A Virginia native, Brooke Chao studied Music at James Madison University, where she graduated with a degree in Voice in 1996. Since, graduating, she has remained in the Shenandoah Valley, where she lives with her husband, son and daughter, and where she receives the inspiration for the majority of her photographs.

Brooke's interest in photography began as a child when her Uncle gave her an old Praktica Nova IB. She's loved photography ever since. While her passion remains the same, she currently uses a Canon 20D digital SLR to capture her photographs.

In addition to photography, Brooke also enjoys painting, with her primary mediums being watercolors & acrylics.

Artist Statement
I believe that beauty is all around us, whether it be the gossamer wings of a butterfly, the delicate petals of a flower, the sweet laughter and smile of a child, or in the graceful lines and patterns of architecture. I believe our Creator has given us the divine gift of beauty, both through nature, and through our ability to create beauty, as a way to share Himself with us.

Unfortunately, it's all too easy, and too common, to get busy and wrapped up in the little details of our daily lives, causing us to miss what is right before us, and the moments of beauty that are there for a moment, and then gone. My photographs are my attempt to capture and document that beauty, to be enjoyed and shared with others.

Exhibitions/Awards
Staunton Augusta Art Center's Art in the Park - 2005
Art at the Mill 2005-2007 (until they began excluding photography as a medium)
Staunton Augusta Art Center's Art for Gifts 2005-2007
Art Group Gallery - 2005 - 2008
Ellipse Photography Show 2006
Co-Art Gallery - 2007 - Present