Being Locked Out Sparked My Photography Philosophy
I started out learning to shoot film. It was a slow, expensive process. When digital cameras arrived, they allowed me to experiment and learn quickly, helping me find my style.
This is one of the first digital photos I took. I shot it in 2002 with a Canon A10, a 1.3-megapixel point-and-shoot.
LeTourneau/WABCO 2002 | Brad Holbrooks Photography
It shows the LeTourneau/WABCO plant in Toccoa, GA, where my grandfather and several other family members built earth-moving machines. I had always wondered what it looked like inside. One Friday, I stopped by to walk around the outside and get a closer look. As I stood there looking through the fence, an idea hit me: Why not show my frustration of always being locked out of this place?
I framed the shot using the tiny, stamp-sized LCD screen on the back. It was the best photo experience I’d ever had. Being able to see exactly what I was getting in real-time was incredible!
I didn’t fully realize it until I got home and loaded the images, but I had made a major breakthrough. Telling a story and conveying a feeling in a single photo was exciting. It’s not easy, and it’s not always understood by the viewer.
Over the years, I’ve used this idea a lot. People seem to either love it or hate it. Those who “get it” think it’s great. Those who don’t say, “There are too many distracting lines.” Either way, I’m getting a reaction.
I use it on all kinds of shoots—marching bands, architecture, wildlife, to name a few. It’s also a great trick to help hide cluttered foregrounds and backgrounds.
Brad Holbrooks Photography
Brad Holbrooks Photography
Brad Holbrooks Photography
The Tip: As you can see, I’ve used other people and foliage to frame my subject. It adds depth, tells a story, or hides messy foregrounds and backgrounds. Don’t be afraid of “distracting lines” if they serve the story or emotion of the shot.
My New Season
I was gearing up for my 9th season of photography at my local high school and middle school. I had invested in a Canon 300mm f2.8 L lens last year specifically to cover football, cheer, band, and auxiliary events this season. For the past eight years, I had been operating under an informal understanding that allowed me to serve the community.
Then, I was informed of a new policy. There was no prior policy in place, and they only gave out sideline passes last year. Suddenly, an exclusive arrangement was in effect. I was informed I would have to work through a third-party vendor if I wanted sideline access. That arrangement does not align with my business model. I own and operate my business, and I provide quality work with my signature style that I developed over the last 8 years.
Why I’m Writing This
I’m sharing this not just to explain my departure, but to warn other photographers who might find themselves in a similar position. Vendor policies can change overnight. What feels like a stable, long-term opportunity can vanish if you haven’t secured your ground legally.
Lessons for the Future
1. Get It in Writing: Never rely on a verbal promise. If a pass or access is promised, get it in an email or official letter.
2. Verify with the Board: Don’t assume anything. Check public meeting minutes or file a records request to confirm if an exclusive contract exists before you invest time or money.
My Commitment to My Work
I want to say that every shot I sent out over the last eight years was the very best work I could do. I only put out pictures that made the students and the programs look their best. I take comfort in the fact that I conducted myself professionally, even when the circumstances around me were challenging.
To my customers: Thank you for your trust. I am sorry I cannot continue to document your kids' lives at our school events.
To my fellow photographers: Be aware. Verify your access. And don’t let a sudden policy change catch you off guard.
Another Great Summer at Camp Toccoa
My second summer season at camp is complete! Thanks to Camp Fire Georgia’s Camp Toccoa for having me back! It was wonderful working with the staff and my old friend Chuck, the Camp Director. I loved seeing both returning campers and new faces. Horses were back this year! A big thank you to Tasha and her crew at Trinity Stables for making it happen.
You can see all 10,044 pictures over on Camp Fire Georgia’s Flickr site.
If you’re thinking, how can I get in on the fun and have my photos taken here? Contact me today to set up an adventure photoshoot with me as your guide and photographer!
I’m Offering A Unique, Exclusive Photo Adventure
Would you be interested in booking a photo session at a private 140-acre property featuring:
Gentle horses
Serene waterfalls and a lake
Adventurous hiking trails
Unique rock quarry backdrops
The horses will be on-site for the next two Saturdays only—perfect for:
Senior portraits
Family sessions
Adventure photography
Any creative vision you have!
Interested? Please message me to create your unique photo session!
Only 2 More Weeks
Session 5 starts in a few hours! I can’t wait to see who shows up this week. I hate to see the season coming to an end; we’ve had such a great group of counselors. A huge thank you to Trinity Stables for providing their wonderful services for learning horseback riding and horse care.
Let’s Work Together: Photography Services for Your Business
Our three-day camp concluded on Wednesday. Session 4 begins this Sunday, leaving just three sessions remaining.
I’m currently seeking businesses interested in ad campaign photography, product shots, or documentary-style content that captures their story. My rates are reasonable, and I’m genuinely eager to learn about what makes your business unique. Please feel free to reach out.
3rd Week Of Camp Starts Today
You can follow all the action and fun right here in real-time.
For the past nine years, I’ve dedicated my craft to telling the stories of athletes and teams through documentary photography. This is my second year covering Camp Fire Georgia’s Camp Toccoa. My work in 2025 and 2026 serves as a prime example of the high-quality storytelling I bring to every project.
Now, I’m taking that experience to the next level. I am building a curated list of businesses ready to grow their brand through custom ad campaigns backed by authentic documentary content.
Why work with me?
Proven Track Record: 9 years of documenting sports progression and event coverage.
Authentic Storytelling: Real moments, real emotions, and real growth.
Business Growth: I don’t just take pictures; I create content that highlights what you do and drives engagement.
If you’re looking to elevate your brand’s narrative and connect with your audience on a deeper level, let’s talk.
Contact me today to discuss how we can document your journey and help your business grow.
Kids Arrive Today
My Second Season at Camp Toccoa Starts Today!
This past week was counselor training, and I spent my time getting warmed up to shoot. One week of camp is like shooting a whole season of cheer, band, and auxiliary! It’s hot, strenuous, and painful for a 52-year-old — perfect for keeping the spirit alive. By the end of last year, I was surviving off of Tylenol and coffee.
We have excellent food, so good, I have to limit my intake so I don’t end up looking like the Michelin Man. 
Low-Res documentary
In October of 2002, the Toccoa Train Depot didn’t look like a historical landmark. Instead, it was a perfect match for the abandoned piles of old railroad ties lying up and down the tracks. Before the city discovered history could be monetized into a municipal crown jewel, the 1915 Southern Railway depot sat forgotten in the late-evening gloom. It was a haggard, weather-beaten wood-and-brick relic waiting for the town’s usual beautification tactic: a new parking lot.
Weathered exterior of the unrestored Toccoa Georgia train depot in 2002 | Brad Holbrooks Photography
Tithes to the Paving Machine
Town councils across the American South have long possessed an almost religious devotion to the paving machine. They view any structure over fifty years old not as heritage, but as a sinful obstruction to a perfectly good parking spot.
Thankfully, on the evening of October 2nd, just before sundown, the depot still stood.
1.3 Megapixels of Pure Freedom
My Canon PowerShot A10—a primitive, 1.3-megapixel plastic brick, hardly the tool for recording architectural history—I was on my first documentary adventure. This camera was my introduction to digital photography.
I still have it!
The true joy wasn’t in the image quality, which had the distinct, pixelated charm of a late-90s webcam. It was the freedom of being able to shoot as many photos as I wanted without worrying about the cost of developing film. I could go home and edit them immediately, a concept that made the digital frontier feel as wide open as the tracks stretching ahead of me.
Go out and do something creative wherever you are. Do it your way. Find joy in the process.
Let’s Grow Wiser and Work More Efficiently Together
I’m looking for businesses to partner with so we can grow wiser and work more efficiently together. I offer affordable multimedia advertising that builds a loyal audience and customers for life. Contact me today to start a conversation and customize a campaign that fits your goals — I’m here to help.