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

Korren, appreciate you joining us today. Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

Success was absolutely not overnight for my small business. When you think of success though, I truly think that it’s genuinely subjective. Some may view success based on revenue, some on popularity and some on happiness. In my situation it’s truly a bit of everything and appreciating all the areas of success this business has gotten.

I started from zero. No clients, no gear, no income no traditional schooling in photography. The day I decided to make the plunge into photography I did not quit my 9-5, I did not go and buy all the things. It was a process… a very planned and slow process.

It was long hours of researching and developing my business model (which has changed multiple times as I have grown), establishing my brand (also changed with growth) and taking a leap. I bought a cheap camera and used the basics. I did a lot of free sessions to practice and grow. Gain my footing. Built a portfolio on different platforms like social media sites. Built my own website, learned about SEO tools and other business platforms to establish a grounded and professional business. It was many late weeknights and filled up weekends shooting and editing because I did it all around my day job and kids schedules.

I spent a couple years dedicating myself to building a clientele before leaving my 9-5 corporate role. I made sure to continue to stay true to my brand (me) and ensure that my work product is not just the photos but the experience of my photos. Recognizing that I am in fact my brand was the hugest impact to my success as a photographer.

My success lies within a steady, healthy income with returning clients. My success lies within being available to my home and kids. I help support my family while being at every sporting event and play. I lead a life of joy and fulfillment in everything I do. Do I make millions? No. But do I support my family while also being present and loving what I do, absolutely.

Seems pretty dang successful if you ask me!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a destination elopement and lifestyle photographer. I am based out of Southern California, but I do travel for work (and love it).

I am an earthy-toned and cinematic story-teller and love capturing anything with captivating raw emotion. I have a soft spot for black and white images and tiny details.

I am a wife and mother of 2 to the most amazing humans. I embrace my love for them in every session I do. Whether it’s a maternity session, wedding, or family session, they are my muse.

I am truly a very happy person who works incredibly hard to live a beautiful life. I try and bring this joy and passion to every session and every gallery I deliver. My clients are amazing, even the clients I have yet to meet. I truly value them and feel that the honor is mine to capture their stories. I am slightly unhinged and goofy, but I truly feel like it’s part of makes our time together so fun!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

There are no rules!

I am of an upbringing that relies on heavy structure. Learning to embrace that life has no rules has absolutely helped me grow my business and connect with the variety of clients I have had the pleasure of capturing!

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

My favorite story on a marketing success I had was when I took a leap to give a free session to a client. I didn’t know them I didn’t know anything about them. But something told me it would work in mine and their benefit. It ultimately lead to the booking of 2 weddings and word of mouth followers and clients. I am truly a believer in trusting your gut.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.korrenbrileyphotography.com
• Instagram: @korrenbrileyphotography
• Other: Pinterest: @korrenbrileyphotography
  TikTok: @korrenbrileyphotography

Image Credits

Korren Briley Photography