promotion side can get difficult. But, I try to have fun with it. I also think it’s okay to take breaks.
On memorial day 2019, I was playing basketball when I fractured a small bone in my right foot. So, all summer I was in a cast. This forced me to slow down! I wasn’t allowed to drive. It hurt because normally, I am so independent. It forced me to ask for help. It helped me realized how blessed I am to have people to call when I need something. I leaned a lot on my family. I was able to spend some time with myself and think, which is a good thing.
This summer, I thought about what I wanted to do with my brand. “How do I want the world to see me or see my work?” I watched youtube tutorials on lighting and retouching. I practiced what I learned. I revamped my website and facebook page. I played with my camera. The style of photos I post now might be the result of me breaking my foot.
Sometimes when things are slowing down, when we feel like we are moving backwards, God is setting things up for us to have something greater. Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes a set back is a set up for comeback.
Stills of Joy Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Stills of Joy Photography tries to capture moments with Joy, Love, and the emotions of life. There are many things going on in the world that we can choose to be mad about. Or we can choose to share Joy; that’s my mission. My photos are meant to exude happiness. I shoot editorial style portraits, environmental headshots, and intimate events. I like to collaborate with my clients to capture their personality. It feels great showing off the beauty in everyday people.
If you need professional images for yourself, family or business, I would love to help.
You can email me at stillsofjoy@gmail.com to discuss making your vision a reality. I am based in Smyrna, GA however, I do enjoy traveling to places near and far.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I am proud of myself for taking on new challenges and exploring new styles. Next up, I’m taking on video. I think video will be good to have in my wheelhouse of things I am able to do and do well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stillsofjoy.com
- Phone: (704)299-9070
- Email: stillsofjoy@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/stillsofjoy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/stillsofjoy/
Image Credit:
Top image is by Kourtney Royster of That Life Photography , all other photos by Bryanna Joy of Stills of Joy Photography
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