Rising Stars: Meet Brandi Minor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Minor.  

Hi Brandi, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My entire life, I have always loved photography. I was that friend always snapping photos. In 2019, I bought my first camera, a Canon rebel t7i. I bought it so I could take better photos when I traveled. I never had an interest in portrait photography. But little did I know it was going to lead me where I am today. In 2020, my best friend’s boyfriend told me he was going to propose to her. He asked if I could take pictures of the proposal. AHH, I was so excited!!! Although, I had no clue how to use my camera. That gave me the push, the minute I got home, I started searching online for courses. I bought an online shooting and editing course and started to learn as much as I could. I shot their proposal; it was amazing! At that moment, I realized how much I love taking photos of other people. I thought to myself, I can do this; I could make this into a business. Fast forward 3 years later, I am in love with being an elopement and intimate wedding photographer! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No one tells you, but owning your own business is HARD! This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I think one of my biggest struggles is there is no handbook, there is no start to finish. You have to make your own handbook. Which all sounds great, but self-discipline is a must. You don’t have someone telling you what needs to get done every day; that is your job to make sure the tasks are completed. I’d say taking photos is the easiest part! The backend business items are what is difficult. Such as taxes, bookkeeping, website design, social media management, etc. Each day is a challenge, but it is a challenge worth taking on.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an elopement & intimate wedding photographer located in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan! I specialize in elopements, outdoor intimate weddings, and family sessions. I am centrally located, which makes it super easy to travel anywhere across the Upper Peninsula! During our time together, you can expect an adventurous, fun, bubbly atmosphere from start to finish & sneak peeks within 24 hours! Another fact about me, in 2022, I made the jump to take my photography business full-time. It has been the scariest but yet most rewarding decision I have ever made for my business & myself.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
This was a hard one, haha. But I would say something that is surprising is I love love to travel, BUT I do not like flying. I do it, but I don’t enjoy it. 

Pricing:

• Weddings starting at $2,400

Contact Info:

• Website: brandilynnsphoto.com
• Instagram: @brandi.lynns.photo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandilynnphoto20