Bri Dwyer
Photographer
Bri is Pacific Northwest based editorial and lifestyle photographer specializing in the art of storytelling. Her work in the Alaska commercial fishing community has earned her jobs with industry leading clients and marketing agencies. “Shaping the narrative of the commercial fishing industry in a transparent, authentic and beautiful way is a priority for me.”
What motivates you in the morning?
Being a mom. I know that's a really simple answer but I have never had a reason as important as that to be the best version of myself everyday.
What is your mantra for when things are tough?
Trust my instincts and have confidence in my abilities.
If you could do anything else, what would it be and why?
I can honestly say that I am doing exactly what I have always dreamed of doing. With the exception of being a horse jockey (thanks Seabiscuit), being a photographer was on my list at a really early age. I took a long twisted path, punctuated by titles like restaurant manager and substitute teacher, but I eventually landed right where I wanted to be.
Describe your best moment ever.
Well, since I've already divulged that I'm a mother I feel obligated to say the day my baby girl was born. There is absolutely truth to that but if I'm being honest and vulnerable I would tell you that there is a mix of emotions associated with that experience because I lost myself for a while afterwards. Becoming a mother challenged me to really evaluate what I knew about myself. After having a baby I felt like I was back to square one and I didn't know anything about the person I was looking at in the mirror. I experienced a tremendous amount of growth in one year but it was the hardest year of my life because I was re-learning who I was. So my best moment ever has an asterisk next to it because I don't want to skim over the hard stuff that makes that moment so great.
How did you get into your profession?
There is a long, winding story about how I ended up here but the spark notes version is that I hopped on a plane to Dutch Harbor, AK to bartend for fishermen and ended up falling in love with Alaska and the fishing industry. I eventually met my husband who is a 5th generation Alaska fisherman and he encouraged me to dust off my cameras that had been sitting in a box for the better part of a decade. Safe to say I had given up photography altogether. It was the rugged, gritty world of commercial fishing and Alaska that helped me find that passion again and I have slowly carved out a space for myself in this world as a storyteller.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Practice seeing yourself (your work) the way others do.
What are your top three Pelican products?
1535 Air Carry On Case: I have to travel light a lot. Fishermen hate photographers who take up an entire bunk with gear. Showing up with this case and a plate of cookies gives me major dock cred. 0915 Micro Memory Card Case: I have so many of these and I label them with a label maker. Card storage and organization is super important when I'm out on boats and I have found these to be the best. Trek Pak system: Hands up emoji! I know the foam is, like, a thing, but my boat case changes so much depending on what I'm shooting for the day so the flexibility of the Trek Pak system is what works for me.
