

Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Stroman.
Hi Briana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’m based in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, and I’m on the verge of becoming a creative powerhouse. I’m not just a photographer—I am a multimedia creator, offering a whole range of creativity to bring your vision to life.
My journey in the arts started way back as a kid with joining art clubs with the mural arts program, learning musical instruments, and studying dance/theater within the performing arts. However, my interest in digital media started in 2008 during high school, where I dabbled in film production and web design. Fast forward to 2015, when my love affair with photography began. It was like a light bulb moment, and I knew I had found my calling.
In 2018, I took a bold step and founded Disturbriana Media, specializing in videography. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to capture a wide range of moments and events, from interviews to YouTube vlogs, and behind-the-scenes footage. But I didn’t stop there. In 2020, I expanded my horizons by adding photography and web design services, showcasing my skills and boundless creativity. I also wanted to make an impact beyond the creative realm, so I decided to offer LLC filing services for businesses in Pennsylvania.I wanted to help fellow entrepreneurs in Philly navigate the process of starting their own companies, so they could turn their dreams into reality. After all of those creative years, 2023 was the year I decided to focus solely on providing photography services to clients. Videography and web design are now channels for my personal creative expression.
To further harness my passion and conceptual projects, I created another photography persona—Briana Shaunte—in early 2022. I wanted to ensure that while Disturbriana Media and Briana Shaunte are under the same umbrella, Disturbriana LLC, each entity could shine independently, serving both my amazing clients and fueling my artistic fire. As if all of that wasn’t enough, in 2021, I launched Bri.SnapShots, a photo booth rental business perfect for all kinds of events.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, my business and romantic partner, Jeff Manning, and I took a leap of faith and opened FourNineteen Co. Studio, a creative workspace studio. It was a risky move, but our passion and determination drove us forward. And guess what? We were honored as an award-winning studio by Peerspace in 2023—talk about a true testament to our commitment and expertise! But that’s not all. I recently joined forces with another local photographer and opened a second photography studio, WeClique Studio, and I couldn’t be more excited about the creative possibilities it holds.
For the past year & a half, I embarked on a new adventure as becoming an educator. I started teaching beginner photography workshops to youth (associated with non-profit organizations) and adults. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to share my knowledge and inspire others to embrace their artistic side. And here’s the icing on the cake: I am now an exclusive Getty Images contributor as a member of their 2023-2024 Creative Accelerator cohort, a HoneyBook Educator, an Amazon Influencer/Affiliate, and most recently a nominated photographer. My work has even been featured in two photo galleries. It’s been an overwhelmingly amazing year, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
I’ve always been drawn to various forms of artistic expression—whether it’s fine art, digital art, visual art, dancing, or theater. Right now, my focus is on digital media and visual art, but I still find inspiration from all these mediums. After all, creativity knows no bounds, and I believe in exploring every avenue to fuel the fire within.
Alright, 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?
Being an entrepreneur while maintaining a full-time job is a challenge I face, but I’m fortunate to have my job at a non-profit organization where I can apply my Computer Science degree.
At the same time, my passion lies in providing media services and creating conceptual stories. My colleagues are aware of my creative endeavors and are incredibly supportive. When I had my work featured in a gallery in Q2 of 2022, my director, who’s also a photographer, came to see it. I even host photography activities during our summer camps. However, juggling both roles has its drawbacks as my full-time job does not allow for a flexible schedule from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
So, how do I manage my time? As far as the studios, both of my business partners are full-time entrepreneurs with flexible schedules. This enables the studios, listed on Peerspace & our websites, to operate even when I’m not physically there during the day. I make sure to be more present during evenings and weekends.
How I balance my media services and passion projects. Honestly, I’m still trying to find the answer to that question. The only option I have is to make the most of the limited time I have and continue working and creating. I acknowledge that it can be challenging to find time for rest amidst all the responsibilities. Regarding my job, my goal is to achieve financial stability as an entrepreneur before transitioning to full-time. However, even when that transition occurs, I intend to stay involved as a volunteer. I believe that in the long run, all my efforts will pay off.
We’ve been impressed with Disturbriana LLC | FourNineteen Co. Studio | WeClique Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Disturbriana LLC is the home to three dynamic businesses: Disturbriana Media, Briana Shaunte, and Bri.SnapShots. First, Disturbriana Media is where I offer my consumer photography services. Whether it’s for personal or commercial inquiries, I am dedicated to bringing the client’s vision to life. With a focus on capturing the essence of their project, I strive to create visuals that tell their unique story.
Next, Briana Shaunte is the space where I unleash my own creative, conceptual, and passion projects. These projects come to life during my own time, driven solely by my desire to tell captivating stories. However, my ultimate goal is to apply my artistic visions to major campaigns, editorials, and even celebrity projects, opening the doors to exciting paid commission work.
Last but not least, Bri.SnapShots caters to personal events with my delightful photo booths. But my sights are set higher as I work to expand into the corporate world, bringing joy and unforgettable memories to a wider audience. All these businesses are rooted in the realm of media-based services, where I combine my expertise and passion to produce remarkable results.
FourNineteen Co. Studio, the name holds a deep meaning for my partner Jeff Manning & me— it’s inspired by our dating anniversary, April 19th. Our studio encompasses both a photo studio and a gallery, allowing us to explore multiple artistic avenues. It was utilized for my productions, an art gallery for Jeff to showcase his artwork, and sharing our space with other creatives/businesses by offering studio rentals through our website and Peerspace. However, as we embark on a relocation journey to find a new space that caters to our growing creative community, we’re currently operating as a mobile pop-up studio. This transition is an exciting opportunity for us to find a location that perfectly aligns with our vision and serves as a sanctuary for creativity. FourNineteen Co. Studio was more than just a physical space; it was a unisex creative workspace where art and craftsmanship merge, allowing us to craft masterpieces that inspire.
WeClique Studio is co-owned by myself and the talented photographer Adina Diaz of ChromaVisuals LLC. Our studio is an exciting addition to the photography scene, catering mainly to photographers while also embracing creatives from all mediums. At WeClique Studio, we don’t just provide a space for photographers like us but also offer the opportunity for fellow creatives to rent it out through our website and Peerspace. Whether it’s by the hour or with a membership, we want to make our studio accessible to all. Breaking the mold of traditional, male-dominated production studios, we needed to show that women can thrive in this industry too. We understand that most male-owned studios may not fully grasp the importance of creating a unisex experience, but we are here to change that. Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to express themselves and bring their visions to life.
When it comes to getting the job done, I bring more than just dedication—I bring a whole lot of fun to the table. It’s not just about ticking tasks off the checklist; it’s about infusing every interaction with vibrancy and energy. And let me tell you, that approach has earned me countless compliments on my customer service. Why? Because I believe in going above and beyond, even when things don’t go perfectly.
I never assume that everything will be 100% flawless, but I know that when you provide exceptional service, especially in the face of challenges, customers will keep coming back. It’s that commitment, that unwavering dedication to making every interaction a memorable one, that creates lasting relationships.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
As a passionate and driven member of the creative community, I am proud to be a part of Black Women Photographers. This vibrant community is dedicated to serving and empowering African-American women and non-binary people of color, providing invaluable resources, advice, and opportunities that are often out of reach for us. For almost 3 years, I have been fortunate enough to be a part of this community, soaking up everything it has to offer. As of 2023, I’ve been thrilled to take on a role as a co-leader for BWP Meetups and Photowalks in Philadelphia. It’s an incredible honor to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I am eager to help create meaningful experiences that connect and inspire fellow creatives.
In addition to my work with Black Women Photographers, I am also a member of REC Philly, a dynamic and member-based creative hub that provides emerging artists the tools, resources, and support they need to turn their passions into thriving careers. These communities are the lifeblood of my work, driving me to constantly push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and pursue new opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dusturbriana.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/disturbriana
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/disturbrianamedia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/disturbriana-media
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/disturbriana
- Other: www.disturbriana.com | www.brianashaunte.com
Image Credits
Jeff Manning, Courtni Matthews, Zakiyah Ingram, Teonna McCurry, Valerie Losue, Alisha Clark, Meek Mill, and Scar Lip