Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Hellmeister.
Brittany, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always loved taking photos. When I was in high school, I had a disposable camera with me whenever I had the money to buy one. I would get double of every photo I took so that I could give the copy to whoever was in it. I wanted everyone to feel as happy as I did when I went to the 1-hour photo pickup at Walmart! It was like Christmas day… every week! I made scrapbooks with all of the most important memories. I used the photos to decorate my locker and an entire wall of my room was littered with 4×6 prints! My garage has boxes and boxes of photos that never made it in the books – but I can’t part with them! Those are my humble beginnings!
When my daughter was born in 2010, I had a little pink canon point and shoot camera. As you can imagine, I was obsessed with documenting every bit of her life! When she was 2, I purchased my first DSLR camera. I would get so inspired by her and set up little shoots at the park near our apartment. She was always so good at making me feel artistic! Every summer when we went to the beach, I would set up the camera on a tripod and we would do our family photos this way! My friends and family started to see the photos on facebook and asked me to take their photos too! I still remember my first paid shoot. It was a newborn shoot and it was AWFUL! I am sure the mom loved the photos because they were of her baby… but in retrospect, it is quite funny to think that I actually charged someone for them. I had a LOT to learn. I continued to use my daughter and friends to help me learn my camera.
I would love to say that my photography business was booming after that but that isn’t the truth. I spent a lot of years struggling with self-doubt and crippling anxiety that crept into all areas of my life. My inspiration and creative spirit were stuffed away and replaced with this mindset of “I am no good.” The more people who asked me to take their photos the worse it got. I would find myself coming up with any excuse as to why I couldn’t do it. I still took photos but only for people I was close to. I eventually just stopped altogether and only took photos of my daughter.
I always had the desire to be creative. I never felt good about working a 9-5. Every job I tried from real estate to serving… it never panned out. I never felt fulfilled. My husband knew how badly I wanted photography to be my work. He kept asking me “has anyone ever NOT liked the photos you take?” – and to be honest… the answer was no. I never had a negative response. I just got so lost in my own head and in the social media comparison. I felt like there was always someone with more talent and a bigger client base. Do you know what I figured out though? That IS the truth and that is okay.
Last year, I made a change in my mindset and it has taken a lot of soul searching to get here. I treated myself and upgraded my kit. I gave my self a business name “B Hellmeister Photography.” I decided that I was going to say YES to anyone who asked me for a shoot no matter how scared I was. I would say yes even if it was something I had never done before. I would take on anything that came my way. In-home newborn session? Yes! Extended family shoot? Yes! Video a wedding? YES! After a year I would look back at all I had done and see if I grew. I would see if people were happy with what I offered. I would see if MAYBE just maybe I could feel good about what I was doing. I was going to feel the fear – and do it anyway.
So, here I am – it has been over a year! I feel so happy with my choice! Saying yes has opened so many doors for me and my family! I have met some incredible people in the industry who have reached out their hand to help me along the way. I have new friends who are also awesome mentors. I am so humbled and so grateful for these connections. My husband has even been able to be a part of it! He and I have shot weddings together and it is so much fun! I find myself at my computer every day searching for new ways to better myself and my business. I have had more photography sessions in the last 5 months than I had in all the years I was too afraid to say yes. It isn’t just about photography though. The confidence I have gained and the trust in myself has made me shine brighter in so many ways! I am so thankful for my growing business and for what it has taught me about overcoming obstacles – even when the obstacle is ME.
Please tell us about B Hellmeister Photography – what should we know?
I think what sets me apart is that I realize that every person’s story is different so every session requires me to dig in and tell their truth! One day when the memory is faded I want my photos to bring them back to a true moment in their life. I want to believe that I am known for capturing intimate photographs that reveal sincere emotion. I do give direction during sessions but I wait for the in-between moments where the real personalities of the subjects shine through! I am pretty good at giving prompts that evoke a real interaction and not a stiffly posed photo.
I don’t specialize in any particular subject matter.
I photograph weddings, families, engagements, maternity, and newborn!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My number one is my husband, Clayton. He pushes me to be greater every day. He believes in me more than I understand. He tells me every day how much I am worth – and that I am worth even more than that! I wouldn’t be where I am today without his love and support.
My biggest mentor right now is Logan Simmons (Logan Simmons Photography). Once upon a time, I asked the Facebook world if anyone would allow me to work with them so I could learn more and she commented! I was seriously fan-girling when she responded because I had been following her work for a while and was always completely in awe of her talent. Logan has been such a huge supporter of me and my success. We work weddings together and she never hesitates to teach me when I need help! Seriously owe so much to this girl!!
The Coker family (who own Meadows at Mossy Creek wedding venue) have opened so many doors for me and my husband. We are so grateful for the opportunities and also for their wonderful friendship!
My siblings have always supported me – always.
I have many other friends who I know have always been my cheerleaders!
Pricing:
- Engagement Session -$200
- Portrait Session – $200 (Family or Maternity)
- Weddings – starting at $1500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bhellmeisterphotography.com/
- Email: britt.hellmeister@gmail.com
- Instagram: @bhellmeisterphotog
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