Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Millan Torres.
Brittany, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My love for photography, travel, and exploration started at a very young age. I received my first film camera when I was 7 years old and never put it down. Rolls of film were more valuable to me than any amount of toys or candy a child could receive. As I grew up, I continued to explore the world around me and capture it through the lens of photography. When I turned 16 and got my license, I drove as far as my babysitting money would take me and stop to take pictures along the way. Abandoned buildings, fields of wildflowers, graffitied walls, best friends, mountains, beaches, and sunsets quickly filled every SD card I owned. I grew up in the short transition from film to digital and couldn’t get enough of it!
My hobby eventually turned into my photography business, Brittany Millan Photography, which I am still running today. Although I’m not developing negatives in a dark room or changing rolls of film anymore, my DSLR or iPhone are always readily on hand for anything and everything that captures my attention.
The older I get, the more I learn that photography is more than just taking pictures. It is capturing moments for a lifetime. The ability for time to stand still is invaluable and I think that’s why my love for capturing moments has always been something I’m so passionate about.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As with everything in life, there are always struggles along the way. It has not been a smooth road, but it’s a road I would take all over again.
I’ve lived by this motto:
“Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important. Capture the good times. Develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, take another shot.”
Working as an independent photographer can have its challenges. In 2019 and 2020, my husband and I began heavily marketing ourselves at wedding expos to gain more clients. We successfully booked plenty of weddings to keep us busy in 2020. Unfortunately, little did we know Covid would put a major halt to the business, wedding photography, and life as we knew it. Every wedding and photo session was canceled, and my main source of income was gone. I think that everyone felt a little helpless during that time, and it was easy to let confusion, distress, and negativity set in. As with most things in my life, I turned to my love for photography and nature. I filled my quarantine days with walking to Lake Michigan, breathing in the fresh air, and capturing sunsets. I spent every night at the beach just basking in the freedom from the reality of Covid and began to find joy in the beauty of nature. I created my Unsalted Sunsets page to share my photos with others who were in lockdown and didn’t have access to Michigan’s nature like I did. Living so close to Lake Michigan inspired me to explore through the lens again. I reawakened my love for photography and found a way to develop from the negatives around me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently work as a Marketing & Communications Specialist. In my “free time,” I run my business, Brittany Millan Photography, where I specialize in weddings and portrait photography. I also do contract work for small businesses and help them with their photography and marketing needs. I am also currently in grad school.
I believe that Michigan is one of the greatest places to vacation to or live in. There’s so much beauty throughout the state! I love to support local small businesses, capture the communities, and be a part of such a beautiful and charming state. My business not only inspires local residents to support the great state of Michigan, but it also showcases all that Michigan offers to people who have not experienced it for themselves. Whether you are interested in eating homemade ice cream while watching a sunset, strolling down small towns while window shopping, watching a sports team play, or having a night out on the town in a big city, there is something for everyone in Michigan and it is my passion to showcase it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brittanymillanphoto.com
- Instagram: @brittanymillanphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/brittanymillanphotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanymillantorres/
Image Credits
Brittany Millan Photography
