Brittney Kluse is a stylized lifestyle portrait photographer specializing in natural light photography that brings out the fresh, fun, and colorful side of life. Brittney’s contemporary and candid style mixed with her signature bold and colorful imagery, set her apart in the industry. She has published articles and interviews in numerous blogs and magazines and is frequently sought out for online or in-person mentoring from photographers around the country.
Brittney, what camera do you use and what is your favorite lens?
Nikon D700 and my fav lens is the 85mm 1.4!
What has been the most helpful critique you ever got on an image?
Don’t tilt the camera! I know it feels “artsy,” but if done too much, it can look like people are falling out of the photograph! You don’t want a child to look like they’re ready to tumble down a hill, do ya?! 
What 3 words would you use to describe your style?
colorful, fresh, fun
Where do you pull your inspiration from?
I love looking through magazines to see what hot colors are in for that season, then look for great outdoor locations to compliment the colors in the outfit!
What is one specific way that you balance work and family?
Set shooting days and office hours! I have office hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am – 1pm. This is my time to do e-mail, edit, meet with clients, return photo calls, and take care of business matters. I hold photo shoots on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings (2 hours before sunset). This ensures I balance my family time AND always have weekends off!
Best biz/photo advice?
Work with what you’ve got! I shot for the fist two years of my business with a Canon Rebel and 50mm 1.8. If you know how to work your equipment in the right way, you can still take some killer shots without having to fork out all the money for top-grade equipment all at once!
What have you learned the hard way?
Don’t make exceptions on your prices. For better or worse, your prices are what they are. The second you start tweaking a pacakge price for someone, or trying to give another person a good deal, or throwing in an extra 11×14 … the word spreads like wildfire. Then before long, you can’t figure out who you gave what discount too or what price they had last time. Post your prices in ONE spot and leave them alone. They are what they are. You’re not a flea market with a “willing to barter” sign hanging off your camera! You wouldn’t try and negotiate with Target on the price of their toothpaste would you? So don’t let people try and negotiate with you!
How does your business deal with the rise in photographers. What have you done to standout and compete?
In any kind of market there are tens, if not hundreds, of others doing what you do. The Tri-Cities community is home to a fast-growing number of photographers and the key to setting yourself apart in the market is having a unique style and value offering. The secret to developing a sought after style is to give yourself the time to create the perfect fit for you and your target market. I now offer mentoring to photographers across the country AND have been partnering with great photography organizations, like Seniorologie, on cool projects that set me apart from the rest!
Where have most of your 2012 clients come from (besides WOM)?
Facebook, baby!!
What has been the best workshop or convention you’ve attended so far?
WPPI in Las Vegas
What is your most popular product?
My gallery wrapped canvas
Learn more about how Brittney Kluse quit her day job in the forum here!
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Want Brittney Kluse of Briitney Kluse Photography to critique your images? Unfortunately, its sold out but you can sign up for a 4-week Chic Peek HERE!
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January 27, 2013 at 4:10 pm