Meet Bethany Reid | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bethany Reid and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bethany, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Crown Point, IN which is a suburb of Chicago, IL. My childhood was spent equally between the Chicagoland area and Olive Branch, MS (just outside of Memphis.) Both sides of my family are from Chicago, but my dad’s side had mostly migrated to Memphis, so between that and the demand for his business, we moved frequently. I have many contrasting memories from my childhood, spending a lot of time in downtown Chicago and the bustle of the city, visiting museums, sports games, etc….but also running barefoot in the country down south, catching frogs with my siblings, playing hide and seek in corn fields. I was a shy kid, but moving so much really opened me up to just how big the world is and to be accepting of everyone. The people and culture of the north is so different than what you find in the south, especially in the 2000’s, but it really helped me understand how to interact with so many various types of personalities. On top of that, my mom is an artist and my dad was both an entrepreneur and a major “tech nerd,” so both of their influences really had a huge impact on me and ended up morphing into this business that perfectly balances all of it – contrast, art, connection, tech, and everything in between.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a photographer who focuses on mainly wedding and lifestyle photography, but I also dabble in creative branding. Anything that circles around art or connection is right up my alley. My approach balances creativity, contrast, and candidness which is what I believe sets it apart. I strive to document moments in a way that feels both effortless and like you were there, but also where they could be actual art for your walls. I won’t lie, it has not been an easy journey to get here. Life through countless challenges my way in college when I was trying to save for pro-level gear and get my business off the ground. If there is anything that I’ve learned, it’s to be stubborn as heck about what you want and to chase it like your future depends on it…because it does. Grit, grace, and hard work will get you a lot further than you could imagine.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, I love this question! Memphis has so many hidden gems. In no particular order, I would be sure that we would check out: – Both the Cooper Young and Downtown Farmers Markets
– Enjoy a sunset on the river
– Hopping around in Cooper Young (ordering a thing or two at each place to check them all out! Beauty Shop and Alchemy are must-visits.)
– Drinks at Cameo (I don’t drink alcohol personally and love that Cameo has a fantastic N/A menu!)
– A concert at the Overton Park Shell
– Sushi at South Main Sushi
– Coffee at City & State, Vice & Virtue, and Boycott.
– Thrifting at Antique Warehouse Mall
– Book browsing at Burke’s
– Lunch at Casablanca

I could go on and on! My advice to anyone visiting is to not be afraid to venture off the beaten path. Beale Street is cool and all, but there’s so much more to Memphis than that area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh man, where to begin?! My circle has been vital to my evolution as both an artist and business owner. My friends and family have been SO supportive and have picked me up each time I’ve doubted myself and have sacrificed their time more than I can count just to help, which really means so much. There’s also an incredible network of creatives here in Memphis who, whether they’ve realized it or not, have had a significant impact on me through sharing knowledge, inspiring me, providing help, anything.

Website: www.bethanyreidvisuals.com

Instagram: bethanyreidvisuals

Other: TikTok: Bethanyreidvisuals