Meet Briana and Her Photography Evolution
Hi, I’m Briana! I’m a registered nurse turned stay-at-home mom in my mid-30s, living in the stunning northern part of Michigan. My photography journey began many years ago, but it wasn’t until later that I truly found my passion for it. As a child, I was always the one in the family eager to grab the camera and capture life’s moments, from family events to spontaneous adventures. My first experiences with photography were through disposable cameras—those were the days!—and then, as technology advanced, I upgraded to various point-and-shoot cameras. However, no matter how much I tried, I was often disappointed with the results. The images I captured never quite lived up to the vibrant scenes I had imagined in my head.
It wasn’t until much later that I realized my passion for photography could turn into something more significant. Four years ago, after a particularly frustrating photo session with my children, I turned to my husband and said, “It’s time to get that DSLR I’ve been wanting!” He agreed, but with a challenge: “Just make sure you use it and don’t let it gather dust on the shelf!” Little did he know, this would turn out to be the best advice I could have gotten. That conversation marked the start of my incredible photography journey—a journey that continues to shape my life.
The Turning Point: A DSLR to Ignite My Passion
At first, I had no idea what I was doing. I expected to pull my DSLR out of the box and immediately start taking stunning photos. However, reality quickly set in. I was completely overwhelmed by the camera's complexity. The very first time I picked up my Canon 60D, I was stumped. I didn’t understand why my 85mm lens seemed to require me to stand so far away from my subjects. Those early days were full of frustration and confusion. When I look back at those first photos now, I realize how much I had to learn. The learning curve was steep, but I was determined to improve.
Though I stumbled through my initial attempts, I kept pushing forward. I found myself searching for resources and trying to learn as much as I could. I came across a treasure trove of tips, tutorials, and articles that were incredibly helpful. That’s when I realized I wasn’t alone on this journey. There was a whole community of people who had gone through the same struggles I was facing. I started to dive deeper into learning about photography, from camera settings to post-processing. It was through this pursuit of knowledge that my passion for photography really started to blossom.
The Struggles and Triumphs: Overcoming Challenges
One of the biggest hurdles I faced early on was learning how to use artificial lighting. The thought of incorporating artificial light into my photos was incredibly intimidating. I had always relied on natural light, but I quickly realized that in certain situations, artificial lighting was essential to capturing the shots I envisioned. At first, I was overwhelmed. How could I possibly master something so technical? But after plenty of research and hands-on practice, I began to feel more comfortable. I invested in a Speedlite, softbox lights, and a few other lighting accessories to get started. It took time, but through constant experimentation, I began to see the results. One of my proudest moments came when I created an image I was truly happy with using artificial lighting—a photo that now hangs as a canvas in my home.
The process was a long one, and I definitely made plenty of mistakes along the way. But I came to realize that the only way to learn photography, especially lighting techniques, was to dive in and practice. I also learned to embrace the trial-and-error aspect of photography. After all, the best way to learn is through experience, and every misstep was a step closer to mastering my craft.
The Moment of Clarity: Shooting in RAW and Manual Mode
A significant breakthrough in my journey came when I transitioned from shooting in JPEG and Auto mode to shooting in RAW and Manual mode. For the first year of owning my DSLR, I had relied heavily on the camera’s automatic settings. The photos I took were decent, but I always felt that something was missing. I wasn’t getting the results I truly wanted. One day, I decided to take a leap of faith and switch to RAW format, giving myself full control over every aspect of the image. I also took the plunge into Manual mode, adjusting settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to my liking.
At first, it was difficult. I had to retrain my brain to think about each shot rather than relying on the camera’s automatic choices. But once I figured it out, everything changed. I was no longer limited by the camera’s settings—I could now capture images exactly as I envisioned. The results were immediate, and I began to feel a newfound sense of confidence in my photography. Shooting in RAW allowed me to capture far more detail, which made post-processing much easier and more rewarding. The combination of shooting in RAW and manually controlling my camera settings unlocked a new level of creative potential that I had never experienced before.
Valuable Lessons: The Importance of Authenticity
Along the way, I received a lot of valuable advice, but one piece that stands out is this: “Only photograph what truly inspires you.” This advice completely changed the way I approached photography. Early on, I found myself shooting things that I thought people would like or that were popular at the time. I’d get caught up in the number of likes or comments on social media and lose sight of the reason I started photographing in the first place. When I started to focus on shooting what genuinely inspired me, everything shifted.
Whether it was a portrait of my children, a landscape at sunset, or a fleeting moment in nature, I began to focus on capturing images that resonated with me emotionally. Photography, after all, is an art form. And just like any other form of art, it’s best when it reflects the artist’s true self. Once I stopped worrying about trends or the opinions of others, my passion for photography reignited. The best images are the ones that are true to your vision, not dictated by what others expect. Photography is a personal journey, and the most powerful photos come from those moments when you are truly in tune with what you are capturing.
The Evolution of My Photography Style
As I grew more experienced, I began to notice how my photography style evolved. Early on, I struggled to find my voice behind the lens, but as I learned more, I started to develop a style that felt more natural. I wanted my images to be authentic, capturing the world as I saw it—beautiful, raw, and unfiltered. When I photograph landscapes, I want them to feel as they did when I was standing there, feeling the breeze or smelling the fresh air. Similarly, with portraits, I aim to make people look their best without altering who they truly are. I want them to look at their photos and say, “Yes, that’s me.”
One of my favorite aspects of my photography is blending different genres. I enjoy shooting both portraits and landscapes, especially when I can combine the two. For example, capturing a family in the midst of a sweeping landscape allows me to tell a story of connection between the people and the world around them. Combining these elements helps tell a richer, more meaningful story through the lens. This fusion of different photography styles is one of the things I enjoy most about the craft.
Finding Endless Inspiration in Nature
Living in the northern part of Michigan has been a constant source of inspiration for my photography. The Leelanau Peninsula, where I live, is home to breathtaking landscapes, from rolling hills to pristine lakeshores. The natural beauty around me never ceases to amaze, no matter how many times I photograph the same location. Each season brings its own unique charm, and I’m constantly finding new angles, lighting, and compositions to explore. From the snowy winter months to the vibrant colors of autumn, nature offers an ever-changing canvas for my photography.
Every day, I’m reminded that there is no shortage of inspiration in the world. The shifting weather, the ever-changing landscapes, and the variety of life that surrounds me provide endless opportunities to create. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a sunset over the lake, a fleeting moment of wildlife, or a storm cloud rolling in. Nature offers something different every day, and I never run out of new ways to capture its beauty.
The Early Struggles
When I first invested in a DSLR, I envisioned myself effortlessly capturing breathtaking photographs. I imagined crisp portraits, moody landscapes, and candid moments that felt like magazine covers. But that romantic idea quickly faded when reality set in. The Canon 60D, my first real camera, felt more like a puzzle box than a tool for creativity. I was completely unprepared for the vast learning curve that awaited me.
I remember opening the box with a sense of excitement and anticipation, only to be hit with a wave of confusion. Dials, menus, modes—it all felt incredibly intimidating. The lens I paired with the camera, an 85mm f/1.8, was beautiful and sharp, but not ideal for my crop sensor body. I didn’t yet understand focal length equivalency or how much space I’d need to frame a subject properly. I was baffled by how far back I had to stand just to get my kids into the frame. At the time, I thought I had made a huge mistake.
That first year was filled with frustration. My memory cards were packed with overexposed, blurry, or oddly cropped photos. I’d scroll through them, hoping to find one that resembled what I had envisioned—but most just reminded me how little I knew. There were evenings when I questioned whether I was cut out for this craft. The gap between what I saw in my mind and what appeared on my screen felt enormous.
But through that struggle came growth. I started spending late nights watching tutorials, diving into photography books, and experimenting endlessly with my settings. At first, I clung to Auto mode like a safety net. But eventually, I ventured into Aperture Priority, then Manual mode. Each step brought clarity, and I slowly began to understand exposure, depth of field, white balance, and composition. Photography began to evolve from a hobby into a personal journey of learning and expression.
My living room walls bear witness to my early mistakes and unexpected wins. I kept some of my first prints as reminders—testaments to my learning curve and determination. I wasn’t aiming for perfection anymore; I was chasing progress. That shift in mindset was critical. Photography stopped being about immediate results and became about persistent exploration. Every misstep became a lesson, every failed shot a stepping stone.
Embracing Light and Shadow
One of the most complex aspects of photography that I faced was understanding light. Natural light was easier to appreciate, but difficult to harness. The golden hour, soft shadows, and diffused daylight slowly became things I chased with intention. But when the available light wasn’t enough, I knew I had to introduce artificial lighting to my workflow—a terrifying concept at first.
The flash felt mechanical and impersonal. Early attempts resulted in flat, harsh images that lacked dimension. But I kept researching, experimenting with modifiers, bouncing light off ceilings, and playing with positioning. Over time, I realized that artificial lighting wasn’t the enemy—it was a sculpting tool. I began seeing light not just as brightness but as texture. Whether soft and moody or bold and dramatic, light became an expressive component in my work.
Eventually, I invested in external flash units, umbrellas, and softboxes. My lighting setup might’ve been modest, but it gave me the ability to shoot creatively even when natural light failed me. I took portraits during winter nights, styled product shots indoors, and explored creative silhouettes. Artificial light gave me consistency and control, which was liberating. It allowed me to shoot year-round, regardless of the weather, and to create images that felt cinematic rather than accidental.
The Breakthrough with Manual Mode
The real transformation happened when I fully embraced Manual mode. Until then, I had let the camera make too many decisions for me. It wasn’t until I took total control—setting my own ISO, aperture, and shutter speed—that I started to feel empowered behind the lens. Suddenly, I wasn’t reacting to what the camera saw; I was proactively shaping the outcome.
Shooting in RAW format added another layer of depth. My files now contained significantly more detail, allowing me to recover highlights and enhance shadows in post-processing without degrading quality. It was like having a digital negative—a treasure trove of possibility. I could tweak white balance, sharpen focus, and enhance color with subtlety. Editing became an extension of my creative vision rather than a fix for poor technique.
Every image became a calculated choice rather than a happy accident. I learned how light behaved in different conditions, how certain lenses rendered depth, and how focal length affected perspective. As I developed consistency, my confidence soared. My compositions became cleaner, my exposures more accurate, and my storytelling more intentional.
Finding My Creative Voice
Photography, at its core, is an art form. As I grew more comfortable with the technical side, I began exploring the emotional and artistic dimensions of photography. I realized that the most powerful images often tell a story or evoke a feeling. I began asking myself questions before each shoot: What do I want this photo to say? What mood am I trying to create? What details matter most?
This introspection helped shape my style. I gravitated toward images that felt honest, atmospheric, and grounded in real moments. Whether I was shooting a serene lake at dusk or capturing the raw emotion of a mother with her newborn, I wanted each image to feel personal and timeless. I stopped trying to emulate trends and started chasing authenticity.
This shift allowed me to experiment with various niches. I began photographing families, children, landscapes, macro subjects, and even night skies. Each genre taught me something new and added a layer to my creative repertoire. Blending genres also became one of my favorite ways to shoot—a family session at the beach could turn into a landscape shoot at sunset, all within the same hour.
Living Among Inspiration
One of my greatest gifts as a photographer is my location. Northern Michigan, with its ever-changing landscapes and rich seasonal textures, provides a living canvas of inspiration. The Leelanau Peninsula, in particular, is a visual poem—its rugged shorelines, lush vineyards, and peaceful lakes have become a recurring backdrop in my work.
Each season brings its own character. Winter offers quiet minimalism, spring brims with promise and renewal, summer dazzles with light and movement, and fall explodes with color and nostalgia. Even the skies here seem to perform, delivering sunsets that paint the horizon in fire and storms that dramatize the land.
Having such natural beauty close to home means I never have to go far to be inspired. It’s helped me stay connected to my work, even on days when I feel creatively drained. There’s always a trail to walk, a beach to explore, or a storm to chase—and my camera is always ready.
Gear as a Gateway, Not a Limitation
When I began, I was tempted to believe that better gear would solve my problems. But experience has taught me that while tools matter, vision matters more. That said, as I’ve grown, my gear collection has evolved to support the kind of photography I love.
My kit includes a full-frame DSLR, a variety of prime and zoom lenses, lighting equipment, filters, and editing software. My go-to lens is a 16–35mm wide-angle, which allows me to capture sweeping landscapes and intimate family scenes alike. I also love the dreamy background blur of my 50mm and 85mm primes, especially for portraits. The macro lens has opened up a whole new world for me—from dewdrops on petals to the textures of nature.
What matters most, though, is understanding how each piece of gear behaves. Learning how to use a lens to its full potential is far more valuable than simply owning it. I’ve taken some of my favorite images with a simple setup, proving again and again that creativity trumps cost.
The Journey Ahead
Looking back, I can say with confidence that the early struggles were necessary. They shaped not only my technical ability but also my resilience and creativity. What started as a desire to photograph my children has grown into a deep and evolving relationship with visual storytelling.
Every click of the shutter still excites me. Each session is an opportunity to improve, to see differently, to connect more deeply with the world around me. Photography has given me a voice, a purpose, and a means to preserve fleeting moments in meaningful ways.
As I continue this journey, I know there will always be more to learn, more to explore, and more beauty to discover. The process of becoming never ends—and that’s the most exhilarating part. Photography is no longer just a hobby for me; it’s a lifestyle, a lens through which I view the world, and a legacy I hope to leave behind.
Facing Challenges Head-On
One of the biggest hurdles in my photography journey was learning artificial lighting. In the beginning, it was overwhelming. I had no idea where to start. But over time, I came to realize that the only way to truly learn was by jumping in and experimenting. I watched countless tutorials, and although the process was slow, I gradually built up my lighting equipment. I invested in a Speedlite, softbox lights, and other accessories, all while continually honing my technique. The payoff came when I was able to capture a beautiful photograph that I proudly displayed on a canvas in my home.
This experience taught me the most important lesson in photography: nothing beats hands-on learning. Reading about lighting techniques and theory is one thing, but it’s only when you start experimenting and applying those techniques that they truly make sense. Yes, there were plenty of mistakes along the way, but every misstep was a stepping stone toward mastering the craft.
The Moment When It All Clicked
For me, the moment everything clicked came when I switched to shooting in RAW format and took the leap into manual mode. Prior to this, I had been shooting with JPEG and relying heavily on the camera’s auto settings. Despite my efforts, the results were often unsatisfactory. I knew there had to be a better way, and that’s when I decided to dive into the world of RAW photography and manual settings. It wasn’t an easy transition—I had to adjust to new concepts like shutter speed, ISO, and aperture, and there were plenty of mistakes along the way. But once I understood how to control my camera, it opened up a world of possibilities. Every setting became an opportunity to shape the final image exactly as I envisioned it.
This breakthrough moment changed everything for me. I began capturing images with a newfound confidence, and the photographs I took became more consistent and true to what I saw with my eyes.
Valuable Advice That Stuck With Me
Throughout my journey, I received many pieces of advice, but there’s one that stands out as the most impactful: “Only photograph what truly inspires you.” I can’t stress this enough. In the digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers game—how many likes, shares, or comments your photos receive on social media. However, I quickly realized that focusing on these metrics was a surefire way to lose my passion for photography. It’s important to remember that photography is an art form, not a competition.
Photographing subjects that speak to you emotionally will allow you to create images that are truly authentic and meaningful. Don’t worry about what’s trending or what others expect. Shoot what excites you. Whether it’s a person, a sunset, or a landscape, when you capture something that resonates with you, the photo will reflect that emotion and connect with others in a way that trends and likes simply can’t.
My Photography Style
As I progressed in my photography journey, I began to develop a style that felt true to my personality. I aim to capture images that are genuine and reflective of reality. When I photograph a sunset, I don’t want to over-edit it to the point where it no longer resembles what I saw with my own eyes. I want my images to represent the real world, albeit with the subtle enhancements that photography allows. The same goes for portraits—I want people to look at their photos and say, “That’s really me.”
One of the things I enjoy most is blending different types of photography. I love incorporating both portraits and landscapes in my work. There’s something incredibly special about capturing a person or a family in the midst of a breathtaking natural scene. Whether it's a photo of someone gazing at a sunset or a child playing in a field, combining human subjects with the beauty of nature creates a dynamic and powerful image.
Finding Inspiration and Staying Creative
Living in northern Michigan, I am constantly surrounded by inspiring landscapes. The Leelanau Peninsula, where I call home, is an area of extraordinary natural beauty, and it never fails to inspire me. No matter how many times I visit the same location, the scenery is always different, thanks to the changing seasons, weather, and light.
In the winter, the landscape is quiet and stark, with snow blanketing the ground. As spring arrives, the fields come to life with blossoms and fresh greenery. By summer, the area is vibrant, with fruit orchards and lakeside views offering a new set of colors and textures. Then, in autumn, the trees burst into fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow. Even the skies shift constantly, with cloud formations and sunsets that offer endless opportunities for creative photography.
My home is a place of constant reinvention, and it’s this ever-changing beauty that keeps me motivated and inspired. No matter what season it is, there is always something to shoot, and this helps me stay engaged and excited about my photography.
My Gear and Favorite Lens
Over time, my gear collection has grown considerably. I love experimenting with different cameras, lenses, and accessories to see what works best for each type of shot I want to capture. Here’s a rundown of the gear I currently use:
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Canon 6D Body with Battery Grip
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GT Road Underwater Camera
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Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L
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Canon 50mm f/1.4 Lens
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Canon 85mm f/1.8 Lens
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Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro
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Canon 75-300mm f/4-5.6 Lens
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Extras: Speedlite, Softbox Lights with Stands, Gary Fong Lightsphere, Neutral Density & Polarizing Filters, Remote Shutter, Photoshop Elements
If I had to pick a favorite lens, it would be the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L. This versatile lens allows me to shoot everything from family portraits to expansive landscape shots. It’s also ideal for capturing stunning natural phenomena like the Northern Lights and the Milky Way. However, when I’m focusing on portraits, I prefer the 50mm or 85mm lenses for their beautiful, creamy bokeh, which enhances the subject’s presence in the image.
Tips for Aspiring Photographers
For anyone just starting their photography journey, my advice is simple: try everything! Don’t feel constrained by one type of photography. Explore different genres, whether it’s portrait, landscape, macro, or even architectural photography. The beauty of photography is that it offers endless possibilities, and the more you experiment, the more you’ll discover what excites you.
When you find yourself getting tired of one style, switch it up. Try a new approach or subject matter to reignite your creative spark. Photography is about finding your passion and expressing it through your lens. There are no rules or limitations—just endless opportunities to capture the world around you in unique and exciting ways.
Remember, the most important thing is to stay true to your vision. Shoot what inspires you, and don’t worry about trends or expectations. The best photographs come from the heart, not from trying to conform to what others are doing.
Final Thoughts:
Looking back on my photography journey, it's hard to believe how far I've come from those early days of frustration and confusion. I started out with nothing more than a desire to improve and a deep passion for capturing beautiful moments, but through hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from my mistakes, I’ve been able to turn that passion into a thriving photography business. I often find myself reflecting on how I got to this point—how a simple DSLR purchase and a series of learning experiences transformed my life in ways I never expected.
One of the key takeaways from my journey is the importance of embracing the learning process. Every photographer, no matter how seasoned, faces challenges. Whether it’s dealing with technical issues, struggling with lighting, or learning how to truly master manual mode, these hurdles are part of what makes photography so rewarding. It’s easy to get discouraged when things aren’t going the way you want, but with persistence and an open mind, growth is inevitable.
Additionally, I've learned that it’s okay to experiment and branch out. My photography style today is a blend of portraiture, landscapes, and natural moments, which keeps things fresh and exciting. The beauty of photography is that it’s limitless—you don’t have to stick to one genre or style. There’s no “right” way to approach it, and that freedom is one of the most exciting aspects of this art form.
My advice to anyone starting their own photography journey is to find what resonates with you. It’s easy to get swept up in what’s popular or trendy, but the most powerful images come from shooting what inspires you. The world is full of amazing moments waiting to be captured, and by staying true to yourself, you’ll create photos that speak to you and others on a much deeper level.
As I continue my photography journey, I’m excited to keep evolving, learning, and pushing the boundaries of what I can capture through my lens. There’s so much more to explore, and I look forward to what the future holds, one photograph at a time.
