Member spotlight - Brianna Parks Photo

A couple shares a kiss in front of a mountain.

Where are you based? Where do you photograph the most?

I’m Brianna. I’m an elopement photographer based in Northern California. I photograph elopements all over the Pacific Northwest and in Northern California, mainly in national parks and forest land. The top places I photograph at are Olympic National Park and Redwood National Park.

A couple holds each other close in the mountains.

Why did you join the PLC?

I joined PLC because, as a photographer, capturing the beauty of our public lands is a huge part of what I do. But over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how some of our national parks and trails have been damaged by irresponsible use. It’s heartbreaking to witness these incredible places being destroyed, leading to stricter rules and regulations. These rules, while necessary to protect the environment, often end up making it harder for me and the couples I work with to enjoy and create in these spaces.

This is where PLC comes in. They’re fighting for the cause of equal, fair, and unbiased access to our public lands. They understand that while it’s crucial to protect these environments, it’s also important to ensure that photographers, videographers, and other creatives can continue to work and share the beauty of these places with the world. PLC’s advocacy means that we’re not only working towards preserving these lands but also finding balanced solutions that allow us to keep creating without unnecessary restrictions.

Another reason I support PLC is because of their commitment to responsible land use. I’m a huge advocate for Leave No Trace principles, and it’s something I stress to my clients as well. We need to respect and protect the environments we love, so they remain pristine for future generations. By being part of PLC, I’m joining a community that cares deeply about both our art and the environment. Together, we’re working to ensure that we can enjoy these places responsibly and sustainably.

What changes have you seen working on Public Land since starting your elopement business that make you feel the work PLC is doing is important?

Since I started my elopement business, I’ve noticed quite a few changes in how we can use public lands, and it’s really shown me how important PLC’s work is. When I first began, there were so many beautiful spots that were pretty easy to access for photoshoots and elopements. But over time, I’ve seen more and more restrictions and regulations pop up.

A lot of this is because some areas have suffered from damage and overuse. Popular trails and parks get a ton of visitors, and unfortunately, not everyone follows Leave No Trace principles. This has led to wear and tear on the environment, so stricter rules have been put in place to protect these amazing landscapes. While I totally get why these regulations are necessary, they sometimes make it harder to capture those unique and intimate moments that my clients love.

That’s why PLC’s work is so crucial. They’re pushing for balanced solutions that protect our public lands while also making sure creatives like me can still work and share these beautiful places. PLC helps raise awareness about responsible land use, promoting practices that minimize our impact and keep these areas pristine for everyone to enjoy.

I’ve also seen more emphasis on permits and fees, which can be a real barrier for couples looking to elope in the outdoors. PLC is working to make sure these policies are fair and reasonable, so we can continue capturing memories without unnecessary hurdles. Thanks to their efforts, restrictions have been lifted in popular parks like Grand Teton and Rocky Mountain National Park, making it easier for photographers to work and something I’ve personally benefited from working specifically in Grand Teton.

The changes I’ve seen really highlight the importance of what PLC is fighting for. They’re not just about keeping these lands accessible, but also about fostering a culture of respect and responsibility towards our environment. It’s a cause that means a lot to me and one I believe will make a lasting difference for both our public lands and the creative community.

A couple shares a kiss in a rainforest in the pacific northwest.

Tell us some of your favorite memories working on Public Lands?

There are always too many to count, though I have to say an elopement I photographed in Olympic takes the cake. It was a foggy spring morning when we pulled up to the ceremony site and were greeted with a huge pack of deer. Because it was spring, there were so many babies! It will forever be one of my favorite moments. I felt so lucky to have been able to photograph on land that’s preserved for us, the wildlife, and the Earth.