Meet Brandi Howell

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

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was determined to be at home with my kids more and still try to build them a legacy of my own. I appreciated the work I had before, but building cornerstones for somebody else’s dream didn’t sit right with my spirit. Mix that with a few life-changing moments where I faced death straight in the eye and it changed me. I knew then, that I was going to live life without regrets. So, I grabbed my camera and never looked back.

A few years ago, I had some other life changes and brought on an intern in the process. That is how you get to where you need to be. By really pouring into other people and sharing whatever gift you’ve been given. in return you’ll be blessed beyond measure. mentorship fosters the strongest relationships. I speak to my mentees daily and I constantly surround myself with opportunities to grow and build relationships with people who want the same things and who define success in their own terms.

Great, 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?
It’s been a road blessed with self-discovery. and with that comes struggles that ultimately become stepping stones. so many of my failures early on have created helped me develop. You know, it’s hard trying to find your way in an industry that’s constantly changing and you feel like you can’t catch up sometimes. I finally found true peace in my artistry when I was able to shut off the voices of doubt and discouragement. All too often, I find myself struggling with overwhelming anxiety and it’s crippling. being able to overcome that alone on the daily is a victory.

Advice for other women: don’t wait for permission to be fucking amazing, just do it.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about simply rustic photography – what should we know?
There’s so much to who you are and who your brand is. I’d like to think my brand is life and moments that last forever.

Being fearless is something I think that sets my team apart. I love capturing moments that maybe would otherwise go undocumented. a favorite image of mine right now is from a recent wedding where I placed myself at the end of the head table to get a shot of the bride laughing during a toast. being up close and personal on wedding days is what allows me to get the shots that document moments versus what’s expected. I think that’s what I’m most proud of too, is that my galleries end up full of life because of these inside your world, in your personal space, we’ve just become besties shots that I used to be scared to take.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
We need to build each other up. mentor. do life together. create leaders, and develop standards for the industry.

Pricing:

• Weddings start at $2800
• Elopements start at $2000
• Family sessions start at $300

Contact Info:

• Website: www.besimplyrustic.com
• Phone: 623-693-3521
• Email: simplyrustic@gmail.com
• Instagram: besimplyrustic
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/simplyrusticphotography

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