Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Van Beek.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Throughout eight years, my business has evolved from Toxic Lace Photography to Boudoir by Brittany Van Beek to now Brittany Van Beek Photography. I think I rebrand to much, but it’s okay. A little background about myself is that I have been in the photography industry for eight years, and the Boudoir Industry for four. From the start of my photography journey, I have always wanted to create something new, bold, and creative. Starting out, I photographed families, children, maternity and weddings while attending the Art Institute of Houston. I found photography in high school, chose to go to school for it and then, I just kept growing from there while finding new ways to learn anything I could. Throughout the years, I found Boudoir and you could say my life changed. I never thought I would be where I am now, over the years, I learned and grew so much and met so many amazing people I thought holy bananas this industry is amazing as are the people. The community is so welcoming and creative in so many different aspects. My love for Boudoir continued to grow, I started planning styled shoots and worked with various magazines for publication opportunities. Now, don’t get me wrong, I was turned down by many because I didn’t fit their “vibe” but that didn’t stop me at all and from there, received over 20 different publications and then some.
After some time, I said, you know what? I’ll create my own magazine and so last year on January 8, 2018, I started Boudoir Culture Magazine. Now this magazine is not like the others. This magazine is solely geared for photographers in the boudoir industry. A place where all styles and vibes are welcome and accepted. At this time I have five Issues out and working on the next two for this year. It has been one amazing journey in just over a year. I grew from ten followers to 5600+ in just 1 year, actually, less than 1 year and the number keeps rising, the appreciation keeps rising, and the growth not only for myself and business but for those apart of each Issue grows. Every Issue is special to me. Every Issue is meant for a specific reason, whether that reason is to get to know other creatives in the industry with a Photographer Spotlight Issue or just to focus on a specific style of work like outdoor or indoor. It is something that everyone can relate to and be a part of, and in this Industry that’s hard to find. Community over Competition, right?
Now, photography to me is an expansion of who I am, what my mind creates, and the vibes that are different from the rest. I take pride in knowing that I’m different, that I shoot differently, that I photograph differently, and that I inspire others differently. After four years in Photography, I started to host mentorships; small one on one workshop’s and as well as attending other workshop and mentorship opportunities for myself to grow. My photography is by far pigeonholed. It is a blank canvas that is constantly being worked on and created each session. I never tell myself to stick with one style and or one category of photography. Where my soul takes me, my camera shall follow. Boudoir, in general, is what I call my “Jimmy Jam.” It is, to me, the best way to express who you are not by what you wear, but by the skin, you’re in. It’s a way to break out of stupid stigmas, and expectations from what the world wants you to see or believe and well, hide or try and hide. Boudoir isn’t porn, it’s not something women and or men do to show off the goods. But hey, if they find confidence in that, more power to, yeah. I know I post my own boudoir work. I love sharing me, I love loving me, I love being confident enough to say, “This is me, accept it or walk away from it.”
In the near future, I see myself “leveling up” now, for those that know me, know I LOVE new projects, new work, new styled shoots, and anything that gets me falling in love with photography even more. I look forward to what the future holds for me and my photography business and magazine. A few words of advice for those in this industry looking to jump into this constantly evolving industry: #1 find your vibe #2 find your own jimmy jam and evolve #3 educate yourself in as many ways as you can #4 stay authentic and #5 never underestimate yourself.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey in this photography industry has been interesting. I struggled with feeling accepted, valued and wanted. I constantly challenged myself to be different and create differently than those around me. I had amazing support even from the beginning, but with this industry being so big at times, it can be hard to feel wanted and supported even with other creatives in the community. Some advice I heard and would advise other creatives branching out to this Industry would be to just do what makes you happy, set your own style and create what you feel is right. Don’t let anyone else tell you what you should do, do what you think is right. At times, taking advice from educators is always a good idea but sometimes it’s hard to take advice from those who are not in this industry. There are so many people who make this industry happen, from hair artists to makeup artists, florists, stylist, etc. It can be pretty overwhelming but rewarding to be able to work with others who have that same desire and creativeness that you have and or are looking to gain. Never stop educating yourself and never stop believing in yourself!
What should we know about Brittany Van Beek Photography? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in Boudoir + Beauty. I solely specialize in Boudoir but at times I will photograph elopements and small weddings. As far as I know, I’m known for my Boudoir Work and creativity to take any setting and create something unique and different no matter what. I am most proud of staying true to my passion and vibe through Boudoir. I pride myself in knowing that I’m different and eclectic in this field. I’m not sure what sets me apart specifically but I had to list at least one thing, I think it would be for the eye behind my shoots, the way I am able to portray something so different and out there yet be able to make it classy, sassy with a little edge added.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brittanyvanbeekphotography.com
- Phone: 9365259573
- Email: brittanyvanbeek@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/brittanyvanbeekphotog www.instagram.com/boudoirculturemagazine
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/brittanyvanbeekphotog www.facebook.com/boudoirculturemagazine
Image Credit:
@vauxdevil, @jalynjade, @everafterglam, @slayvinsharp, @brittanyvanbeekphotog, @samsamartistry, @hannahhazelhoff
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