READING TIME: 3 min 45 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/2024
UPDATED: 12/19/2024
In the world of wedding photography, few photographers are as connected to their craft and the emotions of their clients as Brooke Nalani. With nearly a decade of experience, Brooke has mastered the art of blending documentary-style photography with an editorial edge, creating timeless images that evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection. Her approach is grounded in authenticity and raw emotion, making her work stand out in the ever-evolving world of wedding photography.
Brooke's journey into photography began with a deep love for capturing moments that might otherwise slip away unnoticed. “I feel most inspired when capturing organic moments of connection and turning them into images my clients can cherish for a lifetime,” she says. This sense of wonder and nostalgia is at the heart of every photo she takes. Whether she’s documenting a quiet, tender moment between a couple or a grand, joyful celebration, Brooke’s images are filled with warmth and emotion.
Inspired by natural light, earthy tones, and the beauty of the coast, Brooke’s work is a reflection of her aesthetic. “My work is inspired by raw emotion, organic laughter, movement, sunlight, the coast, earthy tones, film photography, and natural landscapes,” she explains. These elements come together to create images that feel both timeless and deeply personal.
When asked about her photography style, Brooke describes it as “documentary with an editorial twist.” She loves to capture moments as they naturally unfold but also has a keen eye for detail and beauty, which gives her images an elegant, polished feel.
Her work is all about storytelling, and at the core of every story are the couples she works with. She takes the time to get to know each couple, ensuring that their unique personalities and love story shine through in the final images. “ I care deeply about each individual I work with as a whole person. I never want to miss a chance to capture the little details and authentic emotions that make you,” she adds.
One of the things that sets Brooke apart is her use of both film and digital photography. She appreciates the nostalgic quality of the film, which aligns perfectly with her goal of evoking emotion through her images. “Film has a way of evoking that sense of nostalgia I’m always chasing,” she says. On the other hand, digital photography allows her to capture spontaneous moments throughout the day, giving her the flexibility to tell the full story of a wedding day.
Her post-processing style complements her approach to photography, focusing on creating natural, timeless images. “I focus on true-to-tone editing with a slight filmy vibe,” Brooke explains. This editing style preserves the beauty of the moment without feeling overly processed or artificial.
For Brooke, one of the most important aspects of her work is building genuine relationships with her clients. “Nothing compares to being fully seen, fully known, and fully loved. That’s the kind of love I desire to show every person I encounter,” she shares. This philosophy guides her interactions with clients, helping them feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera.
“Nothing compares to being fully seen, fully known, and fully loved. That’s the kind of
love I desire to show every person I encounter, whether you’re a client or just another human trying to navigate this world,” she explains. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, Brooke can capture her clients’ true personalities and emotions, resulting in images that feel real and heartfelt.
Every couple is unique, and Brooke believes their photography experience should be, too. She offers customized packages that fit each couple’s specific needs and vision for their wedding day.
Her flexibility extends beyond the logistics of the wedding day—Brooke is also a seasoned traveler, photographing weddings in some of the most beautiful destinations around the world. “I’ve traveled all over the States, but I have to say I am in love with Europe. Especially Italy,” she shares. The romance and charm of Italy’s landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for her signature style, making it one of her favorite destinations to work in.
As someone who has captured countless love stories, Brooke has valuable advice for couples preparing for their big day. “Remember your why,” she says. “It’s your day. Trends come and go but your love lasts forever.” Her reminder to couples is to focus on the meaning behind the celebration, rather than getting caught up in the details. “It’s easy to get caught up in the mess of things, so try to slow down, take a breath, and remember the core reason for getting married,” she adds.
This advice not only helps couples stay grounded on their wedding day but also results in more authentic and meaningful photos.
For Brooke, wedding photography is about more than just documenting a single day—it’s about capturing a love story that will be cherished for generations to come. “It is such an honor to be trusted to document each person's evolving love story,” she says, reflecting on the privilege of being invited into some of the most intimate moments of her clients’ lives.
Brooke Nalani’s photography is a testament to the power of love, connection, and storytelling. Through her lens, she captures not just the big moments but the quiet, fleeting ones that often go unnoticed. Her passion for photography and her dedication to her clients shines through in every image, creating timeless memories that will be cherished for years to come.
