Alec Brown: Transforming Passion into a Thriving Photography Business Through Adventure, Creativity, and Resilience
Can you please share a brief history about your photography business? What motivated you to start this venture?
Alec Brown Photography was born from my desire to break free from the structured 9-to-5 corporate path I always felt was expected of me. Some of my earliest childhood memories are from weekends spent at my grandparents’ Kodak Express shop in North London, where photography became a constant part of my life.
After several years in the private yachting industry, I rediscovered my passion for photography while living in British Columbia. The pandemic in 2020 became a pivotal moment for me, propelling me to transform my love for photography into a business that celebrates real people and real places, blending creativity, adventure, and personal freedom.
What kind of challenges did you face when building up your portfolio or setting up your studio? How did you overcome these challenges?
Living in Canada provided me with a unique opportunity to focus entirely on building my portfolio, surrounded by incredible landscapes. The pandemic, though devastating for so many, also presented an unexpected chance for me. I suddenly had the time to turn my passion into a business. During this period, I created personal projects, built my website, reached out to brands, and learned the business side of photography—from pitching to licensing fees.
However, there were also months of uncertainty (which never seems to completely go away!) and very little income. Many early projects were low-paid as I worked to prove my ability to deliver high-quality, commercially viable imagery. Yet, through persistence, adaptability, and a passion for crafting visual narratives, I managed to overcome these initial challenges.
Could you describe the early days of your business? What were the initial reactions and feedback you received?
The early days of my business were a mix of uncertainty and small but meaningful wins. Some of my very first projects were “in exchange for product,” and although feedback was positive, I was often skeptical that clients had little invested in me and that such niceties were surface level.
I still remember my first paid project—it was around £1,000 for 10 final product lifestyle images shot on location. I delivered a gallery of 25 photos, which led to the client purchasing additional images as well as licensing them for paid advertising. This experience was pivotal in validating my work and taught me the value of over-delivering. It set a lasting standard for how I approached every project moving forward.
How did you manage to grow and expand your business? What strategies did you use to attract more clients?
Growing my business has heavily relied on cold-email outreach and networking—and it largely still does! When I first started trying to get my name out there, I created imagery that reflected the values of outdoor and lifestyle brands and put together ‘portfolio decks.’ A consistent strategy I used was to cold-email potential clients with tailored pitches and attach portfolio decks to demonstrate how my style aligned with their brand’s needs.
I also connect with PR agencies, other photographers, and industry professionals to exchange knowledge and explore collaborations, gradually building a reputation and foothold in the industry.
How has your business performed financially over the years? Can you share some milestones or achievements in terms of revenue?
I’m grateful that my business has grown steadily from modest beginnings. Over the years, I’ve transitioned from small, product-based collaborations to working with established global brands and advertising agencies on larger-scale campaigns with higher budgets and extensive licensing agreements. A significant personal milestone was landing my first five-figure project, which marked a turning point in revenue consistency and stands as a testament to the trust I’ve built with clients.
While the journey hasn’t been linear, each project has played a role in building a sustainable and growing business.
What are some key lessons you've learned along your entrepreneurial journey? Is there anything you would do differently if given a chance?
I’ve learned the value of humble persistence and the fact that building a business takes time. Of course, there will be setbacks, but consistency in delivering quality work pays off. Networking and maintaining client relationships have been essential.
If I could do something differently, I’d focus more on balancing the creative side with the business aspects—something I still struggle with. I’d also love to create more personal work in 2025. Setting clear work-life boundaries can be challenging as a self-employed creative.
Are there any tools or software that have been particularly useful in managing and growing your business? Give us a list of what you use in your kit.
Here’s a breakdown of the tools and resources I rely on to run my photography business effectively:
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Photography Gear: Sony mirrorless cameras and lenses, along with DJI drones for aerial work. My most-used lens is easily the 24-70mm f2.8.
Editing: A MacBook Pro, Adobe Lightroom Classic, and Photoshop for photo editing, as well as Capture One for tethered shooting.
Business Management: An accountant is key! I also use Notion for project planning and an Excel database for client management—which I really should upgrade to a CRM like HoneyBook.
Outreach & Marketing: Squarespace hosts my portfolio website, Mailchimp handles newsletters, and Google Workspace is my go-to for communication.
Storage: I rely on external SSDs. I keep an annual “working SSD,” which serves as both backup and working drive, an offsite master SSD, and cloud backup for added security.
What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs who wish to start their own photography business?
Focus on building a strong foundation, both creatively and professionally. Don’t be afraid to start small to gain experience and build your portfolio.
Persistence is key, especially when it comes to pitching. Tailor your pitches to each client, showing how your work aligns with their brand. Get used to rejections but don’t be discouraged—treat each email and call as a learning opportunity. Follow up regularly, but always respectfully.
As you grow, learn to balance the creative side with the business side, including marketing, finances, and contracts. Most importantly, be resilient and adaptable, as the journey will have its ups and downs.
One thing I’d like to emphasize is the importance of aligning your work with your personal values. For me, focusing on adventure, active lifestyle and the outdoors alongside sustainability efforts in my photography has not only shaped my creative direction but also connected me with like-minded clients who share those values. Building a business that reflects your passions can be incredibly fulfilling.
Alec Brown is a UK-born photographer with a passion for adventure and creativity. He transitioned from a career in private yachting to building a thriving photography business. Alec specializes in capturing authentic stories for global brands, blending his love for the outdoors with his craft. His work reflects a deep connection to nature and personal freedom.
About Alec
- Country: United Kingdom
Specializes in
- Adventure Photography, Advertising Photography, Commercial Photography, Landscape Photography, Lifestyle Photography, Sports Photography, Travel Photography
Quote
Building a business that reflects your passions can be incredibly fulfilling.