4 in 24 on Film with Briana Morrison

I’m pleased to welcome Briana Morrison as our guest today. I was lucky enough to meet Briana last year at the Instant Love Polaroid retreat in Marrakesh Morocco. Since then we’ve kept in contact and I’ve been so fortunate to watch her grow her business and her artistic talent over the year. I asked Briana to share 4 images taken in a 24 hour period. – d

A couple months ago I took a road trip up to Portland, Oregon.  It was my first time visiting the city and I was excited to do a photography session there. I knew I wanted to do a vintage inspired boudoir session so I asked my dear friend Jade Sheldon-Burnsed if she would model.  Once she agreed I started to collect vintage lingerie from local antique shops and searched for locations online. I found this adorable little house in SE Portland, complete with vintage furniture, original art, succulents, and loving kitties.  It was perfect! Once there, the creative muse within hit hard and I wasn’t able to put my cameras down until hunger got the best of me 3 hours later.

The shoot came together perfectly!  I couldn’t have asked for a better session.  Isn’t it wonderful when the photographs turn out even better than the images in your head?  I think so.

 Polaroid boudoir portrait of Jade Sheldon-Burnsed by Portland boudoir photographer Briana Morrison

What film cameras do you shoot with? Do you have a favourite?

Every camera has its own personality and each one requires me to think about the way I shoot just a little bit differently.  Because of this, I tend to shoot with a large variety of cameras, which one I use is determined by my subject, mood, and shooting style. Currently I’m in love with my Polaroid Land Camera 180, Mamiya RZ67, and Minolta X-570.

Polaroid portrait of a black cat with a crazy name by Briana Morrison

What do you love most about film photography?

I use a digital camera a lot for my professional work and after a while photography started to get boring. With digital photography there are no happy accidents and absolutely no risk when you engage your shutter.  It took me a while to realize that it wasn’t photography that got boring, it was just the way I was shooting.

I went out and purchased a new to me, fully manual, 35mm camera at the local Salvation Army and grabbed some cheap Fuji film from Target in order to get my creative juices flowing again.From there, I fell down the film photography rabbit hole and am in a near constant state of inspiration overload.

I missed the risk.  With film photography you have to think before you engage your shutter.  Film isn’t cheap so it forces me to plan my shot before burning the image onto film. I also missed the mystery.  Happy accidents are part of what makes film photography so special.  Instead of using actions to add light leaks to my images, I carefully open the back of my camera, just a crack.  I take double exposures, and test new films constantly.  And then I wait.  Sometimes for a couple weeks and sometimes for months at a time.  The day my film returns from the lab is better than Christmas morning.

Living room of the Portland artist house – A Polaroid by Briana Morrison

What inspires you?

Whether I’m styling a fashion shoot or boudoir session, I draw a great deal of inspiration from wardrobe and location. Often, I’ll take a look at my subject to determine their style and choose a wardrobe that suits their unique characteristics and body type.  From there I will find a location that pulls the whole look together. It can also work in reverse if I find a location I absolutely love.  I’ll keep the destination tucked away in my mind until I find the perfect person to photograph there.

In the end, it’s not just about taking a pretty picture, it’s about telling a story.  When it all comes together I disconnect from the outside world and focus all my energy on creating a work of art.  It’s the best feeling in the world.

A window still life in the Portland artist house – A Polaroid by Briana Morrison

Any last thoughts for our Mortal Muses community?

If there is one thing you take with you as you go about your day let it be this:
Do what you love as often as possible.  Dream big… and act on those dreams.  Don’t be afraid to take risks.

Briana is a fine art wedding, boudoir, and fashion photographer soon to be based out of Portland, OR.  She has a love for lush succulents, raw gems, and all things vintage.  When she’s not out photographing beautiful people, you can find her at home cuddling with her kitties and catching up with her favorite blogs.  Briana keeps her own blog at BrianaMorrison.com and you can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Thanks so much Briana for sharing your thoughts and your photos with us today!

Debra ~ Manifeisty