Today we’d like to introduce you to Brook Stanley.
Hi Brook, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up I remember my mom dragging my three siblings and I to portrait studios, what seemed like all the time. I’ll be the first to tell you that none of us wanted to be there. What I didn’t realize back then was how important it is to capture those moments. Looking at my childhood family photos it transports me back in time, I can hear the memories. Including the fights about hair and wardrobe because who really wants to match their siblings in Canadian tuxedos at Christmas. Looking back, it brings a smile to my face.
In middle school, I was given the assignment to write about what I wanted to be when I grow up. Unlike most girls, I wanted to be a race car driver like my dad. That was until I got my first camera for Christmas, it wasn’t anything fancy, just a point and shoot Sony and let me tell you, it was love at first sight. You couldn’t get me to put it down. It wasn’t until after having my own kids that my passion for photography lit my soul on fire. I decided then to turn it into a career. I love capturing the best in people. My mom instilled in me that you should leave someone better than how you find them. During my sessions, I like to leave my clients not only feeling better about themselves but seeing themselves and their families through a different lens. Being able to capture family photos for my clients to look back on for years to come melts my heart.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road can be pretty bumpy for any new business owner. The photography world is always evolving! You are constantly learning new things from editing styles to how to use social media to your advantage. My biggest hurdle of being a lifestyle photographer is lighting and dealing with Mother Nature. It can be difficult to keep up with the fickle Texas weather and the ever-changing photography styles while also juggling being a mom to five beautiful little girls.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am known for my bold yet warm and authentic images. I am forever chasing the glow of a natural golden hour!
I believe what sets me apart from others is my desire to create images that capture the natural bond between couples and families. One thing I LOVE is looking back at my own family photos. I can vividly remember my daughter’s laughter and from them, there is nothing sweeter. I want to capture these small moments for my clients to hold on to for a lifetime.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Oh, that is a tough one! I would have to say my favorite childhood memory would be when Grandma and Grandpa would come down from Illinois to visit. This only happened about once a year and was a very special time. My Grandpa was a man of habit and in his hometown every morning he would walk to a local restaurant called the Parkway for coffee and to read the newspaper. While visiting us, he would walk to the local Kroger (back when some of them had coffee shops in the store, pre Starbucks) and have his morning coffee and paper there. When I was old enough, about the age of five, he let me come with him. At five walking a mile and half one way is a long distance, but he always made it so worth it. I got to have a drink of my choice, which was always Dr. Pepper and two donuts. Of his seven grandchildren, I was the only one who was lucky enough to do this with him. My little sister always asked to join us and he would say, “next time”. It was a special bonding time between him and I that I will forever cherish.
Pricing:
- Portrait Sessions Start at $275
- Newborn Sessions Start at $325
- Equine Sessions Start at $300
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BrookStanleyPhotography.com
- Instagram: @BrookStanleyPhotography
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/BrookStanleyPhotography
