Conversation: Blogger Brittany Curran

Last week, I had the opportunity to chat with Brittany Curran, creator of the street-style blog Work It, Berk and the new lifestyle venture Twenty Two. Last April, Brittany photographed me for her Work It, Co-ops series about members of the Berkeley Student Cooperative. Let’s check in with her for more about the ins and outs of photography, blogging, and (of course) tall fashion.

All photos courtesy of Brittany Curran.

Why did you decide to start taking street-style photos?

After following countless fashion blogs for years, I wanted to start a blog of my own. I didn’t want to start a personal style blog because a) I’m too camera-shy and b) I honestly don’t have enough clothes. I realized that there were a ton of really stylish people on [the UC Berkeley] campus, so I thought, hey, they can be my subjects. Hence, Work It, Berk was born.

It can be pretty nerve-racking to approach people on the street with a camera. What’s your strategy?

This took me a while to get used to and sometimes I’m still a bit timid approaching random strangers. Basically, I just go up to a potential subject, compliment their outfit, and then ask them if I can take a photo of them for a fashion blog. It takes a lot of practice if you’re not used to talking to strangers.

You’ve contributed street style photos to the websites for Elle, Refinery 29 and Racked LA—how did you score such amazing gigs?

These were great opportunities and some of the best perks I’ve gotten out of my street style blog. Some of the fashion sites contacted me about doing freelance work and I contacted the editors of the others.

How tall are you? Have you photographed any especially tall women?

I’m 5’7”. I have photographed a few tall women—you’re probably the tallest—but most of my subjects tend to be a bit shorter than me. I realized in the beginning that a dramatic height difference between the subject and me can really affect how the photo turns out. So, now I’m really conscious of that and it completely changed how I take the photos.

What styles do you think work well on a tall frame?

Taller ladies can rock skirts and dresses that are a bit longer, but still complement their height.

What are you most excited to break out of your closet this spring?

Probably shorts. Since I’m back in Los Angeles and it’s basically warm all year long, it’s nice to be able to walk around in something other than jeans. Plus, they make biking a whole lot easier.

You’ve just launched a new lifestyle blog, Twenty Two. What was your inspiration for the project and what do you hope to get out of it?

I wanted to create a blog that allows for more creative freedom than my street style blog. I want to be able to cover a bunch of different topics, like fashion, art, sustainability, food, and entertainment, and highlight awesome things I find on various art, design, and fashion blogs. Since I’m also doing the blog with a few friends, I hope to give them an outlet to express what they’re interested in, whether it be music, food, or other topics.

Any tips for how to market a fashion blog?

I think a good thing to do is to get to know bloggers in a similar space. I’ve gotten to know a few of the Bay Area bloggers—a few of whom are also Berkeley students—at a couple of blogger meet-ups. Also, Facebook and Twitter are great tools to connect with your readers and fellow bloggers.

Brittany also picked my brain for her Twenty Two interview series. You can check it out here.