Tell us a little bit about yourself
Hey there! My name is Breanne Mead, @_meadia.
I'm a photographer and creative director with a love for capturing the essence of the people, places, and brands in front of my lens. I grew up spending lots of time in the Caribbean, and those experiences shaped my creative style. Depending on the season, my home base is either the east coast of Florida, USA, Costa Rica, or the Dominican Republic.
What first drew you to photography, and when did you realize you wanted to make it your career?
I actually started on the other side of the camera, modeling for local brands, but my love for photography and fascination with how the camera worked led me to start shooting 35mm film as a hobby. Not long after, I was asked to second-shoot an event, and several of my photos from that event were published in a local magazine. That moment made it clear to me—I had found what I was meant to do.
Was there a specific moment when you decided to take the leap into full-time photography and travel?
My journey evolved naturally—I spent two years balancing a remote marketing job while growing my photography business. In 2023, a trip back to Puerto Rico ignited my momentum. That trip taught me so much about where I draw inspiration from and what it feels like to create from a place of flow. A few months later, I visited Costa Rica for the first time, where a single photo of a surfer—who happened to own a hotel—led to my first international job in Santa Teresa. That photo changed my life. From there, doors kept opening, taking me to six new countries. When I was laid off from my remote job, I took it as a sign to fully commit—and I haven’t looked back since.
Where are some places you’ve shot at and which one was your favorite?
I’ve been lucky to shoot in places like Hawaii, Brazil, Chile, Spain, and Switzerland, but Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, holds a special place in my heart and blends so many of my passions. From the moment I arrived, my soul was set on fire. I felt at home—completely free and endlessly inspired. Everywhere I look, I see art.
What was the biggest challenge in turning your passion into a career, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges in turning my passion into a career was feeling misunderstood. In the early days, it wasn’t always easy for people to see the bigger picture of what I was building. To some, it may have seemed like I was just traveling and taking photos, but behind the scenes, I was dedicating countless hours to honing my craft and creating a life that aligned with my vision.
Being younger than most assume, I sometimes felt out of sync with others my age—my lifestyle, goals, and experiences were different. I learned to embrace that difference rather than see it as a barrier and I focused on what truly fulfilled me. Accepting that my journey would never follow a traditional path gave me the confidence to lean into the unknown and trust in the process.
Through it all, I’ve been lucky to have an incredibly supportive community—family, friends, and fellow creatives—who have encouraged me to keep going. Their belief in me has reinforced my own, and I’m deeply grateful for that.
For me, success is creating a life that feels authentic to who I am, and for me, that means following my passion, embracing the unexpected, and trusting that I’m exactly where I need to be.
You recently spent a month in Santa Teresa working with a surf retreat hotel and shooting for brands—what was that experience like?
I’m often overwhelmed with gratitude that I get to do what I love for a living. It is a privilege to create, especially in a place that inspires me so deeply. Santa Teresa is one of the places where I feel most at home. Each time I visit, I experience deep growth not only as an artist but as a human. In Santa Teresa, I feel a profound connection—to myself, to my art, and to nature. The more present I am, the deeper my connection becomes to the work I create, and that energy translates into the images.
The feedback I received from my projects on this trip only affirmed what I already know, that I am exactly where I need to be. This trip was also special because I hosted my first retreat. Sharing the culture and beauty of Costa Rica with others was an incredibly surreal experience. Watching people transform and connect with the world around them was beautiful—it’s a reminder of how powerful travel and creative expression can be.
What advice would you give to someone who dreams of traveling the world and making a living through their creativity?
Understand what truly drives YOU. Too often, people chase dreams that aren’t really theirs, shaped more by societal validation than personal fulfillment. If you want to travel the world and make a living through your creativity, start by asking yourself why—what fuels your passion, what kind of work excites you, and what kind of life do you actually want to live?
It’s easy to romanticize the idea of a creative, travel-filled life, but it takes dedication, resilience, and the courage to carve your own path. Focus on building a life that feels right for you, not one that looks impressive to others. The more aligned you are with your purpose, the more sustainable and fulfilling your journey will be.
If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice when you were just starting out, what would it be?
If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice, it would be to simply enjoy the journey. Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything—I’d just want to relive it all and soak it in even more.
I’d also remind myself to keep going inward. The more I’ve embraced who I am, the more I’ve grown—not just as an artist, but as a person and a businesswoman. Befriending myself has been one of the most valuable things I’ve ever done.
And lastly, take up space. In the beginning, I struggled with confidence, feeling like I lacked something because I didn’t have “formal” training. But I’ve learned that creativity isn’t about credentials—it’s about vision, persistence, and trusting yourself.
What’s next for you? Any dream projects or locations you’re hoping to shoot?
Next up, I’m heading back to Costa Rica to host my first model retreat and shoot several exciting projects. I always look forward to returning to Santa Teresa.
Looking ahead, I’d love to shoot a campaign on the other side of the world—Australia or Bali are at the top of my list. Returning to Hawaii for a project is also something I hope to make happen soon.
Bre's journey is a reminder that chasing what sets your soul on fire is always worth it. From picking up a camera to building a life of travel and creativity, she’s proof that you can create the life you want if your willing to work for it. You can find out more about her work here:
I hope her story inspires you to go after what lights you up—whatever that may be. See you in the next one!