Hey everyone! Just a quick introduction, my name is Brooke, owner and lead photographer of Brooke Danielle Photography. I am originally from a small town in Northern Virginia just 50 miles west of Washington DC, & I now reside in Inwood WV with my husband and our 18 month old daughter. My photography takes me through the Shenandoah Valley, parts of Maryland, and back to my home roots of Northern VA. I enjoy being a stay at home Mom while running my business primarily as a Wedding Photographer. In my down time you will find me working out, spending time with my family, spending my time outdoors, or being curled up on the couch with a cup of coffee watching a good flick. All in all, I lead a pretty simple & quiet life ;-)
Photography started for me back in 2010 as a hobby. I had no intentions of starting a business as a photographer. I always had a passion for photography, which was what led me to purchase my very first DSLR Nikon camera. I quickly began learning and using family members and friends as test subjects. Pretty soon, I had a few side photography jobs primarily working with families. It wasn't until a couple years later that I had the opportunity to help 2nd shoot for a couple other talented wedding photographers. It was in those moments that I absorbed & learned the most, & most importantly it was then that I realized I wanted to be a wedding photographer. I suddenly had the passion to capture a couple's love story as their big day unfolded in the most unique way possible.
As a wedding photographer, I am a firm believer in details. I love shooting every aspect of the day from beginning to end. You could best describe me as having a "photojournalistic" style, as I like to capture the day unfolding before my eyes as it tells a story.
Detail shots & getting ready shots are always some of my most favorite images from the day. As much as I love getting those beautiful formal shots, I always find that the candid shots always end up being my favorite. The images are always genuine, & tend to show so much more emotion which is what I desire to capture.
More detail shots!
This wedding was one of my favorites from this season. How can you not fall in love with these fall colors! (no pun intended, lol). There's just something about a Fall wedding in the Shenandoah Valley...
Another reason why I love what I do is being able to capture the raw emotion as the bride takes that walk down the aisle to her groom. I not only enjoy watching the bride & groom's reaction, but also the mother's as they witness their "babies" exchange vows. Half the time, I find myself getting teary eyed behind the lens of my camera. It is truly an honor to be able to witness and capture such beautiful moments as they unfold before my eyes. It's crazy to think that THIS gets to be my job! I take such joy in getting to be apart of such joyous celebrations!
Again, capturing those candid moments that others don't expect you to see. These are the moments worth cherishing & holding onto. Below is a picture of the Bride's grandmother hugging the groom immediately following the ceremony. These are the moments worth capturing that really pull on your heart strings...
To finish up, aside from the candid moments I also LOVE the playful ones! Bridal Party photos are always so much fun to capture, & you never know what kind of reaction you may get from the bridal party members (usually good ones, lol).Even though I will always start posing the bridal party in a formal way, I will also capture candid photos of them while they are laughing & talking with each other- adds so much fun & variety! I have found myself having so much fun while cracking jokes with the bridal party. These bridal party photos were some of my favorite because of the color scheme & the AMAZING natural light we had!
Lastly, I love me some Bride & Groom Portraits :-) Finding that balance of formal & candid is what I strive towards.
Never did I imagine myself being a wedding photographer, but now I can't imagine doing anything else. Every wedding is unique & special in it's own way, & I find that because of that I never get tired or bored with what I do. I have had the pleasure or getting to meet so many new faces, while some I have even maintained relationships with. I am truly thankful for the gift God has given me so that I can continue to pursue what I love, while also serving others.
COMPANY: Brooke Danielle Photography