Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Weeber.
Brooke, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve used photography as a creative outlet for as long as I can remember, but it didn’t become a focus of mine until about a decade ago. I was running 2 businesses simultaneously, illustration and photography. I was shooting for brands and social media and drawing and selling stationary out of a home studio. Then I decided to take some time to travel, so I built out a Ford Transit van and took both occupations out on the road. Living in a van made landscape and brand photography relatively easy and it positively inspired my nature-based illustrative work. And although I loved it, after a few years, the lifestyle started to feel more difficult than it was enjoyable. So I settled down in a mountain town in California and tried to build my dream life. But the global pandemic had negatively impacted both businesses and eventually I had to close them and try to move on. It was difficult, but I felt I had no choice but to keep moving forward. I made my way to Bend to be closer to friends and family, but I ended up hopping from one job to another, never really able to find my place. After I got laid off from a job I really enjoyed last Fall, I decided to get back in touch with my creative side. But instead of focusing on landscape and brand photography, I wanted to try something I deemed more challenging. So I dove into portrait work. I’ve always loved people, but felt awkward trying to direct them into flattering poses. The pressure felt enormous. I really had to stretch myself out of my comfort zone, so I began practicing on friends. I dove head first into educating myself on building a profitable photography business and gaining the skills needed to succeed and I’ve really hit the ground running. I’m so passionate about what I do and I’ve built everything myself and on my own terms. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.
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?
I’m not sure the road could ever be (or should ever be) smooth. The challenges, setbacks and struggles are where much of the growth and learning happens. Closing my illustration business was incredibly painful. I was so heartbroken after dedicating so many years of my life to it. And yet, I think the break has been necessary because it’s allowed me to find other ways to explore my creativity. I feel rejuvenated and excited again, like I’ve unlocked this new part of me. I love being able to serve so many people and families. But starting a new business is never easy. It takes courage and bravery and discomfort and trust (with a sprinkling of delusional thinking), Because it’s incredibly easy to take one setback or failure and to ride that all the way to the grave. You really have to learn to pick yourself up again. I’ve had to practice silencing my inner voice telling me I’m not good enough.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a portrait photographer who specializes in families and pets. My focus is on outdoor/natural light portraits partially because of my background as a landscape photographer but also because I love to take advantage of living in such a beautiful part of Oregon. It’s also where I believe that the majority of people feel most comfortable and confident. My favorite subjects are kids and dogs because they’re so effortlessly full of joy and wonder. They aren’t usually self-conscious in front of the camera and if you just allow them to be outside and explore, you can get the most beautiful candid and posed shots that showcase their authentic personalities.
I’m most proud of myself for working my tail off to make this business come to fruition. From networking to education, to getting out of my comfort zone, to picking myself up off the floor after making mistakes. I haven’t let any of it stop me from chasing my dream and making it my reality.
How do you think about happiness?
So many things! I love spending time with my dog outdoors exploring all that Central Oregon has to offer. I love biking, hiking, camping, paddle boarding and going to the gym. I enjoy making tie dye t-shirts and socks and selling them in my little Etsy shop. I love baking, gardening, drawing, travel. Anything that expands and feeds my mind and my soul and makes me feel like I’ve had a life well-lived.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brookeweeberphotography.com/
- Instagram: @brooke_weeber
