Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Macko.
Hi Brooke, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Sitting at my desk, working on a spreadsheet – who would have thought I would go from accountant to photographer?
The journey from an accountant to a photographer looks like 180-degree turn, but soon enough I realized that my brain was waiting all along for me to catch on to the fact that my love of reading and stories primed me to think like a photographer.
No wonder I was fascinated with how shadow and light traveled through my office during the day.
Portrait photography began in 2010. I left the excel spreadsheet world shortly thereafter. But I wasn’t quite ready to fully surrender to photography and balanced it with teaching fitness classes.
Even though I did not realize it at the time, teaching fitness classes taught me that just because I am introverted doesn’t mean I can’t go into the community and meet great people while making a difference.
Every little road that, on the surface, looked like a detour had purpose built into it.
Fast-forward to 2018, I began working with local singer-songwriters in portrait photography. This opened a new perspective about what stories photography could tell. The branding visuals took on new life.
Now I love spending time with folks talking about their life, their business, their music, their family. All the parts. That’s why it’s my photography tag line is “Tell Your Story.”
These days, I work with music artists, website and brand designers’ clients, and families.
And yes, I still use spreadsheets but haven’t used Vlookup in a while. IYKYK.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Photography is difficult to pursue, and hard moments are commonplace. Because of this, I often think the photographers who have a strong mindset, big work ethic and respect others are going to go further and make it over the obstacles.
Much of my thinking these days is about how I can bolster my mindset.
Then, I can meet the challenges of business and art.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Although I enjoy both styles of light and moody photography, I am known for the images that utilize shadow and showcase the impact of light.
I work with music artists, website and brand designers’ clients, and families offering full range of services such as make up (House of Tesla), hair, wardrobe and location guidance.
In addition, I work with West Fort Worth Lifestyle magazine. From time to time, I work as a second shooter for wedding photographers.
I am really proud of the folks that I have worked with and being a part of where they want to go. Whether it is a music artist, business, or charity, I love seeing them use the images we created together to move forward.
When it comes to families and weddings, I love being a part of and capturing how people do life.
An element that sets me apart has to be that as a former accountant, I enjoy organizing all the pieces so that they come together. I am still a nerd that is very thoughtful about what I even type in the subject line of an email. I can’t help myself!
Additionally, I am quirky and like to explore ideas creatively. This is such an interesting combination, and it works!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My son has been a fun little partner in exploring shoot locations and my expert light tester and dance move teacher.
My husband who has been a helper in all kinds of ways.
My friend Trisha Howell who has been a kind, steady force in my craft.
My friend & singer-songwriter Joseph Neville who has been encouraging to many artists, such as myself. Also, the folks I have met through Joseph have been a delight.
All those first clients who tried me out when I was first getting started and stuck with me over the years.
Halley from House of Tesla is a person who elevates everyone around her.
My friends at West Fort Worth Lifestyle who make meetings energizing.
And a long, lost friend who, when we were kids, always saw the creative side in me and nourished it decades ago.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.macka-photography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackaphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macka.photo.light/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/mackaphotography.moody/
