From Peace Corps to Passionate Photography
Becky Tahel
Brigette’s Beginnings
Meet Brigette Rizzo, a choir teacher in Columbus, Ohio, with a passion for photography that started in an unexpected place—Grenada. Back in 2013, Brigette joined the U.S. Peace Corps, where she spent 2.5 years teaching elementary school music in Grenada (a gorgeous island country in the Caribbean). Before her adventure, she bought a Canon T3i to capture the memories she knew she’d want to hold onto forever.
Every day, her camera became her companion, documenting her students and colleagues. Little did she know, these snapshots would be the spark that would lead her into the world of professional photography.
When she returned to the States, those photos of her time in Grenada drew attention. People loved them. Soon, she found herself snapping family portraits for friends, and by 2019, Brigette officially launched her photography business.
Taking the Leap
The leap into photography wasn’t easy, but Brigette knew it was her next step. Why?
“I’ve always been artistic. Photography became another way to express that. And as a people person, I loved finding new ways to serve people, bring out their best smiles, and capture real moments.”
It wasn’t long before the spreadsheets, lists, and growing client base became overwhelming. That’s when she Googled “booking platforms” and came across Session.
“Session popped up over a competitor, and I’m so glad it did. I’ve heard horror stories about other platforms. With Session, my life is so much simpler, and I can focus on my creativity.”
Balancing Business and Teaching
Brigette’s hustle is real. As a teacher and photographer, she’s got her hands full, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Anyone in my shoes knows how it goes. The economy’s tough, so you’ve gotta hustle. But I’m not just hustling for me. I’m showing my students and my daughter what it looks like to chase your dreams.”
She’s brought her photography passion into the classroom, snapping pictures at every dance, school assembly, and event. Since her inner-city school doesn’t have a yearbook, her photos fill that gap. She shares them with her students via QR codes so they can access and download the pictures to their phones.
Her students love her work, often telling her, “Those are hard, Ms. Rizzo,” which, she learned, means they’re good (apparently, she’s fluent in teen now). And when they compliment her camera for doing "great work," she’s quick to remind them—it’s her behind the lens making the magic happen!
And her 6-year-old daughter? She’s the star model and secret weapon for getting genuine smiles out of the little ones during shoots.
“I love the way photography lets me bond with my daughter in such a special way.”
Brigette’s found a happy medium between teaching and photography, and she’s content not having to choose between the two. “I can’t imagine doing one over the other”
Brigette’s Advice to Fellow Photographers
Brigette knows that many photographers feel like they have to accept every gig, but she’s learned the value of focusing on her passions.
For Brigette, that means working with families and kids. Creating real smiles, capturing candid moments, and focusing on what makes her happy has been her recipe for success.
“I don’t need to follow someone else’s expectations of me.” She says.
Passion Meets Precision
Brigette is all about candid moments—the “off-guard” shots, as her students call them. And for her, those are the pictures that capture life as it is.
“You’ll never regret seeing yourself from a different angle, exactly as you are in that moment. That’s what capturing memories is all about”
Her gear tip? Master your tools. She swears by her Canon and 50mm 1.2 lens, which gives her that beautiful, bokeh background. But the secret is knowing how to work with what you’ve got.
“Read the manual, understand your equipment, and let it showcase your strengths.”
Session's Game-Changing Impact
For Brigette, Session isn’t just a tool—it’s a support system. It’s helped her simplify her workflow, protect her business with contracts, and keep her creative energy flowing.
“The community aspect has been amazing, too. I’ve learned so much just by reading other photographers’ questions. It’s opened new areas of growth for me that I wouldn’t have found on my own.”
We love you too, Brigette!
Follow along with Brigette’s passion on her IG and her website.
Becky Tahel is a writer, producer, and performer who’s teamed up with top creators like Jake Paul, Eric Andre, Jay Shetty, and Gabby Bernstein. She’s produced content for global brands and influencers, racking up over 50 million views across social. As the director/producer/host of the award-winning documentary "American Birthright" and co-founder of Mannafest Media, she helps people and brands find their voice and make a lasting impact through strategy, story, and creative content. A global speaker on content creation and self-actualization, she has two little kids, and is grossly underslept.