Brooke Macko of Macka Photography is known for two distinct styles: fresh, true-to-color images and moody photography with layers of shadow and light. As a frequent contributor to West Fort Worth Lifestyle magazine and working with families and businesses, her specialization in portraits, artist profiles, and branding visuals is a familiar sight. We had a chance to sit down with Brooke and learn about her passion for the craft, why taking the photo is so important, and get a few helpful tips for hiring a photographer.
1. Do you have any tips for hiring a photographer?
I recommend seeking out a prepared, organized photographer who has a caring attitude. Look for someone who asks questions, listens, takes notes, and provides a plan. I like to call this "being seen and heard." The Macka Photography process has a plan for each client: sometimes, after a short phone call, a two-sentence plan for a 15-minute headshot session and photography tips is all that is needed. Other times, it's a multi-page photography shoot guide based on several conversations. Either way, a clear plan with straightforward cost and deliverables is filled with evidence that a client has been seen and heard. Hiring a photographer with these traits will set you on the right path to achieve the desired results and experience.
2. What are some ways to get the most out of your photography session?
Pay attention to details. Everything from clean shoes to eliminating wrinkles, possibly professional makeup and hair. Don't be afraid to talk to your photographer about what you don't like before your session. This narrows down the focus of the shoot and directs time to images the client desires. Hire a photographer you trust. When mutual trust is shared, the results are always elevated because both parties are open to advice and ideas.
3. I can see the passion for creatives and businesses in your work. From where did it originate?
Growing up, I was that kid who woke up super early on Saturday morning to watch documentaries and kept a notebook of interesting words I came across while reading. Being drawn to stories and expression has always been a part of me. When I became a professional photographer, I realized that wonder and curiosity were commonalities through all my interests. The camera became an interesting way to communicate and permission to explore—almost like receiving an airplane ticket in the morning to a new destination where I can discover details, histories, moods, people, beauty, and so on.
This easily translates to working with clients, developing a passion to learn about them, their art, their business, and what is important to them. I believe that everyone's story matters. I am so grateful to God that my career encourages questions, thinking, problem solving, technology, art, and storytelling. I get to be in the middle of that AND help others. I am also grateful for the impact that photography had on my personal life, and that emboldens me to keep pushing forward with the craft.
4. You work often with businesses, artists, and families. But do you have any personal projects right now?
Yes, I am thrilled to have recently joined Artly International's curated platform, committed to offering high-quality contemporary art. My fine art photography prints can be found at https://artlyinternational.com/collections/brooke-macko
5. Tell me a little something about you.
I love a good walk and lifting weights. I'm always reading or listening to books on Libby. I can't help but be creative and analytical at the same time. Perhaps that is why I am a little bit quirky. My family is precious to me; my son and I like to listen to music together. How he came to like yacht rock is beyond me, but it's a blast to ride in the car with him. If you ever meet my husband, ask him about the time he brought a church pew to a photography shoot at the beginning of my career. I'm so grateful for the encouragement from amazing friends and clients.
6. What does a Macka Photography photo feel like?
Confidence from knowing you have an impactful, relevant image. A real smile from a flood of sweet memories. Hello, album cover! Inspired. Thinking, “This is my boutique! This is our fitness studio! I can't wait to use this image. I should have done this sooner.”
7. Why take the photograph?
It's satisfying to see a client's smile and excitement on gallery delivery day, knowing that they pushed through all the reasons not to schedule and went for it. They work hard to fit it into their busy lives and look past any concerns about how they look. My job as a photographer is not just to provide high-quality, impactful images—it's to be an advocate for their present and their future legacy. If my client is encouraged and inspired by the experience and photographs, then I know that I have truly delivered.