Today we’d like to introduce you to Joeli Middlebrooks
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a young girl, I always admired artists in any form of the word. I grew up in a small town, and I was also home-schooled. I feel like this really allowed me the privilege of finding my own personality and interests from an early age. My parents raised us in the country so I spent most of my time outside with animals, or hiking along the lakeside with my brother and close friends. My mother was an artist in many forms and would often take me to art museums to do my school work. My first camera was an old Pentax k1000 film camera that was handed down from my grandpa. I would take photos of my friends, and myself in nature often. Originally my style was quite “Tumblr-esque.” Very moody, dark beauty portraits. I now feel as if my style has evolved into an editorial fashion style. Film photography still holds my heart and I try to go out and shoot solely film as often as possible to remind myself why I started, because I love art. I also love people, their unique stories and personalities infatuate me and I always strive to capture them the way they hope to be seen, which typically means in their most relaxed form. I always try to thoroughly get to know each person I have the honor to shoot with during our sessions, and I have found that the people I work with repeatedly end up being the absolute best sessions as we are at this point, friends who create together!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have definitely dealt with the ups and downs as any creative has in this industry. I would say the main set back was really just comparing my work to others. Once I discovered such wildly talented photographers on Instagram it became tough to stay true to my own style. I feel as though I have found a balance in my work by staying minimal and letting posing and lighting do the work. I’m proud of myself for sticking with it!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am currently the Lead Personal Branding Photographer for this incredible company. We specialize in capturing local Austin brands in a style that sets them apart and captures the attention of their personal audience. We like to think of our photography style as out-of-the-box when it comes to typical headshots/product shots/ personal branding photo shoots/graphic design and all that falls into these categories. We have many packages that are curated to each brands specific needs. I specialize in lifestyle photography, so I really enjoy capturing people in a natural setting, while promoting the feeling of what they are selling rather than a product alone.
What’s next?
I am really looking forward to investing all of my time into this incredible new opportunity! I have had the unique chance to continue meeting so many wonderful people & artists alike in Austin and the surrounding areas, which especially given our current state, I feel very gifted to be able to do in a safe, socially distant fashion. I’m feeling really optimistic for the future of KMC and all of the great art we get to create for locals to promote themselves!
Pricing:
- Starter Package $500
- The Brand Refresh $1250
- The Big Launch $2200
- *A La Carte pricing upon request
Contact Info:
- Email: Joeli@karamariecollective.com
- Website: www.karamariecollective.com/brandprofile
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Kara.Marie.collective
Image Credits
Photography by Joeli Middlebrooks of Kara Marie Collective
