Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brenna Gelineau. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brenna, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
I have been into photography since roughly 2013 (so 10+ years) and I have always dreamed of photographing other people besides just my friends and family. I didn’t have the slightest idea of the “business” side of things until my fiancé and I met. He is a business major and has run a successful business in his past, so he really was the driving point for my photography business. Coming up with the idea of it wasn’t necessarily difficult as I had already been dreaming of it since 2013-ish, but it was just the “doing it” part.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Brenna and I am the owner of Brenna Jean Photography! I started photography back in 2013, more for just friends and family at the time, but officially started offering services in 2020. I have always loved photography and I have never veered too far from it. I decided to start it in the midst of COVID to make some extra money besides my certified nursing assistant job at the time. Then I began nursing school and I just kept on with my photography services! I shoot seniors, couples/engagements, weddings, maternity, and newborns. Photography is 100% my creative outlet and my peace from the craziness in life. I love being able to capture significant moments in someone’s life, like getting married or a pregnancy. I have now graduated nursing school and will start my job as a registered nurse in August, and my photography will still continue! I think what sets me apart is being a familiar face to many people. A lot of the people I photograph are people I know, or their friends/family. I love that they trust me with their photography needs and I love that I can provide that for them!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
This is a great question! I am currently dealing with a “pivot” moment in my business, and life. I mentioned earlier that I just graduated nursing school and obtained my license. I will begin my new job as a registered nurse in August which is one of my pivotal moments. Adjusting to a new schedule and role has been difficult to plan future sessions, but everyone who has reached out regarding a session recently has been so understanding and so gracious, I am absolutely overwhelmed by their kindness. On top of that, I am currently answering these questions from Virginia state as I am here for military training until mid-July. So, I have had a few bigger changes lately that have certainly been difficult to navigate at times, but the clearing is in a few weeks! I am the kind of gal that likes to dabble in different places, hence the reason I have so many different things going on – they all just happened to collide this month (June). My photography business has reached a point that I am satisfied with and so grateful for. I am so, so thankful that I am able to be apart of the military, learn as a new nurse, and continue my photography all in one. It has definitely been interesting planning my schedule lately, but occasional chaos doesn’t bother me a bit!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I am still working on building a social media presence myself, but every post that I make I share on my Instagram story. My family and friends usually share my posts on Facebook as well which has absolutely brought more traffic to my social media platforms. Posting regularly and consistently has been a challenge for me lately just due to life, but more posts usually brings more traffic. Also determining what time of the day would be best to post has also helped me reach more people!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brennajeanphotographymn.com
- Instagram: @Brennajeanphotography
- Facebook: @brennajeanphotography.mn