We recently connected with Bonnie Brooks and have shared our conversation below.

Bonnie, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I started my photography journey seriously in 2011. I was pregnant with my 3rd and all I knew is I wanted to learn how to make better photographs of my children’s childhood. If I could go back and start sooner, or realize the resources to start sooner than I did were available I feel like I would have had more time to enjoy the craft without all the adult responsibilities. There’s really no telling how my life and my photography journey would have changed had I started sooner. The possibilities are truly endless. I lived in Germany for four years, and had I began learning the craft sooner, the images I have from those years would likely look much better. Overall though, I’m happy with my journey. I’ve had the privilege of photographing various stages of people’s lives from their wedding, their birth, adoptions, and other defining moments of life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The majority of my work has been birth stories. I started studying photography seriously in 2011, and a few months into 2012 a friend of mine asked me if I would photograph the birth of her son. We knew up front that I would not be allowed in the operating room at this hospital, but there would still be a lot going on in the waiting room while she was in surgery. I left the hospital, with my own newborn in tow, feeling like I had never felt in my life. As I began accepting more birth stories, and my work was being recognized in the Seattle, WA area, I was beginning to be allowed in the operating rooms.

What sets me apart from others is how I “see.” When I’m working with families, regardless what the session is for, I always approach documenting as they are. The micro-interactions and expressions along with what is going on in the environment.

The one thing I am most proud of is how my work has helped impact the birth photography community. In 2012, it wasn’t common for hospitals to allow photography at all until after the baby is born. Now, in almost every major city you’ll find a handful of photographers who specialize in documenting birth. It’s incredible to see one of life’s most profound moments being documented, and families sharing their stories so that other families know they’re not alone.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The only goal I’ve had for myself to be a better photographer today than I was yesterday. Regardless of what the subject or particular season of my life, or a client’s life, keep it honest.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There have been many people and resources who have significantly impacted my journey on the not-so-creative-side-but-still-creative. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, People Over Profit by Dale Partridge, and A Beautiful Anarchy by Dave DuChemin have been books I’ve read and reread over the years.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://bonniebrooksphotographer.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/_bonniebrooks_
• Other: TikTok: @bonniebrooksphotographer