Brooke Shaden began her photography life in 2008 after studying film at Temple University. She was born in Lancaster in 1987, and grew up close to the “Amish Country”. As a child and teenager she wasn’t drawn to photography until college. While studying film and English she discovered her love for telling stories through art. She taught herself using a camera to express stories and incorporate literature into her work.
Through her work Shaden expresses contrasting themes, such as darkness and light or decay and rebirth. Shaden is a self portrait artist, where she acts as characters from her childhood dreams and fears. Her work shows herself portrayed in a certain way in worlds she imagines. Symbols and themes are constantly used to arrange her ideas, which help her develop an image. Many of her photos capture her fears, where mystery and darkness are present.
Shaden aims to help others see a piece of themselves in her work. She believes that the ability to project one’s knowledge, fears and dreams into their potential is the greatest gift for an artist. Her work is a process of self exploration, while telling a story. Shaden allows her curiosity to lead her to new places where her characters advance. The major ideas behind her work is to express a story, usually developed from her imagination.
Shaden had influenced me by helping me find creative ways to see and make art. Her photos are very fascinating and show me new possibilities of what I can achieve with the hard work and patience. While doing research I learned that she opened a photography school for human trafficking surviors in India, which inspired me to think about how I can make a difference. Shaden’s work has also motivated me to try new techniques of developing and taking photos and to incorporate unique backgrounds and effects. I usually don’t see a lot of photos like the ones she takes, so I’m interested in learning more about her and other fantasy photographers.
Resources:
Gallery
Interview with fine art photographer Brooke Shaden
Brooke Shaden Photographer
Brooke Shaden Quotes (Author of Inspiration in Photography)
"Each and every time I wanted to create a new image, I only asked myself what I felt like creating, and then set out to create it." - Brooke Shaden