International Women's Day: Canon Master Kelly Brown

To celebrate International Women's Day 2022 we spoke to Canon Master and photographer, Kelly Brown.

Internationally awarded photographer Kelly Brown creates fine-art portraiture that has a purity and beauty that is recognised worldwide.. Through her work, and her generosity, she’s inspiring a new generation of newborn photographers through her community learning platform.

“Learn your craft first. Be patient and don’t compare your work to anyone else’s.”

Canon Master, Kelly Brown

How did you begin your photography career

I’ve always loved photography, but after the birth of my first baby in 2003 I didn’t want to miss a moment. So, my passion grew from wanting to documenting every single milestone. Early on in my career I photographed anything and everything to gain experience. I then had twins in 2006, during my maternity leave I completed a Diploma of Photography. Since then I’ve photographed weddings, family portraits and had many commercial clients. I now specialise in newborn photography, educating photographers around the world on how to work with babies safely and run profitable businesses.

What are you currently working on?

My main focus right now is online education and creating resources for my members.

I also own Spine Street Studios, which is a large purpose built film & photography studio for hire. It’s hired out most days to productions companies & creatives for advertising content, music videos & documentaries.

What issues have you faced as a female (if any) photographer.

For a long time, I was labelled a ‘mum with a camera’ and felt that I had to prove that I was more than that. And, when I made the decision 12 years ago to specialise in Baby Photography, I was told by a male wedding photographer that I did retouching for that baby photography was a fad and wouldn’t last.

Changes you have seen of the gender split

More and more women are joining the industry every year. A lot of them more focused on family & newborn portraiture. My current membership is roughly 95% women and I’m now starting to see another shift with more and more men moving into newborn photography.

Do you have any advice to up and coming female photographers

Learn your craft first. Be patient and don’t compare your work to anyone else’s.

Who are the inspirational women in your life. Why/How do they inspire you in your life and photography?

I come from a long line of hard working women, my Mother always had 2 jobs whilst raising us, and my Grandmother could do anything and had the biggest heart! In photography I would have to say Sue Bryce & Lindsay Adler. Sue because Her contemporary glamour portrait style transcends past stereotypes and has changed the face of portrait photography. And, Lindsay for always pushing creative boundaries and doing it with class.

What other photographers do you think are doing great work?

Kris Anderson. His in-camera artistry work is stunning!

What's in your Canon kit? Why have you chosen this gear to be in your primary kit?

Canon R5 & the RF 28-70mm f2 lens. The R5 is a dream to shoot with. It’s fast & sharp which makes it perfect for photographing small children that are often on the move. And, the 28-70mm lens is extremely versatile.

See more of Kelly’s work here

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