Meet Bri Plewman | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bri Plewman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bri, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When I first started pursuing photography, I had to come to the harsh realization that there would be a lot of “no’s” coming my way. As a young entrepreneur, it was difficult to not feel discouraged being turned down for bookings and other projects. Photography, like all other art forms, is deeply personal to the creator. I struggled with being able to separate myself from my art when being turned down for bookings. As I gained more experience and knowledge within the photography industry, I learned this is a shared feeling amongst photographers. Our art is us. How can we seemingly separate ourselves from it to not feel the discouragement of not booking that job, loving that shoot we did, or living up to our high standards of our work?

There’s two aspects to paid work: the photographer and their vision, and meeting the deliverables of the client. Now that I’m established and have been in the photography industry for five years now, I’ve realized that success isn’t black and white. I’m always working on so many projects, that if one doesn’t work out it’s not meant to be, if I try something and fail then at least I tried, and if a client ends up going a different direction then it’s for the best.

Anyone who’s created art can understand that the relationship between you and your art is a bond that many other people may not understand. Once I realized this, my passion for photography started to evolve. Suddenly I wasn’t creating to please others, but to create conversation and to make people think.

Photographers: your clients choose you for a reason. Be authentic, stick to your unique style, and don’t let the ever evolving fashion industry, client experiences, or amount of likes determine your success. I think it’s beautiful that one person can look at the same photograph and see something completely different than the artist themselves. I’ve since learned to lean in and embrace the “no’s”. Take that job. Message that potential connection. Don’t be afraid of a simple “no” because it may just be your next lead.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art has held a close place to my heart my entire life. I think most artists feel this way – it follows us around in all aspects of our lives. Growing up, I always envisioned myself in a creative field. I experimented with painting, drawing, writing music, singing, playing instruments, creating clay sculptures and more. I never saw a true long-term path in any of those art forms to me. But once photography sort of fell into my lap, I knew that was something I’d want to pursue seriously. I began to take photos for friends for fun.

I learned quickly that I wanted to be my own boss, and enrolled in business classes at my local community college. Right after high school, I was offered a position at a modeling agency handling their new faces and taking digitals. I decided to move out months after getting my diploma and AA from community college, and move out of state to pursue this opportunity further. This job helped me branch out and make connections with people working within the industry that I wanted so desperately to be a part of. This job further inspired me to dive more into the fashion industry and I fall more in love with fashion photography.

Today, all of my shoots are focused around unique angles, high fashion styling, or creating something visually interesting. My goal for 2023 is to photograph more model tests, portfolio work, and shoot my first campaign.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I don’t live in Miami full-time, I’m happy that I get to share my recommendations as a partial tourist.

If you love wildlife, Monkey Jungle is life changing! You can feed little monkeys as they run around the habitat.

Another one of my favorite spots is Taco Craft for lunch. The best tacos and vibe!!

Planta in Coconut Grove has to be one of my all time favorite restaurants!

Salt and Straw originated in Portland, Oregon but there is one in Coconut Grove and it’s amazing! As someone who’s had it in Portland and Miami, definitely recommend!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Support makes all of the long nights and other creative struggles worthwhile. The support of my family and friends, and the incredible business mentors that helped me with my business, means the world to me. Dozens of people over the years have dedicated some of their time to help me reach success. I’m forever grateful for the successful and loving people who were able to pour into me throughout the start of my career.

I owe a lot of my success to Amy Rene (@amywithlemon), who’s an amazing makeup artist and incredible business woman, for being with me every step of the way in my business. We’ve been business partners for years, and I continue to look up to her for business and life advice. She has a huge heart and has shared her social media strategy, business psychology, and love for people with me for years. I’ll forever give her credit for my success today.

Website: www.briplewphotos.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briplewphotos/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briana-plewman-b9b79b169

Image Credits
Photo of girl dressed in all black: Photographer: Bri Plewman Model: Brooklyn Avery of Muse Models Makeup Artist: Amy Rene Stylist: Emily Nicoara Studio shot: Photographer: Bri Plewman Model: Logan Jackson of Sports and Lifestyle Unlimited (Portland) Studio: Glam Studios Other shots: Photographer: Bri Plewman Makeup Artist: Natalie Dresher Model: Kelly O’Connor of Next Models Miami