Meet Brenna Valdez | Photographer

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

Hi Brenna, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always had a creative heart ever since I was little. I loved doing arts & crafts; painting, coloring, drawing, d.i.y projects. My dream jobs were to be a hair and makeup artist or an interior designer. I worked in healthcare for about 9 years and although I loved the interaction with patients and worked with some amazing people, I was mentally drained and wasn’t feeling fulfilled.
I’m a bit of an introvert, I don’t like being told what to do, and I don’t like being on anyone else’s schedule. I have always had this desire to create something and to be my own boss. So when I started learning all things photography I knew that this was for me. Photography has given me creative freedom, freedom to be myself, and freedom to go at my own pace.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
This is just my beginning, I started doing client work this past April. I am in the middle of finding myself, finding what I love, and what I am good at. I am constantly learning and and doing creative practices to help me find my creative voice and to stand out from other photographers. Most of my inspiration comes from my family and the outdoors.
In 2009 I lost my brother to a tragic work accident, 7 years later my dad past away, and both of my grandparents are no longer with us. When I look back at pictures of them all, I wish I had taken more pictures with them. I wish I had more detailed photos of their hands, smile, hair, eyes. My favorites are the photos of family interacting with each other. This is also very important to me with my kids. I never want to forget the curls in their hair, their two front teeth, their tiny hands and feet.
Most of my work consists of motherhood, childhood, and little details. I love capturing the connection between moms with their babies. I love capturing children in the outdoors, there is just something magical when they are in their natural habitat. So much connection happens when we are outside, and there is so much more to connect with vs being inside.
My sessions are free and flowy. I help guide my clients through their session but most of it is just letting them be themselves. I help style my clients for their sessions so that they feel comfortable and feel good about themselves.
I am not a do it all photographer, I want to stay true to myself and my work, I know that I am not for everyone and I am ok with that!
My goal is to travel for work and to shoot out at all the beautiful locations Colorado has to offer!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Pueblo, Co. so a few of my favorite go to Mexican restaurants are Papa Jose’s and Cactus Flower. Brues Alehouse is a fun place to be on the weekends for good food, beer, and music. Walks on Union for the all the best mom and pop shops and antique stores. The river walk is also a great place for date nights or time out with family.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Most definitely my husband. He has been so supportive of all my dreams and goals, encourages and pushes me everyday so that I succeed, my motivational speaker when I feel like giving up. He takes time off of work to be home with our two boys when I have a scheduled session during the week or so that I can get work done in a timely manner.
I never would have picked up photography if he didn’t push me to get started. He truly is the backbone of it all, and I wouldn’t be heading in the direction that I am if it wasn’t for him and the help of my mom.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/brennalynnphoto

Facebook: www.facebook.com/brennalynnphotography

Image Credits
Katie Denton Photography