Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Jarman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got started by getting a DSLR for Christmas seven years ago. I had no plans to start a business or shoot for anyone other than myself. I got a camera shortly after I got married so that I could learn how to take photos because I knew we would have kids at some point and that I would want to photograph the crap out of them. So, I got a canon rebel and practiced nearly every day for two years before I ever photographed for anyone else. I started a little blog because I knew I needed somewhere to post the photos I was taking so that they didn’t die sitting on my computer. I picked the name Reality and Retrospect for my blog inspired by my favorite movie (Reality Bites) and my love for all things vintage. I still remember sitting on the phone brainstorming with my mom about a unique and creative name. I taught myself (along with googling 🙂 how to shoot in manual and how to use my camera. And then, I started slowly getting asked to take photos for people and realized how much I love doing it. After my son was born in 2014, I realized how much I loved taking photos and started putting myself out there more. I started trying anything I could to get clients (hello thumbtack:) and also responded to companies who were looking for photographers. Then, Instagram started growing more and more and I used it and hashtags to continue to book clients and get my name out there.
2018 was the biggest year for my company and the craziest year of my life. I shot over 150 mini sessions, created and launched a photography class for moms who want to learn how to take photos of their own family, helped my baby girl through seven surgeries and lots of hospital stays, moved into our new rental and had our first magazine feature, shot lots of weddings and wedding videos and helped small companies to create photographic content. In 2019, I hope to do more of the same (and find time to read 20 books so that I can stay somewhat sane:)
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are so many ups and downs to owning your own business. Most of the battle is completely in your own mind. I still struggle today with ‘imposter syndrome’ and feeling good enough at what I do. Then, there are other days where I am so proud of myself and truly can see my own value. I used to get sick to my stomach before every wedding I photographed because I was so nervous – even though I had totally prepared myself with practice, shot lists, etc. The second I started shooting though, everything would fall into place and I would just do the work. That is pretty much how everything goes. The anxiety that you have kind of disappears once you just start and envelope yourself in the work.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I photograph weddings, lifestyle sessions, and create social media content for companies. I also teach moms how to photograph their own kids using DSLR cameras. I am known for my bright and colorful imagery, but probably half of my ‘followers’ are just there to see my daughter, Cecelia (who is, no doubt, the most inspiring baby you’ve ever met). She was born with VACTERL association and has had seven major surgeries (including open heart surgery and spinal cord surgery), has been to the OR over 15 times and celebrated her birthday on her 101st (nonconsecutive) hospital day. Despite all of her physical trials, she is actually the happiest baby you will ever meet. She goes through everything with a smile and with her leg in the air.
I am proud of my mission to share with moms that every important moment deserves to be recorded and remembered with gorgeous photographs and words. I manifest this mission in three ways. First – by sharing all of my family’s ups and downs (and there are a LOT) and photographing my own kids. Second – by taking photos for my clients that are timeless and beautiful. And third by helping moms to learn how to record their own moments. In my online photography class, I go over how to photograph your own kids from start to finish (including what equipment to use, how to shoot in manual, how to utilize the lighting that you are given, and how to edit).
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that 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?
Reach out to those who you look up to! People are typically super nice and helpful if you take the time to contact them and tell them how inspired you are by them. When I started to get serious about photography, I started looking for a local photographer whose style I liked and who I wanted to be like. She was offering mentoring sessions and we met up for coffee and went over all of my questions. It seriously was the most helpful thing to talk to someone who had been through the industry and had picked up tons of advice along the way. She is still someone who I look up to and love to talk to about business and life.
Pricing:
- Lifestyle Sessions – start at $400
- Weddings- start at $2800
- Mini Sessions – start at $150
- Commercial Work – starts at $350
Contact Info:
- Website: www.realityandretrospect.com
- Phone: 9513343232
- Email: brittany@realityandretrospect.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/realityandretrospect
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/realityandretrospect
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
