We recently connected with Brooke Jackson and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Brooke thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, folks often look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight – but that often obscures all the nitty, gritty details of everything that went into the growth phase of your business. We’d love to hear about your scaling story and how you scaled up?

I started my business as a senior in high school. After 14 years, it has definitely scaled from what used to be a hobby into a full-time job, one that has even allowed me to move my business across state lines twice.

The best decision I ever made for growing my business was to focus on the clients I already had, rather than constantly chasing new ones. Many of the clients I started with in 2011 have come back to me multiple times for weddings, baby announcements, maternity, and family photos. It’s not always about the quantity of clients you have, but the quality, and how they grow with you. Those core clients became the foundation of my word-of-mouth marketing and the continued growth of my business.

Once I had a steady workflow, a loyal client base, and a solid understanding of my business, I hired a business coach. That decision helped me hone my messaging, streamline client management, and ultimately show up as the best version of myself. Because at the end of the day, you could be the best photographer out there but if you’re not getting in front of people, they’ll never know you exist.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Brooke Michelle, a wedding photographer and creative entrepreneur. I started my business in the summer before my senior year of high school, fueled by a love of capturing the joyful, authentic, and in-between moments of life. Armed with a Kodak camera and a growing curiosity, I dove into photographing friends and classmates, and what started as a hobby quickly blossomed into a full-time career that has now spanned over 14 years.

My journey into photography was organic. I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a business owner or creative entrepreneur, but I’ve always felt drawn to documenting life as it unfolds whether that’s a wiping a tear during a wedding, belly laughing with your best friends, or the glow of a golden hour. Through trial, learning, and a whole lot of passion, I built a business rooted in connection and creativity.

Today, I specialize in lifestyle photography that centers on human connection and bold true-to-color edits. I offer services ranging from wedding photography to high school senior portraiture.

What sets me apart is not just my eye for detail, but the energy I bring to every session. I believe that photography should feel fun and effortless. That being in front of the camera should never feel intimidating. My clients often tell me that I make them feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated, and that’s the exact vibe I strive to create. Whether it’s a large wedding or a cozy at-home shoot, I show up as myself: upbeat, easygoing, and 100% present.

I’m most proud of the lasting relationships I’ve built over the years. Many of the clients who came to me for senior portraits in 2011 are now coming back for maternity or family photos. That continued trust and connection means everything to me. It’s proof that when you show up with heart and authenticity, people come back not just for photos, but for the experience.

At the heart of my brand is a commitment to joy, realness, and people-first storytelling. I want potential clients and followers to know that I’m more than just a photographer I’m your hype woman, your calm in the chaos, and your biggest cheerleader behind the lens. And above it all, I’m only human just like you.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

With wedding photography comes a lot of opinions, similar to wedding planning. When I first started photography, I absorbed as much education, attended workshops, and watched online lessons as I could to get my feet wet. During this time, I learned all the key shots I was supposed to capture: the bride walking down the aisle, the dress hanging in the window, and the end-of-night sparkler exit.

What was never mentioned was the pure art of attention in wedding photography. The best photos on a wedding day aren’t the ones you’re expecting, but the ones you aren’t and those only happen when you’re truly paying attention. It’s less about the dress hanging, and more about the bridesmaids’ reaction as they watch you get into it for the first time. It’s less about the walk down the aisle, and more about the way the dad looks at his daughter as he gives her away.

When it comes to wedding photography, I learned everything I was supposed to do. But no one can teach you how to care for and learn about your clients so that you can show up and capture the purest moments of their love.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I built my business on social media by simply showing up the way I’d want my clients to show up. In weddings, my favorite part is that I never meet people at surface level. I walk into a room full of all their favorite people and I’m the stranger. Because of this, I started posting my life and oversharing. I showed the good, the bad, and the really ugly parts of my day-to-day and who I am. I shared lessons I was learning in life, things I learned during breakups, and now, I get to share my own engagement online.

I built a personal brand that complemented my photography and business so it all felt like one cohesive entity, something my clients saw as the only option for their wedding day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brookemichellephoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookemichellej/

Image Credits

I am the photographer :)