We were lucky to catch up with Brianna Hickey recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brianna, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
Creativity blocking is such a real Issue when it comes to creating art. I find myself on the edge of burnout at least once a month and I have to sit with myself and ask- how can I beat this? What is it I can do to move past this block that’s not only messing with me physically but mentally draining my energy?!
I start with the simple task of stopping what I’m doing. I think taking a step back from my photography for a min and re-evaluating what it is I’m trying to create is a good start.
Then I ask- is this the thing I need to do to fix the problem? Or can I do other artwork? Can I draw for a bit instead? Go for a walk? And so I do! I write a poem or I do some diamond art.
And eventually my mental state clears up slowly and I allow myself some grace to change the plan I originally had & try something new to get my artistic side of my brain going again !
That’s the long process- the short, millennial process is, just do some brain rot for 20 minutes or zone out on a good book & tell the world to back off while you think! Haha
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a photographer! Part of my wants to say a fashion photographer but I tend to focus on boudoir & artistic portraits more than the high fashion side of the art.
I do this as my passion and side job, customer service being the main hustle in these trying times sadly. But this is where my heart truly lies.
I started when I was a teenager, around 14-15 years old. I was given a 35mm canon film camera from my uncle and a shit ton of film to practice on and practice I did ! Then I moved to the cheaper digital cameras and sort of just progressed from there!
Eventually I got a big kid job & bought my first $400 camera and started really experiencing models and clients. Working with people had been a challenge because my time had mostly been with nature photos and trying to be the next Ansel Adam’s !
Being in my early thirties, I have a thriving side business with amazing clients. I have honed in my skillset and editing style and love of people and portraits and using my social nature has just helped me in general.
Granted, it’s never too late to learn more & I just bought a brand new camera … just trying to save for those lenses – you feel me photographers ?!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Some qualities and skills I am glad I have learned have definitely been:
People skills- working customer service has been so impactful on how I interact with my models and my clients- being social is a huge part of the job especially keeping them comfortable during the shoots!
Social media- unfortunately growing up in this era has helped immensely with marketing and getting out ads and word of mouth. I’m still learning more but knowing the basics is even prime.
Creativity: and I say this in all things – draw, write, woodwork, anything creative. If you’re doing – you’re learning !
For anyone looking to get ahead in this- start with marketing skills & then get outside and shoot shoot shoot. Even when you “fail” you’re never failing. Never delete your bad photos- use them as a learning tool.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am always looking for people to collaborate with !
Currently I want to expand to more fashion side of business but I will take any photographers who like to teach – I love learning more from my peers- this is where we need to be teaching and learning from !
And models and clients – I love an open minded & artistic model. Come to me with ideas – let’s work together to build this world you see in your head.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bdhimagery.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/b.takesphotos
