Meet Whitney Brewer | Emotional Branding Photographer

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

Hi Whitney, what makes you happy? Why?
Following my heart unapologetically without shame or guilt & knowing, deep down, that what I want matters. I am, in turn, inspiring others to do the same just by being myself. I have inspired a lot of my friends to take the leap into entrepreneurship and witnessing them succeed brings me so much joy. There is so much freedom in being your own boss and THAT lights me up.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I went to THE Ohio State University at first to study medicine. Hit organic chemistry and realized this was a BIGGGG mistake, so I changed my major to art, lol.

Cue the sarcasm: My parents were SO proud…

I fell in love with the art of photography. The shooting, the developing, the printing, coming up with new concepts, exploring my new city, meeting new people – it all brought me so much joy.

This was the easy part.

Then I started getting into my more advanced photography courses in which we had a prof who was known for grading you based on the number of clothing articles you were wearing.

So I tested it. Sure as shit, what I was hearing/experiencing was true.

An A+ for nudity.

A C- for clothes.

I pushed through anyways. I got uncomfortable. The shit got messy, and weird.

And through hundreds of class critiques, I learned that I was the only one that was going to unconditionally love myself. My classmates weren’t going to do it for me. Neither was my professor.

I learned how to love seeing my body in front of the lens. I learned to celebrate myself by documenting the changes my body went through in my 4 years of college. I ultimately learned self-love!

As Theodore Roosevelt says “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.” So no, this journey has not been easy, but incredibly rewarding.

I want you to know that you are safe to love yourself just as you are. There is nothing you need to do, there is no one else you need to be. You are perfectly imperfect and THAT is worth celebrating.

and I provide that space for celebrating through photography!

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.
In Columbus?! It’s abundant! I could write a novel about all the places I’d go.

But the first one that comes to mind is The Thurman Cafe. It’s my go-to dive bar that feels just like home to me! Good, yummy food and always great service. They’re like family to me!

The Columbus Metropark system is a vibeeeeee! Hands down would go hiking!

My home! I love my new space and am excited to share it with the people I love.

German Village – anything and everything about it is special to me and there’s always something to do!

…and the list goes on

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, man. This one is gonna make me cry.

Sheesh!

There are too many to choose just one…

So I’ll shout them all out!

Josh Brewer, my cousin and one of my best friends. He has been an entrepreneur ever since we’ve been old enough to work. He now owns a music venue in our hometown and has a passion for being his own boss…and has inspired me to keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when the going gets tough.

My dad, Bruce. For showing me that even after losing everything, you can still have everything. Bruce is a pillar of light, love, and dedication, and a really great reminder that there is so much joy in serving people. It’s not always about the money.

Cassie Bodnar, my dear, dear friend in Piqua, OH. Cassie has poured into me like I pour into others and MAN is that refreshing! She has impacted me in more ways than one & I am deeply inspired by her and always take her advice to heart. Cassie has given me the tough love I needed in my business & life and I’m forever grateful for her big heart and love.

Lastly, Jason McCreedy, my former/late partner. Jason believed in me & my photography dreams to the point he invested in my small business. One time, he left me a $100 tip when I was serving tables, and on the back of the receipt read “GO TAKE PHOTOS.” He will never know that this was the catalyst for it all. I love you, J!

For ALL of my friends and family that have hired me, invested in me, believed in me, and worked with me. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here today and I’m REALLY glad I am.

Website: www.whitneybrewer.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/whitneybrewer_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneymbrewer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitneybrewerphoto