Food Blogger Britney Brown Captures Stunning Photos With This Camera
It is often those random moments that inspire our greatest ideas. Such was the case with Britney Brown, whose website Britney Breaks Bread is the home base for all of her delicious recipes. There is something for every part of the day; from breakfast blueberry muffins to homemade Snickers bars for dessert. And all of them are captured in breathtaking photography that literally looks good enough to eat.
Ahead, the SHE Media Partner Network member reveals the equipment she uses to capture such stunning food shots, what guides her publishing cadence, and much more.
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What inspired the creation of Britney Breaks Bread?
Britney Breaks Bread started on a whim! I had recently begun working from home and found myself needing something to occupy my time; something that I actually enjoyed and was passionate about. I had been cooking on my personal Instagram account for quite some time and so many people would reach out to me asking me where I got my recipes and I’d say, “Well, it’s my recipe, I made it up!” So, I was literally sitting on my couch, and “Britney Breaks Bread” popped into my head.
My grandfather’s initials were “BBB” and I wanted to think of something that kept the same theme, so Britney Breaks Bread made so much sense at that moment. I took it as a sign. Shortly after, I made an Instagram and a WordPress account and it was all history from there!
How do you decide on which recipes to share?
I love using seasonal ingredients and developing recipes that are festive and on par with the season. When there isn’t much going on, I stick to family recipes like quick weeknight meals, fun finger foods, snacks, and yummy baked goods. Admittedly, I have a strong affinity for baking, but I’ve begun branching out and expanding my recipes to include more variety when it comes to cooking because I want my blog to be a one-stop-shop for all of your cooking needs.
When it comes to deciding what to publish, I’m guided by my own palate and the things that I like to share with my loved ones. I have found that relatable recipes have been the recipes that perform the best, especially those that have been passed down from my parents/grandparents, etc. So, when I develop a recipe inspired by something that I ate growing up or simply something that I whipped up and fell in love with, I share it on my blog!
What are the biggest business lessons you learned in 2020?
I learned so much in 2020! I really began taking a vested interest in my photography and SEO. I also learned the food blogger community is vast and so supportive. While 2020 was a year that I think that none of us could have ever predicted, a year marked with a lot of changes and unknowns, I’m so grateful for my blog because it gave me an outlet to express myself during this difficult time.
It provided me with a safe haven when the world became too much to understand. This business has provided so much opportunity for me and has taught me that a traditional 9-to-5 isn’t the only way to make money. I receive so much gratification and satisfaction working for myself. The hours are long, the nights are late and the mornings are early but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
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Your food photography is incredible! What camera equipment do you use?
I currently use a Canon 5D Mark IV. I typically use a bounce board, light diffuser (if needed) as well as my nifty fifty 50mm lens. I started out on a Canon Rebel t6i and learned the basics with the camera and upgraded in December to my current camera. I think that I’m a Canon girl for life!
I style each recipe with props that I’ve collected over the years from West Elm, World Market, Food 52, CB2, Etsy, and my favorite – Anthropologie. I also use backdrops from Erickson and Poppy Bee Surfaces. Right now, those are my favorite companies for backdrops because they’re of such high quality. Food photography can be super messy, so having equipment that’s easy to clean is critical.
To edit my photos, I use Lightroom and for videos, I’m still using my phone. I would like to begin using my camera for video but I’m a bit intimidated. I’ll get there eventually!
How do you connect with your audience?
I try to make everyone feel like we’re friends/family. I take a vested interest in trying to respond to everyone as much as I can because if you took time out of your day to tell me something uplifting or that you loved a recipe, the least that I can do is say thank you. It truly means the world to me to have the support of so many people.
I remember when I reached 50 followers on Instagram, I thought, “wow, 50 people want to see my food??” To now have over 19k people who send their love and support daily is just so overwhelming in the most positive way. So, I do my best to make sure that when someone makes my recipes that I repost them and I ask them if they enjoyed it, etc.
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