Meet Brittany Lee | Photographer

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

Hi Brittany, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
My name is Brittany Lee and I’m a photographer based here in Phoenix, Arizona! I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. You might assume Vegas was an interesting place to grow up… and you would be right. I was exposed to everything “entertainment” from a young age. That said, Vegas is a big part of who I am today, but not for the reasons you might think. Vegas is incredibly diverse, with people coming from all over the world either to visit or to become part of the thriving, energetic community. It’s hard to describe Vegas to someone who might only know it for the Strip… it’s a surprisingly tight-knit community. Everyone knows everyone somehow despite it being a somewhat large city. There are pockets of culture everywhere you go, and endless amazing food options (probably why I’m a huge foodie). Growing up surrounded by such a diverse community is largely the reason why I see beauty in everyone. It’s why I care deeply about others and why I’m passionate about making a positive difference in my local community. This translates to my photography, where I get to help people see the beauty I see in them. When you grow up in a place like Vegas, you learn a thing or two about being able to work well with anyone and everyone.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The best way I can describe my photography is “fluid.” I love to challenge myself to try new avenues of photography rather than sticking to one specific “niche.” I feel like I have artistic strengths that translate well to different styles and subjects, and this versatility is something I’ve become proud of. Trying new things and constantly finding ways to step outside my comfort zone has allowed me to hone my craft, build a really diverse portfolio, and learn transferable skills to other areas of photography. While some might see this as a risk in the sense that I might not become as well-known for something specific, on the flip side, I believe there is risk to my own creativity if I was to only focus on one area of photography. I want to document all kinds of moments, and I think (at least I hope) people see value in that.
There’s a common belief amongst photographers that you’ll never make it without “niching down”, and while that is amazing and it works for others, for me, I just love too many things! I love the rush of action photography, the thrill of fashion runway photography, the calmness of nature/landscape photography, the strange serenity I feel just walking down an unfamiliar street with my camera to see what catches my eye, the way I can connect with my community through portrait photography, enjoying good music while photographing the musicians… I’m all about focusing on what brings me joy to experience as an artist, and then spreading that joy to those in front of my lens. At the root of my art is the firm belief that everyone deserves to have amazing photos, to keep for themselves, to show their grandkids someday, to frame and treasure forever.

I wouldn’t say it’s been easy to get to where I am. It’s taken a lot of practice, trial and error, and experimentation. I have a ways to go until I’m where I want to be, but I’m enjoying the journey. I think that’s key. Fear used to prevent me from getting out there and creating what I want to create. While I still sometimes struggle with imposter syndrome as a photographer, questioning if my art is actually art or just sheer luck, I’m learning to have more faith in myself and my abilities. I would give this piece of advice to anyone who is striving to become a photographer, or anyone who doubts their talent: Just go for it. Just jump head first and don’t be afraid to fail. If you fail, you’ll learn something for the next time. And don’t stop. Whatever you do, keep practicing, keep finding your artistic voice, keep going. As long as you enjoy what you’re taking photos of, your joy will show through your photography.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love this question because my best friend, Maira Floyd, is also a photographer! A fantastic, seriously talented photographer at that. We used to love going on “photography adventures” together before I moved to a different state. Even though we’re long distance best friends now, we always try to shoot together whenever we’re reunited. It’s something we bond over. So, to answer the question, we would definitely find a new studio to shoot in together just for fun! Our creative energy just flows effortlessly when we’re together. It’s one of my favorite things about our friendship. Then, knowing us, we’d come back to our place and sift through all the photos we took, and then eat our favorite junk food, and promptly nap cuddled up on the couch. We’re simple creatures.
Check Maira out on Instagram @mairalynnphotography! She took that beautiful photo of me that I’m using for this feature.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My “story” as a photographer was first sparked by my high school photography teacher, Mrs. Ziegler. I was a senior and decided to try out photography as a way to express myself creatively. Mrs. Z provided such a solid foundation for my respect for and knowledge of photography as an art form, as well as my passion for it. I come from a long line of teachers in my family, so I know very well the value of a truly outstanding, caring teacher. Mrs. Z was and is “that teacher” for me and I will always be thankful she believed in me from the beginning.

My husband, Bonson is also a huge source of support. He’s always cheering for me and even goes so far as to refer clients to me here and there, assists with shoots when I need an extra hand, hypes me up when I get stuck in self doubt, and he’s more than happy to hang out with me while I edit for hours.

My family has always been a huge pillar of my success as a person and as a photographer. My dad saw my potential from the start and I am so blessed that he bought me my first and second DSLR. I was so young when I started, but he knew I loved it, and I think he knew I could take it far. My growth as an artist of course stems from my own determination to constantly improve my skills, but behind that, it’s because the people in my life saw the joy photography created in me from the start, and fostered that, nurtured that, and helped to pave the path I’m on today.

I would also like to thank my creative colleague and friend here in Phoenix, Sefina Aulei for so kindly nominating me to participate in this interview. Sefina is an inspiration to me and so many others in our community and the work she does goes so far beyond photography and the arts. She is truly a beam of light in a world that so desperately needs it.

Website: https://Bleephotoaz.com

Instagram: B.leephoto

Image Credits
Photo 1: Bad Cactus Brass Band
Photo 2: Emma Jeane, model
Photo 3: Ayah Peralta, hairstylist, Owner of Stone Fox Salon
Photo 4: Kenny Rampton, Jazz at Lincoln Center Trumpet Player
Photo 5: Member of The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps
Photo 6: Alan Ashby, guitarist for Of Mice and Men
Photo 7: Reno Aces Minor League Baseball Player
Photo 8: Campo Verde High School Colorguard