Please join me in congratulating Andrea Brandt on becoming an Unraveled Expert Artist!

Andrea Brandt is the owner of Lume Photography, an elopement, wedding, and couples photographer based on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan. With a passion for art and storytelling, Andrea has been capturing moments of love and adventure around the world for the past 12 years. Her creative and magical photographs bring beauty and emotion to each story.

Andrea resides in the historic village of Laurium, with her family, pets, and at least one (friendly) ghost. She is strongly connected to nature, enjoying walks and adventures in search of wonderous & wild places. When not behind the camera or computer, you can find her out in the woods foraging, relaxing by the lake, or coaching other photographers.

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Here is Andrea, Unraveled…

What inspires your art?

I'm inspired by nature, relationships, and moments of beauty. I love exploring the world around me and observing everything. Maybe I'm a little weird, but small things that most people don't notice captivate me. I feel that life is truly magical, and the opportunity to live and love is an amazing gift!

What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens?

Lately, I'm loving the Sony a7iii. My current favorite lens is the Sony 35mm f1.4 GM lens, That's what I use most of the time, but the 85mm GM lens I love, too.

What other ways do you express your creativity?

Besides taking photos and creating content for my business, I love collecting objects from nature and making things with them. I also journal almost every day, and I'll admit I play RPGs.

How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

That's a fantastic question! As professional photographers, stress is something that most of us struggle with. Being a creative business owner is hard! Learning how to manage stress and take care of myself has been one of the most important things I've done in my career. De-stressing isn't just something I do at the end of the day- it's throughout the day. But some of my favorite ways to de-stress are going outside in nature, collecting and caring for plants, meditating, and having fun with my family and friends.

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

It has to be something that doesn't distract me. I have some playlists I put together that I can just zone out to. Tycho, Tame Impala, Emancipator, Grimes, Tool...

What is your favorite book?

Of all time? Probably Game of Thrones. Although I'm super mad that G.R.R.M. won't finish it.

Name one movie that inspires you.

There are so many! I'll go with Spirited Away. I love Hiyao Miyazaki films, and this one's always been my favorite. It reminds me that there is so much more to our reality than what we normally think and see, and to stay true to myself no matter the circumstances.

How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?

When I'm in a state of "stuck", I know it's time for self-care. Taking a break and doing something I love always refreshes my spirit. If I really need to get out of a creative rut with my photography, I'll give myself an "assignment" with a deadline. Some examples of past "assignments": go out and document a local event like you're being paid by a magazine to cover it; document a day in your life; shoot a session entirely in b&w.

As photographers, we all struggle with self-doubt. It really helped me when I realized that the first time. It was years ago, when I attended my first photography workshop, and I heard some of my heroes- photographers I thought were amazing and perfect- say they also struggle with it. A huge weight was lifted off my shoulders when I realized I wasn't alone and that we all feel "less than" at times. Although it doesn't feel good, it's part of the creative process and it's what drives us to be better. I've learned to accept it, and it doesn't have such a negative impact on me anymore.

What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?

Finding out who I am. I know that probably sounds crazy, but if you know, you know. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, and also the most impactful on both my business and my personal life. Once I discovered my true self, I realized what makes me special, what makes me unique, what sets me apart from everyone else, and what I really need to focus on. Total game-changer.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Mushrooms! Bonus if I picked them in the woods myself!

(Disclaimer- Don't go out in the woods, pick mushrooms, and consume them unless you're educated & experienced at identifying them and/or accompanied by someone who is.)

What is your most favorite kind of light and why?

I love all different kinds of natural light. Especially when it's gloomy and overcast, or right before dark, because I really like how it adds to the mood and emotion of a photo.

Who is one of your favorite photographers?

One of my favorite photographers is Gabe McClintock. His work inspired me, years ago, to focus more on emotion and moments than the "expected" photo.

What is your favorite course or lesson at Unraveled?

Entangled Love Stories with Mari Trancoso because it helped me when I was in another creative rut (it happens!).