We recently connected with Brittany Rowe and have shared our conversation below.

Brittany, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I could hit rewind and start over, I’d dive in headfirst, camera in hand, and let the real-world experience do the teaching. I spent far too many hours watching YouTube tutorials, hoping to absorb everything before I felt ‘ready.’ Looking back, I realize the magic happens when you’re out there, capturing moments and learning as you go.

One thing I’d do differently? I’d be fearless about reaching out to every photographer I admired to ask if I could assist them—even if it meant hearing ‘no’ a dozen times. In the beginning, a few rejections made me hesitate, but now I know the value of perseverance. The lessons I’ve learned from second shooting and assisting have been priceless. Those experiences sharpened my skills, gave me perspective, and helped me grow into the photographer I am today.

The biggest revelation, though? There’s no ‘right’ way to be a photographer. It’s all about preference and passion. Photography is art, and art thrives on individuality. If you embrace your unique vision and keep pushing yourself, the possibilities are endless. That’s the advice I’d give my younger self—and anyone starting their creative journey today!

Brittany, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Brittany! I’m a mom of two amazing kids, a proud creative, and someone who knows that every challenge in life can lead to something incredible. By day, I work a 9-to-5 in the district office of the high school I graduated from, but my true passion is photography—capturing the moments that matter most to people.

My journey into photography is a story I’m so proud of because it’s all about turning challenges into something beautiful. At one point, I found myself as a single mom back in my hometown, living with my parents and starting over. It was a tough season, but it became the moment where everything changed for the better. I realized how much I wanted to hold onto every little moment with my kids—their laughter, their wonder, the way they saw the world. I picked up a camera to freeze those memories, and what started as a way to cherish our time together quickly grew into something bigger. Photography gave me a way to express myself, find my confidence again, and discover a passion I didn’t even know I had. It helped me turn a hard chapter into an incredible new beginning, and now I get to create timeless memories for others, too. That’s what makes this journey so special!

What started as a personal passion has grown into something I absolutely love: a photography business that’s all about creating fun, relaxed, and joyful experiences for my clients. I specialize in weddings and engagements because I’m passionate about love stories—each one so unique and beautiful. But I also photograph families and seniors because I love connecting with people in every stage of life. Living in central Minnesota, I’ve learned to embrace versatility, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What makes my work special is the connection I build with my clients. I hear all the time that I make people feel comfortable, and by the end of a session, we’re not strangers—we’re friends. That’s what I’m most proud of. I want every client to walk away feeling like their session wasn’t just about photos but about having a fun, memorable experience.

At the heart of everything I do is a love for celebrating life’s special moments—whether it’s a wedding, an engagement, or the joy of a senior embarking on a new chapter. My goal is to create images that feel timeless and genuine, full of the emotions and connections that make life so beautiful. That’s the magic I aim to deliver every time.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing I think non-creatives might struggle to understand is that being a creative isn’t just about the work itself—it’s about putting a piece of your heart into everything you do. Photography, for example, isn’t just clicking a button on a camera. It’s seeing the world in a way that tells a story, capturing fleeting moments that mean everything to someone else, and then spending hours perfecting those images to bring that vision to life.

What many people might not see is the emotional side of this journey. As a creative, there’s always a push to grow, evolve, and stay inspired, which can be incredibly fulfilling but also challenging. There’s a vulnerability to sharing your work with the world because it’s such a personal expression of who you are.

But here’s the thing: it’s all so worth it. When a client tells me they laughed, cried, or felt truly seen because of my work, it reminds me why I do what I do. Creativity is about connection—it’s about taking something that started as a spark inside you and turning it into something meaningful for others. That’s the magic of it, and it’s what keeps me going every single day.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Social media has been a game-changer for me, especially Facebook. I’m incredibly grateful for the amazing community around me—they’ve been so supportive, sharing my posts and spreading the word about my work. In fact, about 80% of my new clients have come from either referrals or Facebook connections. It’s been amazing to see how word-of-mouth and a strong online presence can create such meaningful opportunities!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.photosbybrittanykathleen.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosbybrittanykatheen/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Photos-by-Brittany-Kathleen/100089422815067/