Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Lee.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was twenty years old, I had an opportunity to art direct a small photoshoot. That was the first time I found myself thinking “I really like doing this… and I may actually be good at it!” It was such a simple conviction, but I realize now that finding something that allows you to feel passionate and have honest confidence in yourself is amazingly hard to come by, at least for some of us. That simple feeling of finding unexpected confidence in myself drove me to pursue a photography career and has encouraged me to keep at it for all these years.
After that, I started working as an assistant for a fashion photographer in Seattle who taught me the basics of the trade. I took what I learned home and practiced until I perfected it. I didn’t have a studio or models to work with; I just set up my lights in my apartment living room, had photoshoots with my little daughter and all her stuffed animals, and developed the photos in a makeshift darkroom in my tiny laundry room. It all seems hard to believe when I think about it now!
At first, I took whatever photography jobs I could get. I photographed friends, and friends of friends, their weddings, their bands, aspiring models, family portraits, and company parties. Then, I started to get work shooting advertisements for businesses, magazines, and real estate, catalogs, and professional portraits. I’ve had a few moments of glory along the way—some fashion shows in Italy, a feature in Rocket Magazine, and more recently, Bon Appetite, CarFax, and FINE Magazine.
It has been tough, always photographing different things and never knowing if you’re going to be able to find enough work to make ends meet, but at least I can say that thanks to that experience, I’ve learned how to photograph just about anything!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Continually believing in myself has been hard. There are so many great artists out there, and especially now, when people only present their best selves and their best work on the internet, it’s so easy to be torn to pieces by your own imposter syndrome.
Not only that, but photography is, unfortunately, less and less appreciated. Now, anyone can buy an expensive camera and take decent looking photos, but let me tell you, manipulating light, shade, and composition, bringing out a subject’s charm and capturing it at the perfect moment, things like these are a true art that not just anyone can do. It takes years of practice.
Please tell us about Brenda Lee Photo.
These days, I shoot a lot of food and product photography, real estate photography, and social media management for restaurants and small companies. I also love shooting professional headshots and weddings!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Keep learning and paying attention to detail. It’s tiring to have to always be on top of the newest technology, techniques, and trends and to constantly give your all. It may not seem to add up to much at first, but that long term commitment will validate you and give you the confidence you need to not crack under criticism or pressure, be it internal or external.
Contact Info:
- Address: Mission Hills, San Diego
- Website: www.brendaleephoto.com
- Phone: 206-380-3515
- Email: brendaleephotoca@gmail.com
- Instagram: Brendaleephoto
- Facebook: Brenda Lee Photo
Image Credit:
Brenda Lee Photo
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