Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Hadlock.
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?
I started my photography journey back in 2012. I’ve always loved photography, it runs in the family! My sister is a travel photographer, so I guess you could say it’s in our blood. What began as a way to capture better photos of my own kids quickly grew into a career, that I LOVE. I started out photographing families and seniors, then found my specialty in newborn, cake smash, and maternity photography. For the past 11 years, I’ve had the joy of capturing hundreds of beautiful babies and celebrating so many special milestones along the way. And fun fact, I was actually the first photographer in my area to start doing cake smash sessions about 13 years ago!
Outside of photography, I’m a bit of a crunchy mom. I love cooking from scratch and being intentional about what we eat. We raise our own beef, pork, and eggs, and I haven’t bought a loaf of bread in over five years. I also grow a big, beautiful garden every year, it’s one of my favorite things to do.
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?
It’s been a hard but rewarding journey. Juggling a business while raising five kids and keeping up with my husband has been no small task! When I started out, I was completely self-taught. This was before AI and all the easy editing tools we have now, so everything was done by hand and through trial and error. I spent countless hours learning, experimenting, and figuring things out on my own. It’s been a lot of work, but I honestly wouldn’t change it. It’s made me appreciate how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in newborn, cake smash, and fine art maternity photography, but I also love photographing families and seniors. Each session brings something special, in tiny newborn details, the fun (and usually messy) cake smash, or capturing that gorgeous mamas during my maternity sessions.
I’m most proud of my studio work. When I first decided to move into studio photography, I had no clue what I was doing with lighting. It was honestly a little intimidating! But I told myself I was going to figure it out, and when I set my mind to something, I don’t stop until I do. After a lot of trial and error, I finally developed a style that feels like me.
My newborn work is what really sets me apart. I love creating rich, timeless images using beautiful jewel tones that make each baby stand out. It’s such a fun, rewarding process, and I still get excited every time I start a new session.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I use Iris Works app for all my booking, invoices, questionnaires, and contracts, it’s a total lifesaver! It keeps me organized and on top of everything, and it saves me so much time by automating my workflow.
I also make it a point to invest in myself and my business every year by attending at least one (and sometimes two) photography workshops. It’s so important to keep learning and growing, especially in a creative field like this. Each workshop pushes me to try new things, refine my style, and stay inspired.
And when I’m editing, I am probably listening to a true crime podcast, There’s just something about a good mystery! I also enjoy listening to The Art & Soul Show by The Milky Way. Its a podcast for photographers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brookehadlockphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookehadlockphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brookehadlockphotography
