Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Brewer.
Hi Diana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My dad always had professional cameras when I was growing up. I always had an interest in the cameras he was using, so he eventually bought me my first DSLR when I was in high school. I thought this was SO cool, I even joined my high school journalism class freshman year and became the photo editor. I knew I wasn’t the greatest writer, but I could provide my photography & photo editing skills (HA!)
In college, I studied Graphic Design at Cuesta College (a community college right next to California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly) – San Luis Obispo. I took photography classes during my undergrad education as I had this interest that I couldn’t let go of. I eventually transferred to San Francisco State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communications.
I started out photographing friends in college, which eventually led to those friends referring me to their friends that also wanted photos, and finally, I was asked to photograph my first wedding in 2017. While working on my undergrad projects, I would be juggling my photo gigs on the side. I began investing in photography workshops and mentorships to help me advance my photography business. My first mentorship was with Cassie Valente (a photographer based in San Francisco). I remember seeing her work and wanting to build the same successful business that she had. She had the cutest little studio in the Mission District that she invited me to and I really got to see what being a full-time photographer really looked like. That’s when I started to question which direction I really wanted to go with my career — graphic design or photography?
Right after graduating, I applied to an endless amount of jobs in the Bay Area, but I would keep getting turned down. I was starting to think maybe the corporate world just wasn’t a good fit for me in this time period in my life. I decided to get a warehouse studio that I could use for my photography business and freelance design jobs I was doing. I shared this space with one of my best friends and talented entrepreneur, Jackie Fernando. She owns a paint-your-own-pottery and glass fusion business (Create It Ceramics & Glass Studio).
Shortly after we moved in, the pandemic hit Weddings were completely on pause in California, and my small business was surely suffering, so I really had nothing to lean on. In July of 2020, my boyfriend (now fiance) Marco and I decided we wanted to start over new. My family lives in Austin, so we decided to venture here to try a different environment. Before moving I had searched endless hashtags of wedding photographers in Austin and realized there was an incredible community here that I could experience.
Moving to Austin, I needed to work immediately as I wasn’t able to get the same assistance I did as when I was in California. I ended up getting a retail job with Target and eventually moved up into a management position within a short few months of being with the big retail store. I knew I really wanted to start over with my photography business in Austin, but I needed a stable job to do so.
The first person I reached out to after moving was Paige Vaughn, an amazingly talented wedding photographer based in Austin. She also photographs weddings in San Francisco, and we both had similar connections in California! She was asking for an assistant for a styled shoot she was doing at South Congress Hotel. I couldn’t WAIT to meet her and was so excited to gush about all of our San Francisco memories. Paige introduced me to SO many amazing photographers. I truly believe she is the one person who helped me blossom my business. I consider her one of my mentors and I am so so grateful to have such a positive, talented, and inspiration woman in my life!
In the fall of 2021, I realized I had grown my business enough to leave Target and go full-time with my business. This was truly the most scary, yet amazing thing to happen in my life! I went from busting my butt off working 40-50 hours a week to doing what I’ve always wanted to do. In the back of my mind, I always knew what I truly wanted, and that was to be a photographer. It took several times of being turned down for me to realize that my true calling was photography.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In 2005, I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety. I was in 4th grade and missed a ton of school because I became too afraid of the germy classrooms. I had a hand washing obsession that would dry my hands out so much they would crack open and bleed. I began going to intensive therapy twice a week at Stanford University Child Psychiatry (which played such a vital role in me being where I am today!) Over time my anxieties would change. I became more stable in high school but still had those small tendencies.
In college was when it got bad again. I ended up moving back home after my first year and went back to Stanford Hospital where they diagnosed me with depression. Sometimes being in a college environment isn’t what’s best for you. I started therapy again and decided to cut out alcohol. Alcohol affects antidepressants (which is what I was taking for my anxiety) and it was taking a toll on me. I’ve been sober for 8 years now!!!
Mental health and anxiety has always been a struggle for me, but I believe that becoming a photographer full time and doing what I love has helped me in the best way possible. It makes me excited for what’s to come in my future. It’s introduced me to my best friends in Austin and this amazing vendor community that I am in.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in wedding & engagement photos. I also do rehearsal dinners, private events, and family photos, however, weddings are my main deal.
I am most proud of being able to completely start over with my business in Austin and being successful enough to leave my full-time job.
I would say what sets me apart from others is my drive to work. Any time another photographer needs assistance or help with anything, I’m willing to come and help. I take on a large amount of weddings per year, some my own, and some I’m assisting other photographers. Working with others in this community has helped my business get to where it is, so I’m always willing to help out other photogs.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Kinda gave some background info on my struggles growing up, but I would say I always was a creative. I took journalism and music classes in high school. I was always involved in the arts and not so much in other subjects lol!
Contact Info:
- Website: dianabrewer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianabrewerphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianabrewerphotography
Image Credits
Personal photo – Paige Vaugh Photo https://paigevaughnphoto.com/ Additional photos – all photos taken by me
