Founder Interview With Brit Spencer, Safe Space Photo
Photo Credit: Safe Space Photo
Brit Spencer is the photographer behind Safe Space Photo, an inclusive and authentic photography business dedicated to providing a safe and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals to feel seen, valued, and celebrated. With a passion for capturing candid moments and genuine emotions, Brit's journey as a photographer began over 14 years ago, photographing everything from majestic mountains to beloved pets. Through her evolving vision, she recognized the importance of creating an atmosphere where clients can be their authentic selves, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. Since the launch in 2022, Safe Space Photo has focused on lifestyle and candid photography, aiming to bring clients' visions to life while prioritizing inclusivity, safety, and creativity in every session.
During our interview, Brit shared the origin story behind Safe Space Photo. From receiving her first Nikon camera on her 16th birthday, to her decision to leave college and pursue photography independently, and then ultimately moving to Sacramento, Brit's path has been marked by passion and determination. Despite facing challenges along the way, Brit persevered, ultimately realizing her vision for creating an inclusive platform for the LGBTQ+ community. Now Brit's commitment to authenticity and connection shines through her work, as she continues to celebrate and uplift individuals through photography.
1. Can you walk us through your professional journey and how you got to where you are today?
Safe Space Photo has been a dream in the making since the moment my dad gifted me my first Nikon camera, the B 3000, on my 16th birthday. From that point on, photography became more than just a hobby — it was a passion that I carried with me everywhere, capturing the world around me in vivid detail. I even started photographing friends and family, charging terribly, but excited that my passion was turning into something tangible.
After high school, I decided to pursue my interest further by moving to Los Angeles to study digital photography. However, I quickly realized that formal education wasn't the only path to becoming a skilled photographer. So, I branched out on my own, embracing opportunities including becoming a social media photo intern for a fitness magazine and working for a company specializing in in-hospital newborn photos. While these experiences provided valuable insights, none of them truly resonated with me on a deeper level.
Despite the inevitable bumps along the way, I continued to move forward, gradually refining my skills and finding my unique voice as a photographer. When I moved to Sacramento, eight years ago, I found such a vibrant and supportive community. Then in 2022, I realized what I was looking for was right in front of me. I wanted to channel my passion for photography into something more meaningful. That's when the idea for Safe Space Photo began to take shape — an inclusive platform where members of the LGBTQ+ community can feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
Photo Credit: Safe Space Photo
2. What inspired you to offer the services you provide?
The inspiration behind Safe Space Photo comes from my own journey of coming out and the support I received from my favorite gay uncle. After I had told him, the very first thing he said to me was, "Being YOU is beautiful." He has always believed in the beauty of being true to oneself, and that phrase has gotten me through the roller coaster of life numerous times. It also motivated me to start a business that not only offers photography but also creates a space where our community can freely express their true selves, without fear or reservation.
3. What is one of your biggest challenges in your professional journey, and how did you overcome this?
One of my biggest challenges was overcoming the fear of failure, especially after experiencing previous business attempts that didn't go as planned. However, this time felt different. I knew this idea was something I needed to pursue. I didn’t want to procrastinate or let it dissolve. So I ended up spending hours talking it over with my partner, going through what could happen, and doing extensive research.
“I also had a major turning point when I realized that failure is part of the journey. If I failed, then I failed knowing in my heart that I put my entire soul into this.”
But I also realized, what if I don't fail? What if I found my purpose and people resonate with me? Shifting my perspective on failure has changed the course of my journey as a photographer and small business owner.
Photo Credit: Safe Space Photo
4. If you could give one piece of advice to future LGBTQ+ service providers within your field, what would it be?
My advice is to define success on your own terms. The traditional metric of being "fully booked" is relative. For me, success is about making meaningful connections and doing work that fills my heart with joy.
“Especially for those of us juggling multiple roles or just starting out, it's important to remember that success is not just about numbers; it's about the impact we make and the joy we find in our work.”
5. How does being openly queer inspire or impact your business?
There's nothing more humbling than receiving an inquiry that says, “I chose you because you're a part of the LGBTQ+ community, which is a huge factor for me.” Being openly queer is the cornerstone of my business. It allows me to connect with my clients on a deeply personal level, creating a space of trust and safety that is hard to find elsewhere. My clients appreciate having a photographer who not only understands but also shares their experiences. It's a sense of honor and gratitude to be able to provide photos to individuals who simply want a photographer who sees them.
Photo Credit: Safe Space Photo
6. What brands or services by LGBTQ+ founders are your go-to's and why?
I really admire The Queer Collective because they have a way of documenting queer culture in a genuine way! Watching their interviews always feels like sitting with friends chatting, and being transparent about topics that need to be talked about. Their dedication to elevating our voices, creating space for meaningful conversations, and fostering authentic representation of our community really resonates with me.
7. Who is your favorite LGBTQ+ celebrity, and why?
Adam Lambert is my favorite LGBTQ+ celebrity, hands down. He is always unapologetically himself, a phenomenal performer, and a gem of a human! His unwavering authenticity really does stand out in every aspect of his life and career.
Photo Credit: Safe Space Photo
8. Can you share one fun fact about yourself?
I absolutely love watching the way people's hands move while they are in a passionate conversation. It stems from being a theater kid, and watching the shape of actors' hands while they performed. Hands tell a lot about a person!
