I got to chat with Brianna of Brianna Parks Photography about her business. Her photography is wonderful, and if you are in the Redding, CA or PNW area, consider using her for your photography needs.

Where are you based? How long have you been in business?

I'm based in Redding, California but photograph elopements all throughout the Pacific Northwest. I specialize in Olympic National Park and Redwood National Park and have been in business for 6 years.

What got you started in photography?

I think most photographers would say that they were born with a camera in their hand, but I didn't discover photography until I was in college. At the time, I was majoring in pre-med with the hopes of one day becoming a doctor. After a few science classes and realizing I didn't even enjoy science that much, I ended up switching my major to sociology, hoping it would be more creatively fulfilling. It was, to an extent, but I needed another outlet in life. I was scrolling through YouTube one day when a video popped up of a photographer who was shooting portraits. I immediately wanted to try it. My broke husband and I took all the Target gift cards we got from our wedding and what very little we had left in our bank account to purchase a starter DSLR and that's officially how Brianna Parks Photography was born.

What do you like most about being a photographer?

I really love that I can capture memories for people. It's very cliche, but genuinely, it's the best part of the job. Though I will say that being able to be outdoors in the world's most beautiful places taking pictures and hanging out with incredible people for a living tends to be the best part of the job.

Where is your favorite place to take photos for clients?

Olympic National Park and Redwood National Park. It's hard to choose just one as both are not only gorgeous, but have deep sentimental meaning for me.

I had a chance to talk with Kate Cohen, the mind behind Katherine Elyse Media. She's an excellent photographer with beautiful work. A sample of her photography is below. If you like her work, check out her site.

1. Where are you based?

How long have you been in business? Cincinnati, OH. I've been in business for 13 years.

2. What got you started in photography?

In 2007, while in college, I started playing around with a camera I stole from a friend. I took it to a family Thanksgiving and chased around my cousins the whole time, snapping away. I really enjoyed the creative freedom it gave me and the joy it brought once I got the film developed, so I decided to stick with it. Early on I started with grad photos and fashion photos. I eventually moved on to engagements, that’s where I felt like I really started to come into my own. Obviously I LOVE people, I’m a huge empath, so being around people in love made me feel lovely and capturing that brought me a ton of joy so I knew that I had to continue to expand on that. When I transitioned to weddings I started learning from the best of the best. I took online classes, I was second shooting, networking, etc. and it really helped me grow into the true professional I am today. Since 2010, I have shot over 300+ weddings!

3. What do you like most about being a photographer?

I feel privileged that I’m able to capture love in all its forms and between so many diverse couples. I also love to travel to shoot! I’ve been invited to shoot in Hawaii, The Jersey Channel Islands, England, Montana, Missouri, Australia, Dubai and even ended up in China shooting a wedding in the Zhangjiajie National forest park!

4. Where is your favorite place to take photos for clients?

My favorite place in Cincinnati is either Ault Park or Eden Park. Both places have so many beautiful backdrops to shoot against. No matter your vibe as a couple, there are spots for you!

Alicia is a wedding photographer I got in touch with recently and her work is amazing! She's based in Oregon, and loves that she gets to make art for her job. If you need a photographer for your wedding in the PNW, you can Contact Grateful Moments Photography - Grateful Moments Photography at this link.

1. Where are you based? How long have you been in business?
I am based out of Grants Pass, Oregon but not opposed to traveling for sessions and weddings. I have been in business for 2 years.
2. What got you started in photography?
I got started in photography as a hobby to document my own family story, especially after the birth of my son. I fell in love with the art of photography and improving my skill. When a friend asked me to do a family session, I encountered family photography for the first time and loved every minute of it. I love meeting new people and documenting their stories! Whether you are planning your wedding, updating family photos, welcoming a new little one, or getting ready to launch your high school graduate into the world, I've got you covered! Let's create some beautiful memories!
3. What do you like most about being a photographer?
I enjoy working with people and learning their story. Every family and every session is different. Then I get to create beautiful art by capturing their interactions and connections. For weddings, I really like the longer term relationship of being with a couple from the engagement session to the wedding day. On one of the most special days of their lives, I get to tell the story. That will never get old!
4. Where is your favorite place to take photos for clients?
My favorite Southern Oregon location is Pacifica in Williams, Oregon. With a gorgeous pond, field area, lots of evergreen trees, and a view of the surrounding mountains, you just can't go wrong no matter what time of the year it is!

You can see more of Alicia's work below, or visit her portfolio, Your Southern Oregon Wedding Photographer - Grateful Moments Photography.