ABOUT
Storytelling through photography
I am known for my love of narrative and bring a documentary approach and feminine eye for detail to my photography.
I capture a mix of subjects - people, places, food, experiences and products - to help lifestyle, hospitality and heritage brands tell their story.
Do visit my portfolios to get a feel for my style People, Places Food Stories
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.
I work between Yorkshire and London
What I do
From straight to brand through to agency led commissions, I deliver amazing results attuned to the specific needs of each project. I bring an approachable down to earth way of working which brings out the best from my team on set whilst also ensuring a positive and relaxed experience for client and creatives.
Deliver impact and beauty
Lifestyle, heritage and hospitality brands use my photography in their advertising and marketing campaigns, websites and social media channels.
Authentic. Editorial. Real
My editorial and lifestyle take on portrait photography focuses on capturing personality and narrative.
Same location. Different genres.
I love on-location commissions that require an adaptable eye. I love using beautiful natural light or thinking on my feet to problem solving lighting challenges as a shoot develops.
Corporate Responsibility
Every year I volunteer or work for a reduced rate to support charities and grassroots organisations.
Proud to support
- IDAS - domestic abuse charity in Yorkshire
- 'Make Space for Girls' Positive Selfies Workshops with teenage girls plus workshops for Kyra Women's Project
Professional Links
- I am DBS checked
- Accredited member of The Association of Photographers
What my clients say
“Lafont is the Michelin global chef jacket partner and I selected Olivia to shoot our Michelin brand ambassadors, including Simon Rogan, Matt Abe and Gareth Ward, in their kitchens and off-site locations. Olivia was an absolute delight to work with and our brand ambassadors loved her. The results were amazing and are now being used across all social media platforms, on our website and in our catalogues, as well as by the chefs themselves. I have already scheduled more photo shoots with Olivia for next year as we introduce new Michelin brand ambassadors and really can’t wait to see the output from these next shoots”
-Neil Boston - International Commercial Director, Lafont
"Working with Olivia was such a refreshing change. Her ability to interpret our brief was absolutely spot on and she captured some fantastic photographs.
She delivered exactly what we wanted, ahead of time and in a beautifully creative way."
-Head of Brand and Experience, So Vibrant
My clients include
Courvoisier, Waitrose, Bettys & Taylors, Nestlé, Laura Ashley, Lafont, Camelot - National Lottery, Rudding Park Hotel, AB AGRI, BBC Countryfile, Hodder & Stoughton, Sedamyl, The Robert Parker Collection, The Caterer Magazine, Park Leisure, Star Inn the City, Leeds Playhouse, North York Moors National Park, Malmaison, Ashden Trust, Ryedale Folk Museum, Wentworth Woodhouse, The Coniston Hotel & Spa, City of York Council, Priory Medical Group, Twitter Art Exhibit, York Mansion House, Herdwatch, AMUR, Comic Relief, Grays Court Hotel, Burgess Diagnostics, Environment Bank, PBS International, Hiscox UK, The Hearing Suite, Wensleydale Brewery, Tasha Textiles, HC One