Inspiration Interview - Bree Friesen Photography

I am excited to share Bree's work with you as I have I watched her grow immensely over the last couple of years. She was already awesome when I met her via skype but good golly, this girl absolutely rocks every photograph she takes even though she would humbly disagree. Honestly, her images inspire me and usually drop my jaw as well from the composition to the light she captures. I got to meet her last year and even in person, she is incredibly sweet. I hope you enjoy the interview below and that you are inspired as much as I am.

How long have you been shooting and what inspired you to begin with?  I had a love of photography way back in junior high. We used film cameras and developed our own prints. Since then, I always dabbled, especially once my girls were born. They are my inspiration.  In 2011, I started taking courses to learn & improve.  Then, in 2014 I started a small business, after a mentorship with an awesome photographer (ahem, Jackie). That gave me the confidence boost I needed.  I definitely didn’t jump in quickly, it has taken me many years to feel comfortable to call myself a “photographer”.   What is your favorite movie? I just really like a sad movie, ones that makes me blubber like a fool. My family finds it weird & slightly sadistic, but its good for my soul.     What is your current favorite image and why? My favourite image is this one of my daughter. I am able to see the things she isn’t saying.  This is a look we share often, when she’s worrying. She communicates it all without saying a word.          Describe your work in three or four words.  Movement. Emotion. Fun. Memories. My work has multiple personalities, its either fun, or its dramatic. Thats me in real life too :)   What is in your camera bag and favorite lens to shoot with?  I shoot a Canon 5D III , and I use my Canon 85mm 90% of the time. I also like my Sigma Art 35mm for indoor work. I also have a Canon 70-200 2.8, Sigma 105mm macro, Helios 44-1.   How/Where do you find your inspiration and creativity?  My inspiration comes from everyday moments of my girls. Usually in some amazing light.  I also really draw from nature. I have never appreciated nature as much as I do now that I am a photographer. I find beauty everywhere. I am always thankful for my “photographer eyes”. I missed so much before.   What are your current goals - short term and long term?  I keep a “to do” list for my goals. Every year, I aim to cross everything off that list. This year, I am hoping to say so long to posed shots. Mostly because my kids hate it, but also, because its the real stuff that makes my heart soar.  I am also dying to try underwater photography, it is so surreal and beautiful.  Long term, I need to find a better balance. Last summer, it was so crazy that I didn’t take ONE photo of my kids for a whole month. I won’t let that happen again. The balance might be just being a full time Mom-grapher. I’m not sure yet.   One word of wisdom that you would like to offer or encouragement to fellow photographers? My heart goes out to the photographers out there who never feel “good enough”. I was there, still am sometimes. I would tell them not to compare themselves to others. Find the areas that you need to improve on, and tackle them! Just don’t give up.  And, always shoot for you, not for the ‘likes', wins or accolades. It feels so much better that way <3     Facebook: www.facebook.com/breefriesenphotograhy Instagram: www.instagram.com/bfriesenphotography Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/breefriesen