Meet Iryna Brochu | Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer

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

Hi Iryna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always been drawn to the visual aspect of art and the emotions it evokes. There have been many times my husband joked around with me about having a million screen shots of pictures or moments I saved of things that inspired me. I think my real “why” happened the year we lost my grandfather and my husbands dad to cancer in one year. Before my grandfather passed away, I had a vision to capture my son and the generations before. Those are the few professional pictures I have of my son with his great grandfather. He will grow up and although he won’t remember it, that memory became a tangible one I can show him. The loss of my husbands father had the same effect. We don’t realize how precious our lives memories are until that moment has passed. We wish we can relive it or have a tangible visual piece of it. Although my beginning and inspiration for becoming a photographer was a sad one, I get to experience so many wonderful memories with clients also. I’ve cried at weddings, those beautiful moments of declaration of love. I’ve capture maternity moments and pictures that parents get to cherish forever. Ive helped people capture the passion of their career. Emotions, regardless if they are happy or sad, are such an essential part of human life and experience. What better career to have than to have the honor to be the one to capture it for someone. The fact that my clients, friends and family trust me to capture these moments that they will cherish for a life time is the most humbling honor I have.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I come from an Eastern European background where people don’t express emotions the same way they do in the United States. The feed back only comes when you fail and where you could do better. There is not warmth and embrace of how all that matters is that you tried your best. The mental barrier of fear and being judged is a very real feeling. No one gets a medal for just trying. For me the mental barrier of putting my work out there for everyone to judge and see was one of the hardest things to do. Once I overcame that hurdle, I felt so liberated in a way I can’t explain. I was thrilled to go and create; to give people a feeling of inspiration I felt for so long and collected for years from many outlets. As I mentioned before my art is to capture emotions and memories into tangible keepsakes. I feel excited every time I deliver galleries to a client knowing those pictures will hang on their family wall or go into their family albums for generations to keep and remember. I didn’t come from a photography school environment so all of my craft was self learned with the help of people and tools through different outlets. It doesn’t happen over night and you never stop learning either. I continue to perfect my art and grow as an artist and photographer every day. It is so true when they say success doesn’t come over night. It’s those little things you do when no one is watching. Even if its 30 minute a day to dedicate to a particular aspect of your craft you want to learn. Not every step of the way you will have someone cheering you on. It’s the dedication and understanding that your investment will come into fruition with patience.
I came to the United States from Ukraine when I was 14 without speaking English. The first clue to understanding someone without speaking is by paying attention to their facial expression and emotions. Thats why emotions are such a valuable aspect of my work. It’s the universal language that can be translated without word and can be captured without explanation. The goal of my brand is to tell your moments, your stories, and your unique experiences. This might sound silly but my goal is for every picture I take to be a Pinterest worthy moment someone feels inspired by.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think being a Texas transplant from Ukraine, I would love to show them the Fort Worth hospitality. A mixture of city and nature would be a good balance. I think first I would take them to downtown. Because people coming out of state are under the assumption that we all ride horses on the street. Downtown is a good representation of a thriving modernized Texas. While in Downtown a steak at Del Frisco is a must. Mediterranean cuisine like Istanbul Cafe in down town is my absolute favorite as well. We would walk by the Trinity River and enjoy Texas’ beautiful sunset. Now that we’ve established that we don’t ride horses everywhere, I would take them to stock yard to show the parts where they do. Riscky’s BBQ is a true brisket experience. My favorite is the baked potato brisket; it’s a Texas size appetizer. Watching the cattle walk through the streets of Stock Yards is a very cool experience for anyone who hasn’t seen it.
One of my favorite brunch spots is Press Cafe by Trailhead, and I love to walk along the river after getting a dessert from Doc B’s. Their Homemade Oreo Ice Cream is to die for.
Being a big coffee fanatic and hoping that my guest is also, I would look forward to taking them to all the local coffee shops. Bonjourno and Summer Moon Coffee are my first picks.
Next we would spend a day checking out the Art district. Kimbell, Amond Carter and Modern Art Museum are all a lot of fun to explore. We would have to get lunch at HG Sply co. Their backyard burgers are amazing.
On a hot Texas evening, ice cream is always a yes and Andy’s Frozen Custard can’t be forgotten.
Coyote Drive-In theater is a very unique experience and great for closing the evening out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Andre’ and son Mael inspire me to be my best. My husband is always there to make sure I have the tools I need and emotional support. He is the tech wiz with my computer troubles and my terrible grammar correction, since English is my third language. My son gave me a reason to want someone to be proud of me. My mother is my wonderful helper and nanny who’s always there to help watch my energetic toddler while I go on photoshoots to pursue my passion. My wonderful best friend Priscilla, who has been a cheerleader and a supporter of my passion. I can always count on her honest opinion and someone who helped me overcome my fear of putting my work out there. My brother Roman, who lended me camera gear to learn. He showed me technical settings to my camera and gave me foundational knowledge. My sister in law Dominique who along side with my brother Bogdan gave me the opportunity to photograph them and get better with directing, posing, and playing with light. Photographer community of professionals who allowed me to learn along side them. Lucy Thornton who allowed me to come along for my first wedding experience as a photographer. Two months ago I joined an incredible community of a wedding master class by Mon Soleil . I am always eager to learn to better my craft and deliver the best experience for my clients. There has been so many people that have inspired me along the way. My happy clients who have given me such warm feed back, make me believe in myself, and inspire me to continue to push myself.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madame.brochu.photography/

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/iryna-brochu-kuchurivska-8759b111

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Madame.Brochu.Photography