Hello!
Hello, lovely readers! My name is Brianne, and I'm a photographer, artist, and aspiring dog mom. I recently made the biggest move of my life, all in the name of following my dreams. I packed up my life and moved almost 4000 km away from my comfort zone, and boy, was it an adventure! In this blog post, I'll share with you my journey of how I ended up in Edmonton, and how taking an adventurous leap led me to pursue my passion for photography and content creation full-time. However, we will also touch on deeper topics, like mental health. So grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let's dive in!
The Big Move...
Moving cities is never easy, and moving almost 4000 km away from everything I knew was definitely a challenge. But it was a challenge I was willing to take on to pursue my dreams. Don’t get me wrong, moving wasn’t the issue. My mom used to call me a rolling stone, because I never stayed in one place for long. But this one was different. I knew that if I wanted to make photography my full-time career, I needed to make a big change. And so, I packed up my life and headed west to Edmonton.
Making the move to Edmonton was the first step in pursuing my dream of becoming a full-time photographer. But it wasn't an easy journey. Starting a business from scratch is exhausting, and there were times when I felt like giving up. But I knew that if I could make it work, it would be worth it. And so, I kept grinding and hustling, learning as much as possible about photography and honing my skills as a photographer.
I can't talk about my journey without mentioning my old boss and dear friend, Ernesto. We go back to our college days, and almost four years ago, he took the same venture into the unknown and started his own production company, Garcia Creative. Luckily for me, he brought me on early, and I've been along for the ride ever since. Through the highs and lows, he's been an incredible mentor, and I owe him a lot for how much he's taught me. His fearless approach to business and willingness to take risks has been an inspiration to me, and I wouldn't be where I am today without his guidance and support. I'm so thankful that I still work beside him when I'm back in town.
Coping with Challenges
Faced with all the challenges that come with the unknown, it has opened my eyes to how to deal with things better. As someone who has personally battled with depression, anxiety, and ADHD, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to overcome these obstacles while pursuing your dreams. Some days, it can feel like you're taking one step forward and two steps back. But I've learned that it's important to keep moving forward, even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you.
Photography has been a source of solace during the tough times. Being able to express myself creatively has been an outlet for my emotions and a way to channel my energy into something positive. And while it hasn't always been easy, the support of the community here in Edmonton has been a game-changer for me.
If you're struggling to make a big change in your life, know that you're not alone. Sometimes it's okay to feel scared, uncertain, or even overwhelmed. But remember that taking the first step is often the hardest part. And once you're on the path to pursuing your dreams, it's important to stay focused and surround yourself with people who believe in you.
I'm grateful for the support of my old boss and friend, who took a chance to learn the ropes of the industry. And I'm also thankful for the new connections I've made here in Edmonton, who have been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration. I am also so grateful for my husband, who has been a huge support and my biggest fan. Whatever your dreams may be, don't let your struggles hold you back. Keep pushing forward, and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish. And remember that it's okay to struggle, take breaks, and ask for help.
Finding Community
One of the best things about moving to Edmonton has been the sense of community I've found here. Coming from Toronto, I felt like the community was very cut throat and "every man for themselves", but since moving to Edmonton, I've learned that you'll find those types of people in every corner. You just need to surround yourself with people with a similar mindset. I've met so many amazing people who have helped me along the way, from fellow photographers to business owners to new friends. And I've also had the opportunity to work with my sister, who moved here 10 years ago. Being able to spend time with her and build a stronger relationship has been such a joy.
Let's wrap this up...
As I continue to build my business and pursue my dreams, I'm also working on getting myself out into the community more and taking more photos. So if you're in the Edmonton area and looking for a photographer, I'd love to connect with you! You can find me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/capturedbybri , or you can send me an email at capturedbybrianne@gmail.com. And if you're also pursuing your passions and making big changes in your life, I'd love to hear from you! Let's support each other and make our dreams a reality.