The moment I set eyes on Brooke Shaden’s photography, I was captivated by the ethereal beauty of it. Completely enthralled by the otherworldly images she had created. I became lost in her world and found myself staring at each self-portrait for minutes on end finding the stories hidden within. Despite being a non-drinker, Brooke graciously agreed to be included in our interview series. Prepare to be mesmerized by Brooke’s imagination.

What’s your story?

I was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and because of that always took a lot of inspiration from nature. I think that still inspires my photography and allows me to move in certain directions within my work. I took a black and white photography class in high school but hated it and swore off photography. In college (at Temple University in Philadelphia) I studied filmmaking and English, and graduated with both degrees in December 2008. Shortly after graduating I picked up my DSLR and tried my hand at photography again. This time I fell in love and began creating self-portraits every single day. Shortly after starting photography I moved to California. I started photography full time in February 2010 and I haven’t stopped going full force ever since!

Favourite bar stool?

Ahh… I will probably be an oddity here, but I have never been to a bar before!

What are you drinking at said bar stool?

I have never had a sip of alcohol in my life, so I suppose I would be drinking a Shirley Temple!

Most interesting conversation you’ve had with a stranger.

I was once telling a stranger about a very odd photo shoot I was doing, and he said that my enthusiasm is infectious – that stands as my favorite stranger-conversation.

Best line ever used by or to you.

“I would marry you if I could” – my husband, at age 17, when we decided to get married.

Do you sit at bars alone?

I do not, though I sit in a lot of other places alone…like in fields or in forests brainstorming what I will photograph next.

If you could have a drink with anybody, who would it be?

Probably Gregory Crewdson to try and see how his amazing photographic brain works. 

What’s your dream in life?

To be happy…that is first and foremost my goal. I want to do everything that I love with passion, and I want to be able to do what I love for a living.

Brooke Shaden’s website
Brooke on Twitter @brookeshaden
Brooke on Facebook

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