We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Linnie Briley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Linnie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so one thing we think people don’t talk about nearly enough is investments – either time or money. What’s one of the best or worst investments you’ve made and what did you learned from the experience?

As a photographer there are so many things you can invest in, equipment, education, editing programs etc. I had already taken college courses for photography, and learned so much that I felt confident in how to operate, and edit photos. A few years in after using a cheap camera with a kit lens, I decided to invest and upgrade to a mirrorless camera and lens. This decision completely changed my businesses course as my quality of photo went up so greatly.

Linnie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Embarking on a journey that initially led me toward forensic photography, I quickly realized it wasn’t my true calling. Fourteen years ago, as a naive 19-year-old, I found myself enrolled in forensic photography classes after completing photography and Photoshop courses. The realization hit hard on the first day of my forensic photography class, prompting me to consider dropping it altogether.

However, my love for photography endured, and over the years, it transformed from a casual hobby to a serious passion for capturing memories. I’ve been fortunate to witness countless moments frozen in time, and I’m immensely grateful for every stamp in time I’ve had the privilege to capture. This journey has truly been a blessing, and I’m excited to continue showcasing the unique stories and empowering moments through my work.

As a creative I am most proud of my diverse portfolio. Unlike a lot of industry professionals my portfolio consists of people of all shapes, colors, sexual orientation, and backgrounds. I take pride in how I ensure not to ruin skin tones with my editing. I also love how I showcase bold skies, and backgrounds.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

You know, building my reputation in this crazy market has been a journey. Two things I reckon made a big difference: first, my vibe is all about inclusivity and diversity. My portfolio is this eclectic mix of stories and faces, and I love that. Second, making folks feel comfy in front of the camera is my secret sauce. It’s like, “Hey, forget you’re being photographed, let’s just hang out and capture some real moments.” I guess people dig that genuine connection, and it’s become kinda my thing. So, it’s not just about the pics; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels seen and celebrated. That’s the magic right there.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Hands down, the best source of new clients for me has been word of mouth. There’s something special about someone saying, “Hey, you’ve gotta check out this photographer!”—it’s like the ultimate compliment. People trust recommendations from friends and family, and that’s been a game-changer.

And, let’s not forget the Facebook hustle. It’s a bit of a wild ride, but it pays off. Whether it’s showcasing my work, connecting with awesome folks, or running some strategic ads, Facebook has been a solid sidekick in getting the word out. It’s a bit of a hustle, but hey, no great story ever came from a comfort zone, right?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lbrileyphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbrileyphotography/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LBrileyPhotography/

Image Credits
lbrileyphotography