Olivia Brabbs Photography

ABOUT

Female commercial photographer UK – Olivia Brabbs

Storytelling through photography
Whether you’re a start up or an international brand, great images are essential to your business. I capture a mix of subjects – people, places, food, experiences and products – to help hospitality, heritage and lifestyle brands tell their story.

I am known for my love of narrative and bring a documentary approach and feminine eye for detail to my photography.

Do visit my People, Places and Food portfolio galleries to get a feel for my style.

My story
I am a second generation photographer following in the footsteps of my father Derry Brabbs who is a landscape and heritage photographer renowned for his collaborations with author James Herriot and walking expert Alfred Wainwright.

Initially I followed a career as an NHS Occupational Therapist. I specialised in neuro rehabilitation for patients with head injuries. When you’re carrying out a coma assessment, the small details of an eye flicker or finger movement really matter. I learnt how to listen, as well as to predict and anticipate people’s responses. This was fantastic training in how to approach a project with sensitivity and empathy. Or even just how to put a nervous subject at ease on a photoshoot.

In 2006 I decided to follow my passion and establish myself as a freelance commercial photographer.

Based in the historic city of York, I travel across Yorkshire and the UK for work. Fast train links mean I’m only 106 minutes from London.

What I do
From solo shoots to agency commissions, I deliver amazing results attuned to the specific needs of your brand.

Deliver impact and beauty
Bespoke photography helps put your business on the map. Seeing your products, your work and your staff has a huge impact on customer engagement.

Lifestyle, heritage and hospitality brands use my photography in their editorial and marketing campaigns, advertising, website and social media channels.

Authentic. Editorial. Real
Looking for something grittier than a standard headshot? Would you prefer a location background rather than a studio? My editorial take on portrait photography focuses on capturing personality and narrative.

Same location. Different genres.
I love on-location commissions that require an adaptable eye. For example, for a boutique hotel marketing campaign included staff portraits, lifestyle images representing guest experiences, interiors, food and landscapes.

Adapting to conditions on the day
I am a location specialist and love using beautiful natural light or thinking on my feet to problem solving lighting challenges as a shoot develops.

Polishing the photos
As a documentary-style photographer, I don’t re-touch photos so much that they’re unrecognisable. But post-production editing ensures you receive quality professional photography.