Brooke Hill | Owner, Among the Pines Photography
As the owner of Among the Pines, Brooke is a traveling elopement and adventure photographer based in Denver, CO. Through her work, she seeks to ensure that those around her are seen, heard, and loved. Outside of photographing, Brooke can be found carrying the train of her clients’ dress, getting to know their family members, and helping ease their anxiety on their big day. On a mission to capture the stories that are unfolding around her, she believes words and stories have the ability to change the world if we allow them.
The Basics:
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
Current city: Denver, Colorado
Alma mater: Ozark Christian College
Degree: Biblical Justice
Very first job: Carhop at Sonic Drive- In
Hustle: Elopement + Intimate Wedding Photographer, Among The Pines Photography
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why?
Lauren Muth from Studio Humankind. She has a passion for representing small businesses and nonprofits with authentic storytelling that captivates the attention of others. She pours her heart and soul into the web design work she does, and truly cares deeply about everyone she meets.
If you could recommend one place to travel to, where would it be + why?
I’d recommend India. I’ve been to 16 countries, and India continues to be my favorite. So much so that before COVID, I was traveling there every four months, and I’ve been five times already. I spend time in a rural village in western India with hundreds of children, just playing and living a simplistic life. The food we eat is grown in the village, and our biggest worry of the day is potentially losing power for a few hours. Traveling to India has humbled me and made me a better human. If you’re looking for a way to get back to the basics and remember how blessed you truly are, travel to India.
Where are we most likely to find you spending your free time?
My favorite self-care activity is to spend time at my favorite coffee shop with a poetry book by Mary Oliver. I could spend hours getting lost in her words, while simultaneously being reminded why nature is so beautiful. If not there, I’m at Wash Park here in Denver walking with my dog and admiring all the other furry friends.
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle.
As an elopement photographer, I wear a lot of different hats. Some days are spent in the mountains, desert, or on the coast, scouting a location for an upcoming adventure elopement. Other days I’m sitting in my home office editing a wedding gallery. My favorite thing about being a photographer is that no two days look the same. I love waking up every day and choosing how my day will be spent. Simply put, I wasn’t created for a 9 to 5 lifestyle.
What’s your professional journey been like so far? How did you find yourself in your current position?
I began shooting formal and large weddings while in college. I learned a lot throughout those years, but as COVID happened, my purpose and passion began to shift. I noticed a lot of my couples were getting caught up in the details of a big formal wedding and were worried about their day being “trendy”. I found myself wanting to get out in nature as often as possible, and began to ask the question, “What if I could encourage couples to get married in beautiful places? To leave the stress of planning behind, and simply make the day about what they love?
Specifically, did you always know you wanted to pursue a photography career in the wedding industry? What inspired that path for you?
Becoming a photographer was never part of my plan. In my early twenties, I spent time traveling around the world with a basic camera I bought off Craigslist. As I began capturing documentary-style photographs, my passion for authentic storytelling grew—which ultimately led me into the wedding industry. I believe the longer I work as a wedding photographer, the more intentional my work is becoming. It’s my goal to ensure that each couple experiences their wedding day to the fullest, and that I’m able to capture it in the most raw and captivating way possible.
How have your past professional and academic experiences and lessons prepared you for the work you do today? How have they not prepared you?
My degree didn’t prepare me to become a photographer, but my passion and hobbies did. I chose to pursue a passion I had, and it gave me the opportunity to turn it into a career. I’m grateful that my degree isn’t in photojournalism. Don’t get me wrong, while it’s taken me longer than others to learn because I’m completely self taught, there’s a gift in that also. By teaching myself everything that I know and making mistakes along the way, I feel that I was able to discover my purpose and value in my work in the process. I don’t get caught up in the mechanics of the camera, or have a bag full of external lighting objects. It’s always been just me and my camera, focusing on the simple and quiet moments. However, I will say that investing in education is so important. While I didn’t major in photography, I continually invested in education and found ways to grow. Every experience and opportunity we’re given in life has the ability to help us grow if we embrace it.
How would you describe your relationship with most of your clients? What is your approach to building a bond with the couple before their wedding day?
I would say that my relationship with my clients is intentional, silly, and caring. I’m very committed to getting to know each of my couples on a personal level prior to their wedding day. Sometimes that looks like us facetiming if they’re not from Colorado, or if we’re lucky, sometimes we’ll grab coffee or meet up at a brewery. A few things I tell all my couples are: “I want to capture your real story, without the fluff or distractions. I’m not afraid of making a fool of myself to help you two loosen up for the camera. I will never pose you in an unnatural way. If it looks uncomfortable, it’s probably because it is. So let’s change it up, do what feels natural for you two, and focus on the moment you’re in.”
And my wedding day pep talk is: “Try to remember that photographing your wedding day shouldn’t feel forced. How can we take the moment you’re in and make it an experience that you will remember? Look at your partner and tell them what you’re most excited about today?”
To add, what’s your process like for ensuring that both you and your clients are on the same page for how the big day will go? How do you create a clear and shared vision?
For my couples, they fill out a handful of questionnaires prior to their wedding date. I ask questions that help us bring their vision to life, while also ensuring their most important moments are made a priority. Communication is huge for me, so prior to their elopement day, we will hop on a call, walk through their timeline, and ensure that everything is in order. By having a personal relationship with my couples, I want them to feel like they can be honest with me, and express any concerns or questions they may have.
Wedding photographers have the huge responsibility of capturing a couple's love + memories. Do you ever feel a sense of pressure? If so, do you have any routines or rituals to deal with stress?
I feel such a strong sense of purpose in the work that I do, and I’m continually grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given. I have the ability to help two lovers experience their wedding day to the fullest—not only through the photographs to come, but in this very moment. How many people can say that? As an expert in my field, I also feel that educating my couples is a big part of my job as an elopement photographer. Ensuring that they are aware of any potential hiccups such as weather, uncertainties in nature, and everyday life mishaps is important. A quote I live by is, “Expectations are your enemy, flexibility is your best friend.” If your goal is to get married and experience the beauty of nature with your love on your wedding day, that will happen no matter what. The rest can be sorted through!
How has being a woman impacted your professional experiences? What can we collectively do to support and empower women in your industry today?
This is a great question. I believe that being a woman in the wedding industry is a blessing as well as a curse. While women are given authority in the wedding world, they also at times can be walked all over—especially by men. I’ve had my fair share of uncomfortable moments with wedding guests or groomsmen who have harassed me (physically, emotionally, and verbally) and made doing my job difficult. I believe we collectively need to have contingencies in our contracts that protect us from these situations. Encouragement should also be given to women in saying, “We are strong, independent, and brave women who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We will not tolerate being treated inappropriately by any man.”
What’s one thing you’re proud to have accomplished in your career thus far?
This year I booked my first ever Two-Day Adventure Elopement Package! After investing in my career through education, rebranding, and really putting myself out there, I’m seeing the results of my efforts. Knowing that a couple sees value in hiring me not for one, but two days is a humbling experience!
Who are some women in your field that you look to for inspiration?
I’d definitely say “Kaley from Kansas”, her unique angle of storytelling and the way she brings humanity into her photography consistently challenges me. Maddie Mae from “Adventure Instead” has also changed the game for me. As one of the first true elopement photographers, she has paved the way to allow photographers like me to pursue an adventurous wedding career.
Career and/or life advice for others (both inside + outside your industry?)
Don’t be afraid to do things a little differently, for that’s what will truly set you apart. The world is big, and we don’t need two people who live and breathe the same. Use social media as inspiration for your passions on occasion, but then step away from it. Remember to chase after what makes your soul sing and don’t look back!
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