Meet Brianne Keefer | Photographer & Poet

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

Hi Brianne, what inspires you?
My interests have always varied through out my life, I would consider myself a jack of all trades type. I draw, I paint, I do photography and I write. I’ve oscillated between these passions throughout my lifetime and in doing so I’ve gathered multiple points of inspiration. From haunted locations in Colorado, from my time hiking and camping to the time I spend with friends and in my own imagination, I feel like inspiration is always surrounding me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always had a story to tell. I’ve been told through out my life that I am outspoken, creative and bold. I always assumed that was just a nice way to say I never stop talking. I’d like to believe one of the things that sets me apart is how much I romanticize everything I do. My photography has always been a tangible representation of how I see life and my writing has always been a vehicle for my thoughts. I think my proudest body of work is the Haunted Colorado series I do, we’re gearing up to start the series for this upcoming halloween season and this series has always been my bread and butter. I have this rare opportunity to observe life from within a lens and it’s never mattered what I’m looking at, I can always find an angle or a verse to encapsulate it. My avenues of artistic expression has never been easy, but its always been fun. In order to create what following I do have, I’ve had to be really creative in order to make things happen. Some of my most ambitious photoshoots were created with props from thrift stores, phone apps and friends who support me enough to model. Between working and going to school full time, it’s been a challenge to keep my passions alive. If there is one lesson I’ve learned that I’d want to share with anyone and everyone I possibly can, it’s to continue doing whatever it is that brings you joy for the sole purpose that it brings you joy. Not everything needs to be monetized, advertised and lucrative. Most of my best work has come from the passion of just doing it and any success that has followed just sweetened the deal. I want the world to see my work and know it’s directly from the heart, every photo, poem or painting is an act of love for the medium, the people involved and the things that inspire me.

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’d have to first take them on a hike, either back in Cheyenne Canon or Rocky Mountain National Park and it would definitely be a day long affair. I’m a real outdoorsy gal, so if I had it my way we’d spend the whole week camping, but thats not everyone’s jam. With the exception of the abundant amount of hikes we’d do, I’d take them to explore the experimental forest near Woodland Park, a kayak trip on lake Pueblo, we’d grab some tacos at Salsa Latina in Colorado Springs and drinks at a fun speak easy like District Elleven downtown. We’d definitely have to play a few games at the Penny Arcade in Manitou and take a day trip to Fort Collins to romp around Old Town, on our way there, we’d stop at Blackheart Coffee in Loveland for our caffeine fix. And as long as we squeezed in an adventure to the UFO watchtower near The Great Sand Dunes, I’d be happy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My best friend William Maestas, he has been a source of light in my life for nearly 15 years. We’ve supported each other in our artistic ventures and have always involved each other as much as possible in our successes. Will puts on fashion shows in Fort Collins to benefit the WomenGive foundation, we just wrapped up the third annual show and to watch him become who he is now and to be a part of his incredible vision has inspired me to continue my work. Anytime my flame is extinguished, he’s there to re-ignite it.

Instagram: @bbrillynn

Other: Tik Tok: @bbrillynn

Image Credits
All photos are taken by me