Check Out Korren Briley’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Korren Briley

Hi Korren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my career considerably later on in life. I never thought to myself as a kid, “I am going to be a photographer when I grow up!”. I did however, always dream of being a creative. I, much like my other fellow millennials, was raised on a very specific path. One that took a more traditional route. I was taught that the foundation of a successful career path goes something like: high school diploma, college degree, start your career right out of college, and so on…

Now, there is nothing wrong with this path in the slightest. In fact, I invested nearly 13 years of my adult life moving up the corporate ladder. I was successful, I made a great living, and I had a 401K, benefits and even a pension. It allowed my husband and I to buy a home and do some amazing things with our kiddos. But then one day I realized that I was confusing success with happiness.

I spent most of my days capturing friends and family living life. I made scrap books and video compilations every chance I could. I was always the one with a camera in my hands wanting to never forget a moment as I moved so much as a kid/teen. The idea of capturing how someone felt would be the epitome of my photography experience.

One day my daughter turned to me and asked me what I would do if I wasn’t in my corporate job. I told her “don’t laugh, but I have always wanted to be a photographer”. She looked at me and said “mom, without you telling me this, I knew it and you would be amazing. I don’t see why you don’t try it.” From that day, I knew I had to dedicate myself to true happiness, passion, and joy. I knew I had to show my daughter (and my son) that you can do the things that bring you joy, but do it the right way.

So I spent a long time really diving deep into education, learning and building my brand, all while saving every single penny I could. My husband, my biggest supporter and I had several conversations on how we could make this huge switch financially. He never once doubted my passion and my drive and above all supported my talent. I worked my day job 5 days a week (or more), my photography job at nights and weekends and then still did all the mom and wife stuff.

The day I put in my notice and went full time with photography I smiled, I celebrated with my family, and I absolutely never looked back. My shoulders have never felt so light and my heart so happy. This was where I was meant to be.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has certainly not been a smooth road. Photography is a luxury. A luxury that is not a necessity. With the economy ever fluctuating, there are times that yield high revenue and some times that are a little more challenging. To couple that with finding the balance of work and home life while being a sole business owner can be taxing. Self care and communication is mandatory to survive these trying times.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a destination elopement/small wedding and lifestyle photographer based out of Long Beach, CA. I am known for my earthy tones and emotive imagery. I am most proud of being able to provide my clients with a product AND service.

I have always felt that many people can take photos, but not everyone can take photos while delivering the experience I provide from the day we first connect, through your session, then well beyond your gallery being delivered.

I truly respect and appreciate the role I play in my client’s lives as I capture such monumental moments and irreplaceable times. I remind my clients, the honor is truly mine to be there.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think that leaning into my personality has been the most important part of my success. My personality is my brand and I have really loved embracing it in my marketing, my client experience, and in my business model.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.korrenbrileyphotography.com
• Instagram: @korrenbrileyphotography
• Facebook: @korrenbrileyphotography
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/KorrenBrileyPhotography/

Image Credits
Korren Briley Photography