Daily Inspiration: Meet Brookelyn Akers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brookelyn Akers.

Hi Brookelyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
First of all, I’d love to say hello and thank you to everyone who is taking time out of their day to read about my story. My name is Brookelyn Akers, owner of Grace & Glory Photography that’s home based out of New Bloomington, Ohio, about fifteen minutes from Marion, Ohio. I am married to my wonderful husband Seth of 5 years. I previously worked in construction full-time as a Welder, then as a Veterinarian Assistant. Now, I am a full-time house wife who tends to our farm animals, and our five dogs. I have A LOT of hobbies, but of course my favorite one is being a story teller behind the lens of my camera. I am a portrait wedding photographer. For all of life’s precious moments in life, I’m here to capture it all. Whether it be for an engagement, wedding, or a family event involving sports or even modeling, I am here for it all. I enjoy photography with a passion as it’s my way to tell a story. My first time taking photos with a real camera that wasn’t my phone was back in 2019 on Christmas Day. I took family photos for Christmas for a family, that later led me to taking sports photography. I rode dirt bikes with a group of friends, and always had my camera near by. I was always the one who was taking pictures of everyone creating memories. I use to also work at Marion County International Raceway in Marion County right after high school, so in my downtime on Saturday afternoon’s I would capture images of cars, trucks, and dragsters going down the track. I was the person that was able to document those memories and get to tell a story at the end of the day, and that’s what I strive for after each and every session I get to document. The joy it brought to them when I sent their images to them were priceless. It’s a personal relationship between me and Photography. I don’t do photography because I have to or for the money it brings. I do it because I love to serve others with a simple click of a button that they can later cherish even if it’s the most simplest picture of their gallery. It’s the smallest details of a session that are usually the most overlooked ands missed, but not when I’m around. I capture the most heartfelt, and smallest detail of every session. I know how small something means to someone without them even telling me. I always ensure the smallest and biggest details never get overlooked. It’s by God’s grace and faith in me, that gives me this wonderful gift I get to share with others.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been smooth sailing as I imagined. I’ve had many fallbacks ands struggles along the way, but I kept my faith in God, and trusted him to do the rest. To name a few important folks to me that deserve a shoutout of support to me are my husband Seth, My husbands boss, Mike & Paula Jenner, my best friend, Kaitlin, My Mother in Law, Riena, my Father in Law, John, Aunt Tracy, and my Sister in Law, Ava. They have been my greatest supporters and always telling me to chase my dreams and loving me unconditionally as I do so. Recently, I have had to put my business and wedding photography on pause. One of my dog’s, Meco, who is turning 8 this year, has been diagnosed with diabetes going on a year in a half now. I’m not able to give 100% of myself to clients right now since my dog needs me 24/7. Usually on the weekends I would have booked weddings back to back, leaving my house each day for around 12 hours. My dog needs insulin twice a day, with his glucose levels being monitored every few hours. We still don’t have him regulated, so it’s not been easy for our family. In a few years from now I’m hoping I’ll be able to get back out and take on more wedding clientele. God has given us all the strength and courage we need to take care of our little fur baby. Now, I take on mini sessions as the seasons change for clients as a small step back into Photography.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am known locally for being a portrait wedding photographer, and also known as “Brookie”, or “Seth’s wife”. People also know me as the crazy chicken lady, the girl with the little black dog (Meco) & the gal with the loud donkeys. I wish I could say I’m kidding, but I’m not! However all my friends and family know me for my love of Christ, and how he has changed me recently. I set my personal faith aside, hit rock bottom, and now I accepted the lord back into my life, and he has provided me with everything I have ever needed and wanted. I’m proud to say that without God, none of this business would be what it is today if it wasn’t for him, or without my loyal clients who became more than just clients to me, but lifelong friends.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Having trust in God and knowing he gave me this special job to be able to go out and spread the gospel through his works.

Pricing:

• Seasonal Mini Sessions are $150

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gracengloryphotography.mypixieset.com