Meet Brandy Young of B. Young Forever Photography in Huntington Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Young.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been drawn to human emotion. From the deep, darkness that can swallow us whole, to unbridled joy and gratitude that can wash over us like a sunny, warm bath, making life feel like it could never be better. My interest in humans and all that we feel in this life led me to go to school to be a therapist, and even spent a few years counseling people to try to live better lives. I ultimately found that my soul was being slowly crushed as I took on the suffering of others with my extremely sensitive nature, and had to seek out other ways to connect with people on similarly deep levels.

Capturing these emotions on camera became a passion for me when my second born came into our lives, and my need to document this family we were creating, and all of these intense things I was feeling came to be. My family was my main subject for a few years, until it branched out to friends’ kids, families, etc. Eventually I was lucky enough to be invited to capture the wedding of someone close to me, and it was the best thing I ever did.

It’s been 7 years since I picked up a professional camera, and began this new journey of my life. I couldn’t be more grateful. After years of photographing many different kinds of things, I have finally settled on what makes me most happy and fulfilled as a photographer. Capturing people’s most honest and true emotions on their wedding day.

Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t really think any part of life is a smooth road. The struggles, the bumps, the failures, the trials are all part of the learning curve of life, and of small business, too.

If I had to pick a few struggles that have affected being a small business owner over the last 5 years, it would be motherhood (which is my greatest accomplishment), battling and beating low self-esteem and self-worth, and pushing through the creative darkness that can sometimes make you want to give up.

I’m not one to give up on anything easily, so it’s no surprise to me that figuring out my low self-esteem, and working through dark creative times has been something I am able to press through, usually always coming out the other side better for the wear. Though, I have to admit, I’ve almost quit photography more times than I can count on both hands. But motherhood has been the toughest nut for me to crack. I’m an introvert, I love being in quiet spaces, to read, to think, to be with my ideas and get lost in my mind, to work on a project, either by myself, or collaborating with my best friend. I love reading books for hours on end, starting and finishing the book all in one day. I love waking up late, slow, and quiet with a good cup (or 5) of coffee, and staying up late, spending time with my husband, watching documentaries, working, reading, falling asleep on the couch when my body can’t offer me any more hours of wakefulness. A night owl of sorts. Being a mom doesn’t often allow for these pleasantries I so enjoy. It’s middle of the night and early morning wake-ups. Peed beds, nightmares, shadows on the walls. It’s waking up groggy, with not enough sleep, greeting your little loves with as much joy and happiness as a 6am wake-up call can muster (post coffee, of course). It’s early morning snuggles, mid-morning breakfasts, chores and lessons, reading and chatting, joking and loving on each other the best we can. It’s forgiveness and communicating and teaching each other unconditional love. It’s long bedtime stories, back scratches and kisses and snuggles goodnight. It’s beautiful and wonderful and messy and hard, and I wouldn’t give it up for one single thing. As a business owner, being a mom means working late nights, returning emails and phone calls a few days (or more) behind, and editing photos between lunches being made and band-aids being applied. But the beauty of being my own boss, and allowing myself to live this life, is the most beautiful gift I could have possibly given myself. So I have to remember that, when I’m struggling to be as successful as I want my business to be, that I am simply in a chapter of life that I must enjoy to its fullest as it’s happening. It will be over in the blink of an eye.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a photographer that specializes in shooting weddings and engagements. I’m most known for my ability to capture candid moments and emotions that are truly descriptive of the couples’ love story. It’s such an honor to be with the bride and groom all day, capturing every part of the day for them, making them forever memories. As a company, I am most proud of the slow, yet organic growth of my business over the past couple of years. I went from photographing families to weddings, which is quite the jump, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the transition, and the grace and love that my clients have given me in trusting me to capture their most precious moments that cannot be retaken. My highly sensitive nature, and my ability to read people and a situation, sets me apart from others. I have no problem shedding tears during a beautiful ceremony, a heart wrenching first look. In fact, you’re practically guaranteed to see me crying several times on wedding day!

I’m also a photographer that specializes in capturing the stories of local businesses and organizations, and the people who run them. My best friend invited me onto a project 2 years ago, and it has been absolutely life changing. Doing something that focuses on the good and positive people and things around us has helped me to redefine my paradigms around joy and love and suffering and change. You can check out these stories at www.iheartcostamesa.com, and feel the joy for yourself!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I do feel like our city is a place that offers many opportunities for any kind of business. To someone who’s just starting out, I would recommend to just be brave, get out into your community, and start talking to people. If you put yourself out there with vulnerability and courage, the universe will rise up to meet you with the opportunities you are looking for.

Pricing:

• Wedding Photography packages starting at $1500

Contact Info:

• Website: www.byoungforeverphotography.com
• Phone: 714-318-4776
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @byoungforeverphotog
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byoungforeverphotog/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/b-young-forever-photography-huntington-beach

Image Credit:
Kaitlin Agee-  Personal photos
Brandy Young- All other photos

Getting in touch: VoyageLA 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.