Meet Brittany Hunkin | Lifestyle Photographer

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

Hi Brittany, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The most important lesson my business has taught me is to put myself first. Weird right? But hear me out. I started my business on a complete whim. I guess you could say I’ve always loved photography, but I never thought
in a million years that I would pursue it as a career. I didn’t have some big grand business plan. I just started and
“wanged” the whole dang thang. After a few years in business, I gave birth to the coolest and most amazing kid
I’ve ever known. Call me bias, but she really is. I took a short break after she was born, even thought about quitting all-together, to be a full time stay at home mom. But, my fiery aries self, wanted more.

So, fast forward, I jump back into work, and boom ANXIETY. I guess you always have anxiety, which looking back, yes I did, but this was different. It was physically debilitating. So, I started therapy, healed some past trauma, and kept moving forward. But, the reality of it is, I wanted to give up so many times. I still do. I thought things would just be easier if I wanted a “simpler” life. Just be a good stay at home mom and wife. Because wanting to run your own business as a mom (even though I have an incredibly supportive and hands on husband, an awesome babysitter/assistant sister, and a come-in-clutch momma), it’s tough a*s work. I think of all the chaos I create because I want something more, and it sucks. But every time I think about giving up, I think of how much more resentment I would hold towards becoming a mother and having to put my life on hold. Sounds harsh, right? But it’s a real thought when you become a full time stay at home parent…and I won’t keep that thought to myself.

So, if there is one thing that this business has taught me, it’s to continue putting myself first. Following my passion, my dreams, and learning that it’s okay to want more and be something more than a mom. I’m hoping that following my dreams not only shows my daughter that she can do and be anything she wants, but to all the other women that are snuffing out their flames because they too think it’s easier to live a “simple” life. I’m here to tell them all to just be yourself and let the rest burn.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve spent 8 years searching for what sets my soul on fire. I’ve photographed everything from weddings to babies, and I learned that where my heart truly lies is with couples and families. I have spent years finding ways to invoke real emotion and moments for my clients. I think the authenticity I bring to my sessions is really what sets me apart from others. It’s a way to encourage people to be themselves and a way to capture images that are timeless and true.

It’s not just about the images at the end for me either. Each of my sessions are more than a photoshoot. They are a place for people to literally stop, put the phone down, play with their kids, chase the sun with their lover, feel the embrace of a hug, hear the giggles of the littles, and just be present in the moment. It’s like meditation in photoshoot form. It’s so good for the soul. I can’t tell you how many of my clients leave and go grab dinner as a family afterwards, or tell me how “worked up” they got after cuddling their significant other. It’s really such a magical thing I get to create with these people. AND THEN… after it all, they wind up with the most amazing photos to remember those moments forever by.

I’ve learned that if you truly want to be successful, you must passionately love what you do. And if you want to passionately love what you do, you’re going to have to search for what sets your soul on fire.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, my best friend does come and visit quite a bit from Houston, so this should be easy. However, my two favorite places are shut down now. There was an awesome little breakfast spot called Bandera Road Cafe and a sweet little bar called Cooters. Neither one of them made it through the pandemic though. Such a shame really.

But, I can’t leave you guys empty handed. So, the Huevos Rancheros plate from El Rodeo de Jalisco Alamo Ranch is the bomb.com! My fave coffee spot is Summer Moon. A Texas Country concert at the famous John T. Floore Country Store is the most Texas thing you can do. You won’t regret it. If you’re into craft beer, Bandera Brewery has some of the best craft beer in Texas. But, to be honest, my favorite place to be is on my back porch, with my favorite people, drinking an ice cold beer. So, if you’re ever in San Antonio, look me up so we can go grab a beer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh goodness, where do I even begin to thank and recognize all the people that have helped me become me. My family for always being there. My friends that kept pushing me and encouraging me to keep going. My friend and mentor Marie for lighting my flames. Nicole from Orange Anchor Photography who inspired me to pick up a camera. My clients that have stuck with me since the beginning. My therapist, can’t forget Tiff! The other boss babes I know for teaching me and walking me through everything. The great photographers that have come before me. And just the sweet random social media friends that have believed in my work and kept me going. Hell, even the haters need some recognition for their efforts. But a special thanks to my husband, who always supports me and loves me through all my crazy ideas. And my daughter who just inspires me to simply be better.

Website: https://www.brittanyhunkinphotography.com/

Instagram: @brittanyhunkinphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittanyhunkinphotography

Other: TikTok: @brittanyhunkin

Image Credits
Stella Rose Photography