Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Albertson.
Hi Brooke, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Growing up, photography was always something I dabbled in as a hobby. My mom gifted me my first camera as a sophomore in high school- one of her old Nikons she used for wildlife photography. Which traveled with me through many life stages of high school, undergrad at FSU, and then Nursing school in Nashville. Originally, the seed was planted in landscape photography- but I found myself only dusting off my camera before infrequent trips out of Nashville.
Around my second year as a nurse, I found myself in a slump. Personally, professionally, and artistically. There was a monumental amount of inspiration coming from people I followed on Instagram like Garrett King- who toggled so easily between landscape and portrait photography. And instead of waiting for my next vacation, I decided to get my feet wet in portrait photography in order to feed my interest in Nashville.
The next year was largely asking friends to step in front of my camera to allow me to practice. A lot of free shoots. Just trying to get my foot in the door ANYwhere. I didn’t turn down a shoot, and profit was never even in the back of my mind when wanting to book things.
Towards the end of the year, I went through a true “quarter-life crisis”. Switched into COVID ICU nursing, ended a very long-standing relationship, and at one point felt as if every aspect of my life was crumbled by my feet. I truly believe hardships like this are when the best work come out of an artist. In this dark time, I leaned into photography more than ever- & I truly think this was the breakthrough point for my work and business.
Instead of reflecting on the amount of death, I was seeing in the ICU- I edited photos. Instead of feeling sorry for myself over a past relationship- I built my website. Instead of spending money on material things- I bought photography equipment. I was working overtime in the ICU to be able to buy a new lens, or studio lighting equipment.
My photography is so special to me because I look back on the grit it took for me to get to where I am today. I used a lot of pain and hardship to motivate my work and drive. And it has been a release and balancing act for some of the trauma I witnessed.
I remember one specific week I went from putting multiple patients in a body bag due to covid- and then that weekend I was photographing a couple on their wedding day. Photography in a large sense brought true happiness and light back into my life. And because of what it’s done for me, is why I continue to work as hard as I do for it. Especially while I’m still a full-time ICU nurse which now I can consider my “side job”.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In speaking terms of Photography, it surprisingly has been a smooth road. Even though, I just started this journey so I’m sure there will be obstacles in the future. Some call it “beginners’ luck”- but I think when someone is following their true passion and purpose the universe rewards them. There have been opportunities that have fallen in my lap, at very coincidental moments, that have left me scratching my head in disbelief and overwhelming gratitude. I’ve appreciated and took note on the ease of my photography “come up”- any struggle has been in my personal life – to which photography has helped me work through.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As of right now my main business and work reside in couples’ photography: engagement shoots + weddings! I adore photographing love stories and getting to interact with couples my age! I specialize in natural light photography but would like to get more involved in studio, commercial, and portrait photography. I’m always proudest of my portrait photography because it allows me to flex my creative muscle more in the editing and post-production. And I always get a little extra giddy when I can pull my studio lighting equipment out.
I think my post-production editing sets me apart from the most from other photographers. One of the most frequent compliments I receive is my editing. Even before I picked photography back up, I was fluent in photoshop and Adobe software. Incorporating Lightroom was an easy transition and now I think of my editing as much of an art as actually being behind the camera. I would describe my editing style as classic and bold. I want “natural” to come to mind as the foundation, but then I incorporate a punch of high contrast to the mix. It’s interesting to watch my editing style change though, just as my photography does too. Looking forward to watching my work evolve over time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Like I mentioned previously, I think when someone is following their destiny or purpose- the universe rewards them with “good luck”. That has been my experience with photography. It also goes hand in hand with the idea that you’ll work hard for something you’re passionate about.
“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” is a quote that has resonated with me through my journey. When you work hard for something, as an opportunity presents itself, you’ll be prepared to take it on. I’ve woken up at 4 am to edit photos before a 13-hour nursing shift. I work hard to deliver photos with quick turnarounds. I think when people see you working hard at something they want to offer you those opportunities & they want to mention your name.
I can’t thank my amazing clients enough for continuing to pass my name along. I am lucky for them, but I worked hard to be able to use the term “luck” as well.
Contact Info:
- Email: Balbertsonphotos@gmail.com
- Website: BrookeAlbertsonphotography.com
- Instagram: Balbertson.photography
