Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Ford.

Hi Brittany, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My journey into photography started back in middle school when I first picked up a camera and became fascinated with capturing moments. I officially started photographing weddings in 2012, but at the time, I saw it as more of a creative passion than a full-time career. After graduating college, I moved to New York City and worked in the fashion industry at Kenneth Cole Productions, later transitioning to The RealReal in New Jersey. While I gained valuable experience, I quickly realized that the corporate world wasn’t where I truly belonged.

Eventually, I moved back to Western New York and took a job in product photography for a Buffalo-based company. This role gave me a strong foundation in studio lighting, composition, and branding, all of which helped me build my own photography business from the ground up. I officially went full-time in wedding photography six years ago, and since then, I’ve been capturing love stories in a way that allows my couples to be fully present in their day. My approach is very documentary-style—almost like a fly on the wall—so I can authentically capture the emotions, energy, and joy as they unfold.

My photography is known for being vibrant and true to color, ensuring that every detail—especially the carefully chosen colors of a couple’s wedding day—looks exactly as they remember it. I also shoot in both digital and film formats, bringing a nostalgic, timeless quality to my work.

Beyond weddings, I’ve expanded my impact by opening Studio Lavonne & Community, a space for local creatives to connect, create, and grow. I also run a community of photographers, mentor others in the industry, and even host a wedding planning podcast. My journey has been one of passion, evolution, and trusting my instincts, and I’m so grateful to do what I love every day!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but having a close friend by my side as we built our businesses from the ground up has been such a blessing. We’ve always been able to bounce ideas off each other, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate our wins together. Having that kind of support has made all the difference, especially in an industry that can sometimes feel isolating.

One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is navigating relationships in such a competitive field. While healthy competition can be motivating, I’ve also experienced the downside—friendships that ended due to animosity or jealousy. It’s tough, but over time, I’ve learned that the right people will share your mindset, cheer you on, and collaborate rather than compete. That’s a big reason why we started an online Facebook group for photographers, videographers, and content creators in New York. We wanted to create a space where people can ask for advice, attend monthly meetups, brainstorm together, find referrals, and build genuine friendships in the industry.

Throughout my career, I’ve embraced a lot of trial and error, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every challenge has taught me something valuable, whether it’s how to refine my workflow, market my business, or enhance my client experience. If something doesn’t work, I pivot, adapt, and grow from it. At the end of the day, my ultimate goal is to continue improving the experience I provide for my couples—because they deserve nothing less.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’m a wedding and portrait photographer based in Western New York, specializing in vibrant, true-to-color imagery that captures the essence of a couple’s wedding day exactly as they remember it. My approach is documentary-style, allowing my couples to be fully present in their day while I work behind the scenes—almost like a fly on the wall—capturing every emotion, detail, and candid moment as it naturally unfolds.

What sets me apart is my ability to preserve these moments in both digital and film formats. I’ve always had a love for film photography, and I even develop my own film, which brings a nostalgic, timeless element to my work. This combination of digital and film gives my couples a unique, artistic perspective on their wedding day that they can cherish forever.

Beyond photography, I take pride in offering an exceptional client experience. From timeline planning and vendor recommendations to ensuring a stress-free day, I go beyond just taking photos—I become a resource, guide, and support system for my couples. My goal is for them to look back at their photos and not just see beautiful images, but actually feel the emotions of each moment all over again.

I’m incredibly proud of the business I’ve built over the years, as well as the community I’ve fostered for other creatives. I co-run a Facebook group for photographers, videographers, and content creators in New York, where we support each other, share knowledge, and collaborate. I also opened my own studio, Studio Lavonne & Community, named after my grandmother, as a space for photographers, content creators, and small business owners to bring their visions to life.

At the end of the day, my mission is simple: to capture love stories in a way that feels authentic, joyful, and timeless. Every couple, every wedding, and every story is unique, and I’m honored to play a part in preserving those memories.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?

What I love most about where I live is that I get the best of both worlds—being right between Buffalo and Rochester allows me to serve wedding clients in two incredible cities, each with its own unique charm. Buffalo will always have my heart—it’s where I grew up, where my family is, and where my favorite sports teams play (Go Bills & Go Bandits!!). But Rochester holds a special place for me too, especially as the home of Kodak, which has played such a huge role in photography history.

I moved away for college and spent a few years living in New York City after graduation, but something about Buffalo kept calling me back. There’s just something special about the energy, the community, and the way this city rallies together. Of course, lake-effect snow can be brutal in the winter, but honestly, I wouldn’t trade it—because Buffalo summers? Absolute perfection.

Pricing:

• Local Weddings Starting at $6,500
• Destination Weddings Starting at $7,500
• Sessions starting at $650
• Studio Rentals Start at $60 an hour
• Free to be a part of the online community :)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brittanyfordphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyfordphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittanyfordphotography

Image Credits

Brittany Ford Photography, LLC