Diving Into World-Class Photography

Brooke Miles the owner and curator of the Above and Below Gallery at Port Of Airlie, is going beyond the cliches of women in photography by turning her captivating photographic artwork into a thriving business. Since working in a camera shop at sixteen and falling in love with her high school's dark room, Brooke has grown into a powerhouse professional photographer.
“I have always loved photography, when I was younger, it was become a photographer, a marine biologist or a drummer! So, I went with photography!”
Brooke is very proud of how far she has come, as a small business and gallery owner, in keeping a strong head when challenges arise and always acting on good advice.
“I’m actually really proud that I’m still going and have survived all the ups and downs the last 20 years has thrown at me!” shared Brooke. “I’m also proud of the fact I get to employ a small team, providing a great work environment and putting food on their tables!”
Brooke is always looking to improve upon her skills and growing her gallery business through strong connections here in the Whitsundays and abroad. Handpicked selections of her masterful photography adorn the walls of her intimate gallery in the Port of Airlie marina precinct, where guests can browse works from both local sites of natural beauty, and those from around the world. Sink into the quiet depths of the Eungella rainforest, swim along with a turtle as it glides through the reef or go sky-high with stunning aerial shots that show the true majesty of nature. Fall in love with one of Brooke’s images and you can take it home with you. Framed to perfection, packed as a print, or perhaps even a set of coasters, Above and Below offers artwork to suit almost any budget.
Partnering with her own father, Mark Miles Design, and also local artist Kate Schuler to bring jewellery and ceramics to her gallery, along with an extensive gift and souvenir line of her own, Brooke adds depth and style to the retail experience.  
“I love it when I start to think up a new idea or shift in the business, and then all of a sudden, the phone rings, or I receive an email to that very subject... it’s crazy but it’s happened often enough to notice!”
When Brooke is not leaning out the door of a helicopter doing aerial shots of the islands, or snorkelling with turtles to photograph their calm majesty, she loves to travel and visit new places, capturing more of their wonderful scenes. As such, she is constantly taking new photographs and updating her website and hanging stock with new prints, so each time you step through her gallery doors you will see something new from her latest adventure.
“I’m pretty good at taking time off but I’m also very lucky that my work is my passion.”
Brooke is constantly motivated by her passion for photography, saying it’s a thrilling work-life balance of exhilarating adventure and relaxing natural beauty. She’s always moving forward, proud to be the go-to gallery for nature art in North Queensland, both instore and also online at www.aboveandbelowgallery.com.au

Favourite destination or place to be?
“Too many to list! Mexico, Japan, Columbia, Tonga, Raja Ampat, Great Barrier Reef, and of course Airlie Beach to name a few!”
aboveandbelowgallery.com.au

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