Bree Bain is a Sydney-based natural light, lifestyle photographer. She is also an actor, a mother to two crazy, cute, energetic little boys and wife to a gorgeous Canadian man. She loves people and has a knack for making her clients feel very comfortable – the key ingredient in her special recipe for taking photos that are natural, organic and genuine. We spoke to Bree about her business Beautiful Little Things Photography to learn more about how she got started.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
My passion for newborn photography started when my sister had kids. She’s 10 years older than me and she has three little girls, so I had a lot of practice taking photos of them. My sister would rave about my photos and kept encouraging me to pursue it further but I was an actor at the time and that was my focus. It wasn’t until I had my own kids that I decided to start a business. It just made so much sense to me. It allowed me to look after my babies during the day and go out and shoot families on the weekends.
The Launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I started a Facebook page, made a simple website and started to shoot friends and friends of friends for very minimal cost to get more experience. The first newborn shoot I did was posed in a basket and I found it so awkward and unnatural! Then I did some more research and I discovered lifestyle photography and instantly fell in love. The documentary approach really spoke to my artistic soul. I was inspired by the idea of capturing an authentic, genuine moments between a family and being able to play with different light and angles, producing something interesting and creative at the same time.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
After years of practicing shooting in between having my two boys, I gradually discovered my voice as an artist and that was exciting. Editing was a big part of my discovery. I was drawn to a moody editing style with rich, contrasty colours. I found presets that fit this style and tweaked them. I think finding your own unique voice as an artist can be the most confusing and challenging idea. There are so many people doing this and it’s easy to get lost and discouraged. I’m still on this journey, and I strive to be more and more creative.
The documentary approach really spoke to my artistic soul. I was inspired by the idea of capturing an authentic, genuine moments between a family and being able to play with different light and angles, producing something interesting and creative at the same time.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
It’s been very challenging! I’m very lucky to have a mother who is always around to babysit and a very supportive husband who is also a small business owner and doesn’t always work conventional hours, but having two boys, two years apart, while trying to start a business was one of the hardest things I’ve done. I experienced a lot of frustration, but I just had to keep telling myself that it will get easier and my business will eventually grow. My youngest starts school next week and for the first time in seven years I am going to have five days a week to focus on my business. It happens. Eventually!
