Brett Brooner, of Broonamite Photography, is an incredibly talented Omaha, NE artist who knows how to capture a stellar photograph. This is evident with one look at his Instagram feed! He specializes in weddings, portraits, and adventure. We’re going behind the lens to learn a little bit more about how Brett started his career and to pick up a few tips for taking top-notch Instagram photos while traveling!
First off, tell us a little bit about about you.
I am a midwest photographer who absolutely loves to travel the world to shoot anything from landscapes to portraits to skateboarding. I started to film skateboarding when I got my first camera and then merged into portrait photography after failing at being a Youtube skateboard filmer. :) I enjoy drinking coca-cola and adventuring with my girlfriend, Carlie. I love exploring midwest abandoned barns and catching sunsets that drop over the Nebraska horizon.
When did you first start taking photos? How did you learn photography?
I started getting serious about portrait photography in 2013. Before that I was filming skateboarders locally and trying to pursue that a lot! It didn’t work out well since California is the place you would want to try and make it with skateboarding. I started using Instagram around 2010 because of Dave Nelson. Instagram soon made me eager to learn how to work an actual camera, which in 2012 I finally bought my first camera ever! I learned through Fro Knows Photos on Youtube! I’ve never taken a single photography class.
What’s a typical work day like for you?
A typical day would be waking up, answering emails, editing, blogging, answering emails, texting or calling clients, reporting revenue and expenses, and if I have a shoot planned, then I go shoot my session!
What’s the hardest part about running your business?
Communicating with clients quickly! It’s hard to respond to clients quickly with so many other things happening through the day. When I’m posting on Instagram or Facebook, I usually post and then I’m off and back to work. Sometimes clients think I’m just sitting on Facebook and Instagram, while I’m really working!
Was there a certain point where you felt like your business was going to thrive?
February of 2014 was when I really gained my confidence in myself. I announced I would be shooting weddings for the first time and I booked 11, which I thought was incredible haha. I expected to book about two total. This year I’ve nearly tripled my weddings and have three destination weddings!
What is your favorite source of inspiration?
Instagram is my number one source of inspiration. I follow people who are inspiring through their work and words. It’s rad following along with someone who is incredibly talented with their camera and also an insanely cool human. I was even able to meet up with some IGers during my recent 3 week road trip, which was way rad!
How to Take Insta-Worthy Photos While Traveling
Your photos are gorgeous! I always need tips on how to take better pictures. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Joanna! You’re very welcome!
Those are some amazing clicks!
Aren’t they tho?! Brett has the best Instagram feed!
Beautiful photos, and great tips!
Thank you, Leah!
Wow wow wow! I am so in love with his work! Thank you for sharing!
You’re so welcome! He’s extremely talented!
I’m an instagramaholic. Love this!
Me too! Instagram is by far my favorite app :)
[…] How to take insta-worthy photos while traveling Two things high on my bucket list: taking better pictures and traveling […]
I love the point about thinking how a picture makes you feel because when I see a photo that conjures emotions it totally makes me love the photo even more. Brett’s pictures are incredible!