Meet Brooke Dann | Videographer, Photographer & Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brooke Dann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooke, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
The fear of risks used to take over my mind for years. It ranged from being afraid of what others might say to stepping outside my comfort zone to pursue what I craved deep in my soul. I am still working on releasing the opinion of others, but moving outside my comfort zone has revealed my capability. I learned that just because others haven’t seen it done doesn’t mean it isn’t achievable. I grew up not knowing if this creative zone could be something to hold hands with years down the road. Many would try to encourage me to pursue other obtainable careers. In simplest terms, it meant going after a job that was familiar to their eyes. Moving from the east to the midwest was one of the ultimate risks that helped shift my attitude toward change. I had a small amount of money to my name, but I knew that this move would open my eyes to letting go of what I loved most; my familiar place. I stopped being scared of receiving no as a freelancer. I learned that if you never ask, you will never know the answer. I want to leave you with this reminder…let the helpful critique from others guide you, but do not let the criticism stop you.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I own a small business called Brooke Dann Enterprise and am a videographer at an agency in Oklahoma. Brooke Dann Enterprise services in photography, editing, and videography. I am six years into this profession and still working on my craft daily. After a couple of years, I learned that I can establish a connection with anyone, and that is a talent I hadn’t recognized throughout the years.

A connection might sound simple, but it’s essential when doing photography or videography. I want to make the subject feel welcomed and connected. I start with a joke, inquiring about the day or curiosity about who they are. I want to make them feel relaxed as if the five minutes they have known me feels like five years. The connection established behind the camera will reflect in front of the camera. Again, it might sound simple, but it is key.

My proudest moments lay in the hands of little Brooke. The little me who dealt with self-esteem issues, depression, and even moments of suicidal thoughts. I think of how her dreams stopped at the doorstep because of doubt and fear. Well, good thing the adult Brooke grabbed them from the doorstep and took them with her. The ladder has not been an easy climb, but the challenge was well worth the shaping. I have dealt with being judged because of my gender and sometimes even my skin color. Recently, I encountered an unfortunate situation because I was the main photographer at an event, and a man shouted, “look at a woman taking charge.” The uncomfortable feeling of still dealing with being pointed because of my gender took me by storm. I smiled and continued, but those words played over in my head throughout the day. I asked myself, “am I incapable or abnormal because I was a woman in that position?” However, I learned that the bias of others should not be a wall in my ability to perform my job well. And shoutout to me for doing my job well and being recognized for doing it with authority.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would probably go to Bricktown in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I love the area and the riverwalk is so beautiful to be around. My favorite restaurant is Black Walnut, Neighborhood Jam, and Bourbon Street Cafe. For dessert, I’m a key lime pie type of girl. I feel like the only place to get the best key lime pie is at Charleston’s.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first introduction to the creative field was in my undergraduate Mass Communication degree at Bethune-Cookman University. The professors in the department pushed me to reach the potential I was too blind to see. I want to specifically recognize Dr. Elise Wanjohi and Christopher Shaw for believing in my ability in my time of doubt. Also, my Master of Arts film school, Professor Byrd. He provided me with the necessary advice to move forward in film school.

Thank you to all my clients who trust me to make their vision come to life. I told my craziest dreams to my mother, and she encouraged me to go after them. Thank you to my fiancé for the encouraging reminders when I am in a moment of doubt. Most importantly, God has always had his hand of favor and grace upon my life. His plans will always be to prosper me and give me hope for the future.

Website: https://brookeadann.wixsite.com/mysite-1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_brookedann/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-dann-905973aa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brooke.dann