Pictorial Q & A With Local Photographer Caley Brown

Pictorial Q & A With Local Photographer Caley Brown

Some people start off taking pictures as a hobby before becoming full-fledged photographers. Is that how you started?

My photography passion kind of came on unexpectedly ……when I’d have spare time I found such solitude in nature.  Growing up in the country, I had a deep appreciation for it. It was a place where I’d go to escape from some of the stress life can inevitably bring, and soon found that when I shared my photos on my personal Facebook page, other people could somehow feel that too, it came through in my photos.  I know we all are given gifts in life, and I’m very thankful that one of mine is art.  It’s one of those things you are just given, and then of course if you put in the time to learn different modalities and acquire skills and practice, whether it’s music, painting, flower gardening or taking photos…….you might just find you have a passion that takes off into a career!  
I never went to an actual school for photography, I watched tutorials on YouTube.  
Hours.  And hours.  And hours.  
Then little by little, I’d put it to practice.  I’m also really thankful for a few photographer friends that would answer my questions when I needed help. 

Why did you decide to become a photographer?  

I can’t say I decided to become one at all, it just kind of evolved and eventually took on a life of its own. I’m a registered massage therapist by trade. And above all a mom of my 2 boys. The photography just kind of happened. 

How long have you been a photographer? 

About 7 years now. More so for the last 4 or 5. 

Do you do family photography?  

I only do a little of it, and at that, I limit it to portrait sessions and small families. I don’t advertise it though because I only take a few “people bookings”. I definitely don’t do weddings. Not my thing. Or big parties or anniversaries….. I’m not a fan of large groups of people. I’m a very extroverted introvert. I refuel when I can spend time alone in nature. It’s how I refuel. And that’s when I live to do my photography. Few or no humans. 

What styles of photography are your favourites?

Landscape, wildlife and still life are my true passion.  

Have you ever had your work published?

I have yes. In Canadian Geographic, Explore Manitoba, The Cottager, Mint Magazine and also, the wall of fame at Joe Beavers!  

Have you ever taken a picture of someone famous?  

Grizzly, the therapy dog. I love that dog. 

How do you go about scouting a location to shoot? 

I really don’t. I just fly by the seat of my pants. That’s what I love about it, you just never know where you’ll end up. 

What inspires you to take pictures?

I’m inspired by the excitement and adventure waiting to happen. Photography is like the ultimate treasure hunt. Sometimes it’s moose, bears, fascinating bugs, (I have a thing for dragonflies), intimidating prairie storms, and sometimes breathtaking sunsets that leave you weak in the knees in absolute awe of the beauty we’re surrounded by. The first time I saw the northern lights, like REALLY saw them, I was jumping up and down clapping and squealing in the middle of nowhere, down a gravel road, in the middle of the night. Stuff like that makes me feel so alive. Nothing else exists in those moments. There are so many exciting things to see and experience, and when you make a point of seeking those things, the regular hum drum that can seemingly take over becomes almost intolerable.   

Other than a camera and lenses, what do you pack in your camera bag?

Bug spray and hot shots. Two things that will wreck any excursion are getting eaten alive by mosquitoes or freezing your hands. 

What kind of cameras do you use?

I have a few. A Canon R6, I just got that one. It’s amazing. It replaced a Canon Mark II I was using, up until it got wrecked this past summer. I also use a Canon Rebel. And often my iPhone. The best camera is the one you have with you. 
The truth is there’s so much more to a great photo than the camera you use.  I read this thing once from a photographer who said how people think if you get a good camera that’s all it takes for a good picture. He said that’s like thinking if you go buy a really great typewriter (ha or keyboard) you can write a novel just as well as one of Stephen Kings. 

How do you learn and grow in your craft?

I watch a lot of Youtube videos. I thoroughly enjoy watching and learning. So satisfying. I’m kind of a monkey-see-monkey-do girl. I enjoy the entire process, I’m stubborn, relentless and love a good challenge.  

What do you think makes a photographer good at their job? 

The ability to feel things deeply. To be in touch with their own heart. It’s not how expensive your camera is. 
Probably not what you were expecting for an answer. 
It’s the ability to be in tune with sights and moments that speak to their soul, and then to cultivate the skills needed to capture it and convey it in a picture. Sometimes no words are necessary. I believe the best photographers go by feel. You can have all the skills and technical knowledge in the world but what takes it to the next level is feeling. To be able to reach people's hearts, genuinely. I’d say that actually outweighs the techy part by a mile. 

What do you like most about being a photographer? 

Freedom. 
I control where I go, when, and what I want to do there. It’s the only way to go. Follow your bliss. And even if I never made money doing that, it would still be my number 1 pursuit. The rest falls into place. And I feel beyond blessed for the paths that have unfolded because of that. 

What do you like least about photography?

I don’t love spending hours editing photoshoots. You have to sit still and focus for so long. That’s actually why I only do a very select few. Most of my work (almost all) as a photographer is selling art prints and canvases of landscapes, wildlife and still life. 

In your opinion, what makes a good photograph?  

That’s tough to put into words. Something with feeling. Something that evokes emotion in the viewer. And usually, almost always, that’s a result of the fact that the photographer felt that too when they took the photo. It comes through. 

What do you like photographing most?  

Bears. Birds. And bugs. And sunsets and trees. Any animal. My kids. Light glowing through anything. Views that make me feel nostalgic. Long grass blowing in the wind……

What is the most rewarding part about being a photographer?  

When somebody sees one of my images and says it makes them homesick for the prairies. They feel what I felt when I took the picture. Nostalgia.

If you'd like to order any of Caley's prints or book her for a photo shoot, please contact her via Facebook or Instagram accounts, both under Caley Brown Photography.