talent show: brisaela arredondo
photographer, creative director, & style icon
This is the first in an interview series I’ve named Talent Show—a nod to youthful expression of our hobbies and passions. This iteration is a space to uplift the unique talents and careers of the women I admire.
Brisaela (known familiarly as Brizzy) is a photographer and creative director based in Louisville, Kentucky. She grew up a theatre kid in the High Desert in California and moved across the country almost eight years ago. Now, on the cusp of 30 years old, she’s a thriving full-time creative and co-owner of a photography business. She also happens to be one of my best friends. Here is a glimpse into her vibrant career and lifestyle.
What was the first picture you remember taking and thinking, “I’m good at this, and I could really do this” ?
BA: My imposter syndrome is real. I didn't feel this way until a few weddings into my career…it was actually during one of my best friend's weddings. I captured a photo that received sooo much attention, and the wedding eventually ended up featured overseas in Rock N Roll Bride Magazine, a London-based wedding publication. I still pinch myself. That was back in 2019.
What was your initial inspiration in pursuing photography?
BA: It was super instinctual for me. I had always been in love with photography and never thought about pursuing it professionally as to not take away from the "magic" of the innocence of it all...but one day, I had a few pals ask me if they could pay me to capture their engagement photos, and it hit me, there, in the golden hour, as they ran around an abandoned train station...that I could maybe make a career out of a true passion of mine.
When do you feel most inspired?
BA: When I am outside and the sun is shining on my bare face or I am having the silliest, most obnoxious giggle fit because my pals and I have lost ourselves in each other's presence. I have always been sensitive to my senses and it is when they're stimulated in really intentional, beautiful ways that I find myself more inclined to create...exist...take up space. A certain smell or someone accidentally brushing my shoulder could inspire me.
What are your favorite kinds of images to create?
BA: Hazy, in-the-moment images. I love capturing blurry, "Kodak" photos...you know, the ones that only exist inside the photo albums of our parents’ top shelf closet space. I often have to create prompts for the people I photograph, and it's the moments in between as they muster up the courage with giggle fits or silly movements that really do it for me.
What is the most important part of a shoot to you?
BA: Connecting with my subjects...whether I am photographing people (which is my primary focus) or photographing products. I make it a priority to get to know my subjects in a way that'll let me understand their quirks and nuances. Everyone is so different, and no one person photographs the same way. I want to be sure everyone feels comfortable and confident and genuinely enjoys themselves. Otherwise, that just all translates on image, and let me tell ya...that won't be a good photo.
What has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?
BA: Meeting all of the people I've met so far...getting to travel to so many different cities in the country...I've met some of my closest friends through photography, and I can't even imagine what life would look like otherwise. I also get to work with my best friend. Owning a business with someone who gets me is so wonderful.
What is your favorite aspect of a photo to play with (light, color, styling, etc.)?
BA: Omg, light! Always always light. It starts with light for me and then I can play with colors and styling. If the light is right...I feel pretty unstoppable.
What part of your girlhood do you feel influences your photography the most?
BA: My older sister gave me my first camera. It was a baby pink Canon Point and Shoot. I was ten and my world changed as we know it...I mean, just completely shifted the trajectory. I was photographing everything! Literally couldn't put that thing down, and I had no idea what that meant then...but now, it's so clear, I was always a romantic.
I fall in love so poignantly with everything and everyone and just want all those feelings to burst to life in photographs. Images let me immortalize moments in time that no longer exist.
What was it like growing up in the High Desert?
BA: Not easy but gratifying. Growing up in the High Desert felt embarrassing for the majority of my adolescence. The goal for everyone was to escape it as soon as they graduated high school or they were considered "Desert Rats." You can imagine my defeat when I didn't get to escape it so easily in my early adult years. But there was a magic...a peace...an appreciation that could only come from growing up in the desert.
I didn't let myself feel it until I had no choice but to stick around longer than I wanted. When I gave into my reality, I fell in love. I opened myself up to its community and simplicity and was met with warmth, gratitude, love, grace...now I only have pride when I think about the High Desert. My parents recently moved out of it and I'm truly sad because it really did become home. It is a place that seasoned some of the best parts of who I am at my core.
Do you feel like your artistic style changed when you moved across the country?
BA: Honestly, no? More so…evolved. There's more fluidity to it now that I have a better understanding of who I am and, well, how to work the camera properly. I felt limited in California, even surrounded by all of its beautiful and saturated landscape. And now, in Kentucky, a landscape with limits—I am pushed to break boundaries and tradition, so my art finally feels free. What once was just a desert is now a kaleidoscope of two worlds I love so much.
You have an exceptional ability to bring out and capture pure emotion in people, and it is very apparent that your clients are comfortable with you. Which of your qualities do you think allows you to foster such a safe, creative space during shoots?
BA: First of all, I love you. Thank you. This is the kindest and most thoughtful compliment anyone has ever given me. I genuinely believe it's because I am vulnerable with people immediately. Not in the 'let me spill all my guts out before our photo-shoot' typa way. But I don't take myself seriously? I look you in the eye and ask you about your day and genuinely want to know about it. So many photographers are stoic and closed off—I physically cannot be that way. I stomp around like a giant and laugh with my entire body.
I also compliment the sh*t out of my clients; I am your biggest fan and cheerleader for the foreseeable future!!! I have learned from experience that energy a person gives off often has the power to command a room and set the tone. I really like to set the tone with silliness, hype, and champagne bubbles coming out of my ears.
What would you tell your younger self about pursuing art?
BA: Don't take yourself too seriously; you're allowed to have fun and you're allowed to rest. Creativity requires pause and reflection—mass production and busy schedules don't necessarily equate success.
What are your Big Three, and do you feel they are connected to your ability as a creative?
BA: Taurus Sun, Leo Moon, Leo Rising. Astrology can obviously feel very generalized, but I like to have fun with it and love finding connections. As a Taurus/double Leo, I have never felt more seen, truly. LOL. My Taurus grounds me and gives me an appreciation for stillness, sense and simplicity, while my Leo loves to spoil, lavish and bring in wow-factor. I couldn't imagine my art without both ends of the coin!
What is a song, album, artist or playlist that sounds how your photography feels/looks?
BA: Ahhh!!! I love this question but it makes me want to poo my pants because how do I choose??!! Thankfully for you, I have a playlist called "May feels a little like..." and I think that'll give you some insight.
If you want more Brizzy, you can follow her personal Instagram and TikTok.
You can check out Brizzy Rose & Emma here.
Thanks for reading <3