Meet Savanna Brown | Owner & Lead Photographer of Savanna Kaye

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

Hi Savanna, what inspires you?
Simply put, I’m inspired by people.

I’m inspired by the stories that make them who they are.

I’m inspired by the vulnerability and courage it takes to step in front of a camera and invite another person in.

I’m inspired by people’s growth. Their failures. The quirky things that make them “them” — someone maybe not too different than you.

I’m inspired by the power and ability we have to translate the aforementioned through a single photo.

Photographing people for a living is a gift because it gives me such a personal lens into the lives of other people. It’s a weighty & beautiful thing. I’m fully convinced that the honor of holding a camera in my hand for someone’s most memorable (and sometimes very ordinary) moments has fostered a softness & empathy in my own heart that wouldn’t be there otherwise.

And for that, I am grateful.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’d like to think that something that sets me apart from other creatives in my field is the integration of my personal self/life into my business. You’re gonna get the same “Sav” photographing your wedding that you would get on a random game night with friends. Instead of hiding the parts of me that a typical 9-5 would find taboo, I fling the door wide open and invite others in… i.e. my faith, family, hobbies, etc. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to hiring someone to document a special moment in my life, I want a friend to do-so. Hence, allowing myself and business to translate as approachable, inviting, and friend-fostering is the goal.

In regards to my journey of growing a photography business — I’m just grateful. I’m grateful for where life has taken me (and my business) over the years. The ups and downs of it all have enriched my understanding of true, gritty growth and multiplication. And I believe it’s the awareness of these “ups and downs” that cultivates a humility that continues to invite success (in whatever form that might look like). Failure is apart of any and every story. And without it, we would be robbed of the gift of perseverance. The tenacity it takes to hold tight to a vision and mission is one that doesn’t come cheap. But it is always worth it… in all areas of life.

Personally, I believe that 2022 holds a lot of exciting and new things for my business (if it looks at all like my last year). I’m honored and proud to share that in 2021, my work was nationally published in 3 different editions of Magnolia Journal — a magazine that I’ve loved for a long time. I also experienced deep joy and purpose in documenting the stories of many non-profits and the people that make up those spaces. And then of course, the curve ball that COVID threw at the wedding industry kept me incredibly occupied in the wedding world with my sweet couples. So with all of that said, I am believing for more doors to open as we enter into the new year of new possibilities!

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.
Oh, I love this question! Atlanta is full of so many gems, and the little neighborhoods around the city are all so diverse and fun.

We’d probably start with a little walk in VaHi (admiring all the beautiful houses) and grab a sausage + pimento cheese biscuit from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. From there, we’d hop on some bikes and travel the Beltline to Ponce City Market. Once we’ve hit our shopping quota, we’d get back on the Beltline and hit up Ladybird (and hopefully run into some other friends that are hanging out for the afternoon). If we’re not too tired at that point, we’d continue on our way to Kroger Street Market and maybe grab an ice cream from Jeni’s.

For a fun night, I’d take my friends to dinner at Superica (or Little Rey if the waitlist for Superica is unbearable). After dinner, we would head to The Painted Pin for a fun night of bowling and games.

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?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love, celebration, and time of my family, friends, and the local church (specifically Dwelling Place Church, located in Woodstock, GA). My tribe has continually (metaphorically) held a crown over my head and called me upward.

Website: savannakaye.com

Instagram: savkbrown

Linkedin: savanna-brown

Facebook: savannakayephoto