We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brandi Eatman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brandi below.

Brandi, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

It started with a few photo albums in my Grammy’s house that she kept under her bed. I would pull each one out and look at it for hours. Sometimes, I would make up stories about the people in the pictures, and sometimes, I would ask questions. When my mother died, Grammy had more pictures of her than anyone else, so I would steal them and keep them in my room. Pictures of her and my father before I was born. Pictures of her smiling and laughing and a few of the three of us and a few with my sister and our mother. Proof that she has been here, that she loved us and we loved her.
And there aren’t enough. There are never enough.
There are too many gaps. She was so young when she left. I used to ache and long for more pictures of her that don’t exist and can no longer exist.
That ache turned into a calling of sorts.
I used to use a disposable camera and take snapshots of my friends, and to get the film developed sooner, I’d add in snapshots of the floor, or the ceiling or someone’s shoes. I realized that I was trying to bottle up moments in time. To stop the clock and freeze a moment.
That was when I fell in love with photography. I wanted to give people what I longed for most: tangible proof of love. Not just posed smiles but real, messy, heart-rushing, laughter-filled love.
Photography isn’t about just business. Its about memories. It’s about giving families what I can never get back- images that outlive them that their children will hold onto forever.
I think people want more than photos. They want to remember. They want to hold on to time, even when it’s gone.
So, I built something from the loss. I turned grief into a gift. Knowing each time I press the shutter, I am giving a family something I still desperately need: a piece of forever.
Love doesn’t fade and neither should our memories.

Brandi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a passionate photographer specializing in family and children’s portraits, capturing heartfelt moments that turn into lifelong memories. My photography journey began in 2012, driven by a love for storytelling through images and a deep appreciation for the connections between families.

As a parent of neurodivergent children, I understand the importance of creating a patient, understanding, and sensory-friendly environment where all kids can feel comfortable and be themselves. Whether it’s adjusting the pace of a session, incorporating favorite toys or activities, or simply providing a calm and flexible approach, I strive to make each experience enjoyable and stress-free for every family.

I know that every family has its unique dynamic, and my goal is to capture those genuine moments of connection, love, and joy. From the laughter of siblings to the quiet, tender moments between parents and children, I aim to create timeless images that truly reflect your family’s story.

What sets me apart is my ability to work with children of all personalities and needs, ensuring that every child feels seen, valued, and comfortable in front of the camera. I take pride in delivering high-quality, beautifully composed portraits that families can cherish for generations.

I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me to document their special moments. Seeing their reactions to the final images—knowing I’ve provided them with something they’ll treasure forever—is what makes my work so fulfilling.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Starting a business is always a leap of faith, but launching my photography business just a week before the world shut down due to COVID-19 was something I could have never anticipated. What was supposed to be the beginning of an exciting new chapter quickly turned into a fight for survival. Families were staying home, events were canceled, and the idea of booking professional portraits was far from anyone’s mind.

Instead of giving up, I adapted. It wasn’t easy. The economy has been in flux ever since, and like many small business owners, I’ve had to push forward despite financial uncertainty.

But through it all, I’ve held onto my passion. I know how important it is to document life’s fleeting moments—especially after experiencing so much loss and unpredictability. The families I work with aren’t just clients; they’re part of a larger story of resilience, love, and the determination to find joy even in difficult times.

What keeps me going is the gratitude I see in the families I photograph—the way they cherish their images, knowing they’ve captured a moment in time that will never come again. No matter the obstacles, I remain committed to providing families with the opportunity to preserve their most meaningful connections.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about finding new ways to thrive. And I’m here to ensure that, no matter what challenges arise, your family’s story is told beautifully and authentically.

A powerful lesson I had to unlearn is the idea that success in business follows a clear, linear path and doesn’t relate to likes on social media

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bradentonfamilyphotographer.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradenton_family_photography_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunshinesmilesphoto/

Image Credits

photo of Brandi Eatman by T. Brooke Photography LLC