Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Joseph.
Brianna, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My first experience with wedding photography was 12 years ago when I was only fifteen years old. I was an assistant to an amazing husband-wife photography team who I had worked for as a babysitter. I had access to some decent starter equipment already because my Dad had a passion for photography as well. I shot my first solo wedding just a few months after that. Looking back, I’m extremely grateful to those first few clients who took a chance on a completely inexperienced teenager! I didn’t know how much I didn’t know! I had an average of 3 or 4 weddings a year after that point – primarily for friends or acquaintances. I was in school as a Music Major and was not actively pursuing a photography business, although I enjoyed the work.
After graduating college, I got married and started a job as a full-time music teacher but decided that I also wanted to start promoting my photography work on the side. I spent months preparing for an official “business launch” and then found out we were expecting our first little girl! That became a top priority and any leftover attention went to my music job. I still kept a few weddings on the calendar and various photo jobs that came my way by referral.
A year and a half after having our little girl, we moved about an hour away from where we had been living so I had to quit my music job. It was a great opportunity to finally get my business launched and start hustling! As I was working to expand my own client base, I contracted out with a nation-wide wedding photography company so I could get more experience and learn from other photographers. I picked up more second-shooter jobs and got as much experience as I could. It was a fantastic season of learning and meeting other professionals. I loved it but was definitely motivated to get my own business up and running. I was all set to launch again when we found out we were expecting not only one, but TWO more girls! The twins pretty much took over my life for the next year and a half. I did still contract out for some weddings and took on a few of my own during that time, but was not actively promoting. When the twins turned a year old, I felt like I was finally able to catch my breath and I started thinking about finally getting this thing off the ground. I officially launched in August of 2017 so it hasn’t been long, but I have stayed busy and it’s been such an exciting experience! I was booked every weekend from the beginning of September until Christmas. I’ve just about reached my goal of wedding bookings for 2018 and am really excited about the rest of this year. It has exceeded my expectations so far and I’m so thankful for each and every one of my amazing clients!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been smooth in the sense that I’ve always had amazing clients and really enjoyed the work! I’m so grateful that I still love it as much today as I did 12 years ago. I love the learning process, creative outlet and chance to meet new people and capture their joy.
The biggest struggles have always been timing and playing that never-ending game of trying to find a work-life balance.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Brianna Joseph Photography – what should we know?
I specialize in weddings but also work a lot with families. I would say I’m most proud of how much I’ve pushed through in order to get to this point in my business. I’ve tried really hard over the years to figure out how to work smart since my time is so limited as a stay-at-home mom. So, I’ve had to be very organized and come up with systems that work well for me and my clients. I really focus on making sure my clients feel taken care of throughout the entire process. I know how intense wedding planning can be, and I want to make the photography-side of that process as easy as possible for them. Because I make sure to be very organized on the front-end, I’m better able to guarantee a certain result on the wedding day. I also hire my “little” brother (he’s an entire foot taller than I am) as my second shooter at weddings, as well as a long-time family friend as an assistant (who is also an entire foot taller than I am). We’ve been working together for years now, so I can shoot them a glance on the wedding day and they know exactly what to do. We have fun and work really well together as a team and I know that makes a huge difference during the craziness of a wedding day.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Yes, so many people! My first and biggest influence was definitely my Dad. He passed on his passion for photography and provided me with equipment, opportunities and encouragement over the years. I’ve had so much support from my husband and extended family as the schedules can get crazy at times with three little ones. I’m also always challenged and inspired when I connect with other local creatives and “Mompreneurs.”
Pricing:
- Weddings start at $1,800
- Engagement Session: $300
- Family Session: $275
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.briannajosephphotography.com/
- Phone: 770-543-9415
- Email: BriannaJosephPhotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannajosephphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BriannaJPhotos/
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