************************** Abridged Bio **************************
I went through three quarterlife crisises before finally deciding to quit corporate America and persue my creative side. Three years later, I graduated with a second undergrad degree in 2006 with a BFA in documentary photography from the Academy of Art Univ in San Francisco... a far cry for this ABA (Asian Bred American) who grew up in Birmingham, Alabama.
Currently freelancing in San Francisco. If you are interested in commissioning my services or licensing any of my images. Please feel free to contact me via my website.
************************** FAQ **************************
I get many emails asking for tips I want to share a few answers:
Q: Do you have a tips for amateur photographers?
A: Go here Ten Tips for Finer Photography
Q: Do you think I should quit my job and go back to school (or not go to school) to pursue photography?
A: I can't answer that question for you because I don't know you. I needed structure and a schedule so I chose the school route. Some folks learn it on their own and assist for 3-5+ yrs and make it okay too. I also know many classmates that graduated from my school who are baristas or dog walkers.
First and foremost: go into photography for the passion, "art for art sake". That is hard considering it's a lot of money and hard work to go into this industry, I'm very lucky I have a very supportive husband.
Q: What's your gear and lighting you use?
A: I've always had my gear listed on my profile (see below) and if I didn't shoot with natural light look at lighting info with each image I post.
Q: Do you sell prints or enlargements of your images?
A: Yes, just ask.
Q: May i use your images for "X" website
A: Please feel free to ask, and more than likely I will say yes IF you're writing about me and my work.. The border with logo can not be altered.
************************** GEAR *************************
Canon 5D
Canon 20D
Collecting dust:
Rebel 2000, Holga, Lubitel, Nikon FM
Selling Hasselblad 500c/m kit
Lenses for Canon:
24mm-70mm L, 70-200mm L IS f2.8, 85mm f1.8, 50mm f1.4, 24mm Tilt-Shift
Borrowed or rented:
14mm, 15mm fisheye, 16-35mm, 20-35mm, 200mm, 100-400mm
Lighting:
- Mostly natural, I may use the 550EX and 580EX II Speedlite
- See details at the bottom of each image that artificial light was used.
************************** GOAL *************************
To become a White House photographer for the first woman US president. Or I'd settle for Barack Obama's photographer.
************************** LINKS *************************
- Instagram @macaby
- Phoot Camp participant
- JoinedJanuary 2006
- OccupationPhotographer
- HometownBirmingham, AL
- Websitehttp://www.monabrooks.com
Most popular photos
Testimonials
I can't believe I haven't written this testimonial for Mona yet, because I've been keeping an eye on her photostream for over a year now. Mona is going to be the next "big thing" in photography. She has imagination, creativity, and the technical skills to produce unique portraits. I love her work and look at it … Read more
I can't believe I haven't written this testimonial for Mona yet, because I've been keeping an eye on her photostream for over a year now. Mona is going to be the next "big thing" in photography. She has imagination, creativity, and the technical skills to produce unique portraits. I love her work and look at it to learn new things. She is also very genuine, however, even though she is Mona, eh, she isn't Canadian. Too bad!
Read lesseDfoTo says mona is fuckin hottGirlZ & thats real
Mona is the first pro I met at Flickr and I love her style. Flickr on, Mona!
goodness gracious, woman!
mona = creative, colourful, extraordinary. I loved looking through your stream!
mona is going to make millions someday. conceptually, she's up there with the best of them. i love her stream. i wish i was as good as her behind the camera, but all i can do is dream.
your photostream is very creative. i like the sound of your goal - i bet it would provide an opportunity for some of the most interesting documentary photography in american history.