Kelly Brown: Stand Out in Photography by Staying True to Your Creative Self

SheClicks Women in Photography

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Kelly Brown shares her journey from a hobbyist to a professional photographer, beginning with her first encounter with photography while working on a construction site. This initial interest led her to selling photos at markets, before she eventually transitioned to wedding and family photography.
She reflects on how learning photography with film shaped her, recalling the excitement of waiting to see the developed prints, and contrasts this with the advantages of digital photography. Kelly also talks about the addictive nature of photography, the importance of being selective in capturing images, and the challenges involved in the culling process.
Kelly highlights how both positive and negative feedback have been crucial in pushing her to refine her skills. She also opens up about the challenges and anxieties she faced at the beginning of her career, including physical limitations and self-doubt. She explains her decision to specialise in newborn photography and the success she found in that niche. Additionally, Kelly shares her experiences of teaching photography, including the opportunity to lead a class on CreativeLive.
She discusses her focus on education, especially in newborn photography, and describes how she shifted to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding fulfilment in helping others reach their goals. Kelly emphasises the importance of mastering the technical aspects of photography and maintaining creative control. She also underscores the value of understanding the business side of photography, offering advice for running a successful photography business.
Kelly encourages photographers to engage in personal projects to keep their passion and inspiration alive. She also highlights the importance of developing a unique style in newborn photography to stand out in the industry.
Takeaways

• Learning photography on film can teach valuable skills in composition and decisiveness.
• Digital photography allows for instant gratification and more efficient workflow.
• Being selective in capturing images can lead to a more impactful portfolio.
• Word-of-mouth referrals can be a powerful way to grow a photography business.
• Positive and negative feedback can both be valuable in pushing you to improve your skills.
• Focusing on a specific niche, like newborn photography, can lead to success and recognition.
• Teaching photography can be a rewarding way to share knowledge and connect with others in the industry.
• Learning the technical aspects of photography and having full creative control are essential for photographers.
• Understanding the business side of photography is crucial for running a successful photography business.
• Working on personal projects helps photographers maintain their passion and creativity.
• Developing a unique style is important in standing out in the newborn photography industry.

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1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Shooting on film (00:02:20)

3. Starting to make money with photography (00:07:49)

4. Using negative comments to push you on and the first wedding shoots (00:10:16)

5. Beginning to teach photography (00:23:57)

6. Six from SheClicks (00:36:34)

7. The importance of personal projects (00:42:06)

8. Standing out in newborn photography (00:45:46)