Today we’d like to introduce you to Brio Cooney
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
If we’ve ever met, there are a few things you know about me: I’m a native Austinite, I’ve eaten queso at every joint in Austin, have really big hair, and an unwavering love of photography. My journey began during a gap year in Jamaica, where a less-than-successful experiment with 100 rolls of film ignited a fire in me. This led me to pursue a degree in photographic technology and, in 2002, to open Brio Photography Inc. Today, it stands as Austin’s longest-running and only full-service studio, boasting a talented team of photographers and videographers who serve a diverse clientele, from businesses, advertising and marketing agencies to weddings and family portraits. The mission of my studio is to create stunning photos and videos and memorable experiences in the process.
I’m married to a talkative Irishman, and we have four rambunctious children.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Making a living as an artist is not an easy road. It’s been fun, but being nimble and adaptive to the market is crucial. I remember selling plasma a few times back in the early days just to make ends meet. That was definitely a low point! Another time my husband asked if I just wanted to just quit and get a 9-5 job, but there’s just no way I could do that. Another time while in Kenya shooting for my non-profit I had all of my photography equipment stolen. That was a huge blow and insurance only covered about 10% of the loss. Fortunately I was downloading my images every night so I only lost one day of work.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We’re the longest running and only full-service studio in Austin. No matter who we’re working with, whether it’s a NYC ad agency, local small business owner, bride to be or a young family our team is dedicated to creating stunning photography and videography while making the experience fun and memorable.
I’m the founder and lead photographer, but my team of dedicated photographers is what sets up apart. There’s not much we can’t do.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has opened a few windows for me, but they’ve always been on the 3rd floor. I feel so blessed to have a studio next to my home which I bought when I was 25. I didn’t have a realtor and it was a long and arduous process of driving around Austin looking for sale signs and making offers most of which were rejected. This little gem in the heart of central Austin allowed me to keep my overhead low while getting my business off the ground.
Pricing:
- Average wedding package is $4500
- Event photo/videography starts at $750
- Headshots start at $300
- Commercial day rate starts at $10,000
- Family Portraits start at $450
Contact Info:
- Website: https://briophotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briophoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/search/groups_home/?q=photographers%20%26%20videographers%20austin%20texas
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brio-cooney/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brio-photography-austin?osq=brio+photography&override_cta=Request+information
- Other: https://brioweddings.com/
Image Credits
The photo of me should be credited to Felicia Reed. All other photos are credit to Brio Photography
