An Inspired Chat with Cori DeAngelis

Cori DeAngelis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Cori , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
This year especially I’ve been called to really niche down and speak to my ideal clients. At first I was nervous about marketing myself in such a specific way & leaning into moody and artistic photography. Targeting such a niche group of clients felt risky & I was worried that being so niche might limit how many clients I would book. Over time, however, I realized the exact opposite. The more I leaned into my authentic style, the more I started connecting with people who really got it & valued what I do. It showed me that my ideal clients are out there & they just need to be able to find me & that when they do, we make magic together.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Cori DeAngelis, owner of Branch & Burrow Photography. I have been in business since 2021 & I focus mainly on moody wedding and elopement photography. My style is more documentary based and leans into capturing more candid moments opposed to spending hours of your wedding day doing formal posing. I believe in presence over performance & connection over perfection.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Honestly, I never really thought I could actually make a career out of something creative. I was into photography from an early age & remember purchasing my first camera, a used Nikon d3500, with my own money when I was still a kid. I was also a very active member of Future Business Leaders of America and yearbook club during high school & definitely followed in my mom’s footsteps having an entrepreneurial spirit. However, I grew up with the idea that photography, or art of any kind, was more of a hobby than a sustainable job, so I didn’t allow myself to dream too big. Once I started putting my work out there & connecting with people who really resonated with my style I was proven completely wrong, though. It has been so rewarding to see there’s actually a place for creativity in the world, there are people out there who value what I do, & I can build a rewarding life while doing what I love.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could go back and tell my younger self something, it would be to stop holding yourself back out of fear. Life truly is short, and waiting around for the “perfect time” only keeps you from chasing things you love. I’d tell myself that chasing dreams isn’t reckless, but the most honest thing you can do for yourself. Looking back, I wish I’d had the courage sooner, but I’m glad I finally leaned in and trusted that passion can turn into a real path.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I might ruffle some feathers with this, but I have some qualms with this industry. I think the wedding industry can feel really performative, like couples are expected to put on this big production, spend a ton of money, and keep up with every trend just to have a “pretty” wedding, but not everyone wants that. The truth is, you don’t need any of that for your day to be beautiful or meaningful. There is a whole space for more low-key, intimate weddings where the focus is on connection and experience rather than performance. I love that more couples are realizing they don’t have to follow a formula or overspend to have a day that’s both gorgeous and deeply personal.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d immediately stop holding myself back being worried about what others think. It’s so easy to get caught up in trying to meet other people’s expectations, but at the end of the day being true to yourself is what brings joy & fulfillment. When you lean into who you are instead of trying to fit into a mold, you attract the right people and create something that feels real.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.branchandburrowphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchandburrowphotography/