Finding a great wedding photographer is so important. You want your day to be captured exactly how you remember it without a single detail missed. Brio Art Photography is a Minnesota-based photography company that focuses on the sweet, candid moments of your wedding day.
We talked to the owner, Katie, about how she got her start in the business, why she loves capturing weddings, and her awesome home renovation gig when she’s not taking photos.
Q: Let’s get to it. What’s your business’ specialty?
A: Editorial Wedding & Engagement Photography. Focusing on authentic moments & adventurous couples.
Q: Where can we find you?
A: We are based out of Minnesota and have a studio in Hopkins. However, we travel worldwide to wherever the celebration takes place. I, Katie, was in Amsterdam, Texas, Florida, and California last year alone. Nichole, our associate photographer, will be traveling to England this fall and Germany next spring.
Q: Tell us when and how your business began.
A: I started my business full time 11 years ago. Unlike the crowd of ‘self-taught’ photographers, I pride myself in the years of education I received to create the photography studio today I have today. I didn’t want to be 1 out of a million photographers. I wanted to be 1 in a million. My artwork is my life; I eat, breathe, and sleep it, and I have since age 14. LOL
Q: What makes your company unique from others?
A: We focus on true moments, and help our clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. We feel that if you are having fun taking photos, you will love them that much more. While you make memories, we make artwork. Our clients aren’t a number to us, in some cases they become our very best friends!
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: LOL it’s been full-time weddings for 12 years. I think by this time in most people’s lives they have had 2-3 jobs and changed careers twice. I am very thankful every day for what I do and how my work affects my clients’ lives.
Technology is always changing, which I love. Newer and faster ways to edit and more awesome cameras and lenses. What’s fun is to see how each artist uses these same technologies and creates massively different artwork.
Q: Walk us through your average day.
A: Traveling keeps me inspired, ripping down a wall keeps me in shape and a glass of wine … keeps me happy. Pretty much me in a nutshell. I love Pilates, and only run when I’m being chased. I could eat pizza and drink prosecco for the rest of my life if I had to. My hobbies include traveling and renovating old homes.
Q: What would you want couples searching for a wedding photographer to know?
A: Choosing your wedding photographer is about finding the art style you love and connecting with the artist personally. While budgets can be important, our clients rank photography as their #1 priority when planning their wedding.
Q: How far in advance should a couple book with you?
A: We recommend a comfortable time period to book your #1 choice wedding photographer which is 12-18 months in advance. We can always accommodate shorter bookings, but our schedule is much more limited.
Q: What’s hot in wedding photography and videography right now?
A: Brio Art Photography does not follow the ‘hot’ trends that come and go in photography editing. The latest trend is dark/moody editing, I’d hate to have my client look back in 10 years and think ‘wtf’ was I thinking LOL. Clean, colorful, and authentic is our jam.
That being said, something new we are doing—which I LOVE— is fun behind the scene’s videos from our couples’ engagement shoots. They are an absolute hit!
Q: Describe your photography style.
A: Clean, colorful and authentic is our jam
Q: Do you ever travel to shoot weddings? If so, what has been your favorite destination so far?
A: Yes, both Nichole and I have been all around the world. Last year I photographed a big wedding in Amsterdam, in a castle, surrounded by a mote. (WHAT?!) It was such an amazing experience; a Dutch & German-infused wedding. My other favorite destination wedding was an elopement on the cliffs of Big Sur California. Just them and the Redwood forest, plus me taking photos.
Q: What are your hobbies and passions when you’re not behind the camera?
A: My hobbies include traveling and renovating old homes. I’ve traveled to more places than I can count, and my wish list is never-ending. I love trying new food and experiencing different cultures. I also enjoy home renovations. I’ve flipped 4 houses, 90% done all by myself. Walking into a space and seeing its potential is awesome.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?
A: My husband has me hooked on Joe Rogan
Q: Who’s your most played artist on your streaming service?
A: I love music but can’t name a band to save my life.
Q: Heels or flats?
A: I own way too many of both!
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Both, absolutely! I mix both in every year. You definitely need your downtime sitting on the beach letting your mind go blank. My next adventure bucket list is Banff National Park. I can’t wait to see the crystal blue water in the mountains.
Q: Go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?
A: Left Bank Martini or Prosecco
Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: It’s funny, but a photographer, architect, or disease research scientist. I’m a left-brainer—math and science.
Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?
A: I order savory and make my husband order sweet so I can get both lol. Because why not? Hello, it’s brunch!
Q: Go-to comfort food?
A: Pizza pizza pizza
Q: Duck Duck Grey Duck or Duck Duck Goose?
A: Grey Duck
If you love Brio Art Photography‘s incredible style, give this wedding photographer a ring at 612-702-6063 or reach out to her via email at [email protected].
