Meet Brooke Barnes | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brooke Barnes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooke, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose a creative career because it just felt right. I bought my first professional camera at 13 years old and would style and pose my friends and family. Photography has always come naturally to me. I love capturing those moments that may have been missed and freezing it in time to be cherished forever. I get a rush of excitement when I know I’ve captured such a perfect moment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve had to overcome imposter syndrome. I started my business at a young age and was afraid that I was charging too much and no one would like my pictures. So I quit for a long time. Finally after hearing another photographer say that there is room for everyone one in this industry and that if one person doesn’t like your pictures another person will. There is a photographer for everyone.
I am western lifestyle photographer and I love sharing that way of life with the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely have her come out to go to The Music Fest at Steamboat. First Stop get breakfast at Winonas restaurant and bakery. We’d then have to go shopping at my favorite western boutique Haus of CuCu to pick out some cute outfits for the upcoming concerts. The next day we can learn how to ski or snowboard, then we’d have relax at Strawberry hot springs. Then eat some great tacos at Salt & Lime before the next concert.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom has always been encouraging me to pursue a career in photography. She always knew that photography was what I was meant to be doing. Rachel Kulla of Horsemanship Collective Photography has been such a great mentor. She has helped me push past my fears.

Instagram: BrookeBarnes_photography