Exploring Life & Business with Bria Wheeler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bria Wheeler.

Hi Bria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I initially started my journey as a social media influencer, it was something that fell into my lap & as a mother it was perfect because I never wanted to put my children into daycare. However, as time went on I started to want for more & everyone constantly told me I should be a photographer. For years I used my cell phone to take pictures of my children but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be able to afford all the gear that it takes to be a photographer. One day I mentioned photography to my boyfriend & a few days later he came home with a camera & sold his Xbox to get me a new laptop. Since then I dived right in & started my journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh absolutely not. People often think photography is just snapping pictures but it so much more complex than that. You have to know angles, posing, lighting, settings & more. Don’t even get me started on editing. I look back at some of my images from my first year & literally laugh. I have spent so much money on a different lens, gear, props & editing software. I have had to save up, make payment plans & sell things around my house to get to where I am.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As a photographer I do not limit myself to any specific category, I’d like to do it all because even if I don’t enjoy it I can at least say I have the experience… I have done boudoir, weddings, maternity, family, newborn, first birthday, engagement & so much more. However, I am known most for my children & family photography. As a mother of four, I enjoy working with children & seeing all the love that I get to witness during family sessions. Weddings also get to me, that first look almost always brings me tears. In my opinion, what sets me apart from most photographers is that I don’t have a specific genre or editing style. I don’t limit myself & I love that for me. As my journey goes on in photography I am so proud of my resilience. From the beginning I taught myself everything, I did not know any other photographers so I was on my own. There’s been so many nights I have stayed up until morning editing sessions, then deleting them & starting over. I have watched so many YouTube videos & done so many free sessions just to get to where I am. I’ve had no professional training or schooling, even when I have felt like quitting & getting an outside job I have always pushed through & did what I need to do for my business.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
In addition to my photography business, I am also a volunteer photographer for NILMDTS. We offer parents experiencing the loss of a baby the complimentary gift of professional portraiture. Through an intimate portrait session the photographers on our team gift families with retouched black & white heirloom portraits. As a mother who has experienced a stillbirth myself, it is one of my greatest honors.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bwheelerphotography/