Meet Eric Brown | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I studied dance throughout my teen years, but I initially chose to follow a more “sensible” path to meet my parents’ expectations. I enrolled in university to pursue a career in accounting. However, after just a year, I realized that a traditional job would leave me deeply unfulfilled. This realization led me back to my passion for the arts, and I decided to pursue a career in classical ballet.

When my dancing career came to an end, I discovered a love for film and spent about ten years in video production. After immigrating to the United States, I found myself drawn to photography, which has become an all-consuming passion.

At my core, I believe everyone is inherently creative—we all have our own unique ways of expressing that creativity. For some of us, the drive to create is so intrinsic that it becomes the central focus of our lives. Photography has given me not only a powerful means of self-expression but also a connection to an incredible community of like-minded individuals. It’s more than just an art form for me; it’s a way of life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I struggled to connect with the film/video community after immigrating here from Canada. Although I’ve always loved photography and owned multiple DSLRs for video work, I never been one to take pictures. Denver seemed to have a thriving photography scene, so I thought I check it out. I decided to go to a photography Meetup to see if I could connect with that creative community. It was a large event with some stunning models and a bunch of professional photographers outfitted with all their lighting gear. It was intimidating to say the least. This was a new world for me. Besides telling someone to say “cheese”, I had never directed a model. But I took a few pictures, looked at my screen, and was wowed by what I saw. Unlike videography, I didn’t have to do weeks of pre-production planning, I didn’t have to put together a crew, I didn’t have to sit for weeks editing. It was instant gratification. I was hooked! Six years later and I’m still obsessed.

I work with a collective of photographers at RAW Photographic studios and I’m in the fortunate position where I can spend time on personal creative projects and sharing my love for photography through educational workshops, which is deeply fulfilling..

While I enjoy commercial photography, my true passion lies in capturing the human form through conceptual and art nude photography. Over the years, I’ve been profoundly moved by how many of my subjects have used nude photography as a tool for healing and self-discovery. I’ve photographed women navigating body dysmorphia, individuals recovering from trauma, breast cancer survivors proudly displaying their scars, and people living with conditions like alopecia, severe psoriasis, or the aftermath of self-harm. One particularly impactful experience was working with a young woman who survived a suicide attempt and was learning to embrace her scarred body.

These experiences have reshaped my view of photography—even the boudoir genre. What I once regarded lightly, I now see as an empowering and transformative experience. For many, stepping in front of the camera is an act of courage. It allows them to confront shame, transcend self-doubt, and see their bodies as works of art. Witnessing these transformations is not just inspiring—it’s a privilege and a responsibility that continues to fuel my passion for this work.

Currently I’m in the process of launching Shootorials, a podcast for photographers of any level who want to create more impactful images.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If someone were visiting me I’d have to take them hiking through the fantastic trails that are everywhere around the city, especially near Boulder. We live in a beautiful place in the world and I’m always awed by the beauty of our environment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have two Shoutouts: 1) My wife, Anne Williams, a super creative soul who is more brilliant than I’ll ever be. She keeps me on my toes. She’s my most ardent supporter and biggest critic. 2) The collective of photographers at RAW Photographic Studios in Denver who have served as fantastic mentors over the years.

Website: https://shootorials.com or https://upsidebrown.photography

Instagram: https://instagram.com/upsidebrownphotography

Facebook: https://facebook.com/upsidebrownphotography

Other: Model Society: https://modelsociety.com/Photographer/eric-upside-brown

Image Credits
Photographs by Eric Brown