Cat Brown Jelly Studios: Stepping behind the camera allowed me to move from interpretation to creation.

You began your journey in the fashion industry as a model over 20 years ago. How did that early experience shape your understanding of fashion and visual storytelling?

Starting on the other side of the camera completely shaped how I see fashion and photography. As a model, I learned how images are built through collaboration and team work, how light, movement, and emotion transform clothes into visual storytelling and how angles and poses work within an image. That perspective continues to guide me today, grounding my work in intention, and a deep respect for visual storytelling as a shared process.

What inspired your transition from being in front of the camera to stepping behind it as a photographer?

Being in front of the camera sparked a deeper desire to create powerful images. I became passionate about the power of photography, the ability to create anything you want from one single shot. Stepping behind the camera allowed me to move from interpretation to creation, and to pursue imagery that is full of emotion and power. Its an amazing feeling to see my visions come to life.

How does your background as a model influence the way you direct, connect with, and photograph your subjects today?

My background as a model gives me an instinctive empathy for my subjects. I understand the vulnerability of being seen, so I direct with sensitivity and clarity, creating space for trust, communication and ease. That connection allows the images to breathe energy, rather than completely posed static images.

Your work is known for pushing boundaries and empowering clients. What does “empowerment” mean to you in the context of fashion photography?

Empowerment, to me, is about visibility without distortion. It’s creating images where strength and vulnerability can coexist, and where the subject feels fully seen rather than styled over. In fashion photography, that means pushing past surface beauty to reveal presence, energy & confidence. It is extremely important to me that the model’s energy shined through, that’s when the real magical shots happen.

Can you describe your creative process when developing a concept—from initial idea to final image?

My process always begins with a feeling. An idea usually arrives as a mood or tension rather than a clear image, and I follow that instinct through research, light, and composition. I’m driven by the passion to translate emotion into something visual and then refining until the image feels honest, intentional, full of energy and alive.

You work out of Jelly Studios in Dartford, Kent. How does your studio environment influence your creativity and workflow?

Having my own space at Jelly Studios allows me to fully immerse myself in the work. It’s a calm place where my ideas can grow without compromise or time restrictions. It’s where every detail, from light to set to mood can be shaped deliberately. That freedom fuels creativity, letting me give everything to each image with focus and intention.

Emotion and powerful storytelling are central to your imagery. How do you intentionally evoke emotion through your compositions?

I evoke emotion by focusing on presence and atmosphere rather than just aesthetics. Through attention to light, posing and framing, I can create space for authenticity and emotion to emerge. Every choice is made to capture a feeling, so the image resonates beyond the surface and lingers with the viewer.

You’ve worked with a wide range of fashion brands and clients. How do you balance a client’s vision with your own artistic voice?

I approach every project as a collaboration, listening closely to the client’s vision while staying true to my own style. The balance comes from translating their ideas through my perspective, shaping imagery that feels both authentic to the brand and unmistakably alive with my creative voice.

Your work has received international awards, editorial features, and gallery exhibitions. Which of these milestones has been most meaningful to you, and why?

Each and every milestone is so unbelievably special to me, to have recognition from these amazing organisations and galleries pushes me further and further to create more and more! Recognition is so gratifying, but seeing work spark emotion or reflection in others is something that gives me everything I need to keep creating and gives my work everlasting purpose.

You have just won Photographer of the Year in Creative portrait with The Societies of Photographers. What did that recognition represent for you personally and professionally?

Winning Photographer of the Year was both a personal and professional affirmation. It recognised years of passion, intuition, and risk-taking, while also validating my belief in creating images that are honest, emotive, and boundary-pushing. It’s a milestone that I am honoured to receive and inspires me to keep evolving and trusting my creative instincts.

How do you continue to challenge yourself creatively in an ever-evolving fashion industry?

I challenge myself by constantly experimenting with new techniques & concepts through collaborations which keeps me on a learning curve, there are always so many more things to learn so you can keep climbing. This keeps my work charged with energy and fresh concepts.

Looking ahead, what direction do you see your work taking, and what stories are you most excited to tell next?

Looking ahead, I see my work moving further into creating more commercial and fashion art photography for brands. I’m excited to tell stories that blend fashion, emotion, energy and atmosphere.

Photographer: Cat Brown Jelly Studios @jellystudios_official

Wardrobe Stylist: Cat Brown @catmaturemodel

Model: Brooklyn Paleczny @brooklynpaleczny

studio: The Lounge Studio @_theloungestudio

Hair Stylist: Tori Smith @torischair

Hair Stylist: Maggie Liberty Macfaden @maggieliberty_