We were lucky to catch up with Brianna Bryant recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brianna, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I took a risk when I started this business. I remember my senior year of college, wanting to explore photography more deeply, and all sorts of thoughts flooded my mind. Would I be successful? Was I wasting my time? What if I couldn’t get clients? What if I wasted money buying all this equipment? What if, what if, what if.

In that moment, I realized it was now or never, and that fear was just holding me back. I only had enough money to purchase a new camera and a lens. Fortunately, I had family members who were able to support me in times of need.

Looking back on those moments of doubt, I remember having to fight against those negative thoughts. I had to reframe my thinking: What if it does work out? What if I’m not wasting time? What if this risk pays off? That mindset shift was the start of my photography journey and the foundation of what is now Bryant Studio.

I often reflect on that time and wonder, What if I had let my doubts or negative circumstances stop me? That pivotal decision taught me to use fear as fuel. Now, when I face challenges, I remind myself: If I could take that risk back then and build what I have now, imagine what I can achieve by moving forward today.

This perspective continues to push me toward new heights in my journey.

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

My name is Brianna Bryant and I am from Birmingham, Alabama. I’ve been shooting professionally for 3 years now, and I focus on Portraits, Weddings & Engagements. I love meeting people and I am passionate about photography. For me photography doesn’t feel like work, it’s more so an opportunity to learn about people from various backgrounds, who they are, and their uniqueness. I love meeting different people, seeing them smile, and creating memories for them to look back on.

I got into photography through being inspired by my dad at a young age. He would always walk around with a camcorder and I would follow suit wanting to take photos. I’ve always had an interest in photography since middle school when I joined the yearbook staff. This is where I found my passion for photography and graphic design. It was something about being able to capture special moments and freezing time. I used photography as an outlet when I was younger to focus on the beautiful things in life, when things weren’t always so beautiful. It helped me to focus my energy on something positive. Now, I still pursue photography for those same reasons, but to also tell to tell stories. I believe highly in the phrase that a picture is worth a thousand words. So for me, it’s more so finding those unique situations and individuals having their stories told. I lost the touch of staying involved with photography when I started high school and a little through college, and it wasn’t until my senior year in college that I picked up the camera again. It started out with me taking photos of graduates and then it evolved into portrait photography of families + individuals, and then into weddings + events.

The problem that I solve for my clients is making sure that they are comfortable. That’s my number one goal. Making sure that my client feels comfortable enough so that when their photo is being captured, it reflects their true self in that moment. They will always be able to return to that moment and feel positive about it. It’s all about creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages genuine emotions and natural interactions, ensuring clients feel at ease in front of the camera.

Another problem that I solve for my clients is paying attention to detail. Focusing on the fine details that contribute to the overall aesthetic and emotion of the day, ensuring that every small but significant element is preserved in a timeless way. It’s important that I pay attention to their needs as well as to their surroundings to ensure that what is being captured reflects what they’re envisioning.

I am most proud of my drive, resilience, and how far I’ve come. Nothing in life comes easy, but it’s the journey that makes it worth while. I want my potential clients to know that if they choose to work with me that my same core values will be reflected within their work. They don’t have to feel uncomfortable on camera, they don’t have to feel the need to perform, and they can know that while working with me we will capture their vision authentically. It’s less about the photo and more about the moment. The moment will outshine everything and give purpose your photos.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes! The number one at the top of my list is the ‘Go-Giver’ by Bob Burg and John David Mann. This is ultimately the foundation of my business. Another book I would recommend is Marketing Made Simple by Donald Miller & 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. Listening to these podcasts were also helpful: How to Win with Mike Moore, The Wedding CEO by Alora Rachelle, All Angles Photography Podcast, and Elevation with Steven Furtick.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I believe the most effective strategy for growing your clientele is being true to what you offer. Being authentic. It’s important that you not only tell people what you can offer, but also show them. Be a living example of it. Because of this, I’ve received opportunities from people who I did not even realize I could reach. Most of my clientele comes from word of mouth, and some from networking.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.briannabryant.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryant.studio/ (Business) & https://www.instagram.com/brivnnabryant/ (Personal)
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryantstudiobham
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannabalexus/
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brivnnabryant/

Image Credits

Brianna Bryant, Bryant Studio