Brie Conomos
Fashion & Editorial Photographer
If you’re tracking the latest in fashion photography, keep a close eye on Brie Conomos. An Australian photographer based in Brisbane and Sydney, Brie has made a name for herself by working with some of the most prominent brands since the start of her professional career in 2017. Brie’s passion for fashion and imagery has led to collaborations with Nine Lives Bazaar, Before Anyone Else, YCL, DISSH, Wild Skincare, Fedoma Jewellery, Kimberley Anne, and many more. Her impressive portfolio also includes work with Sabo Skirt, Universal, Shevoke, Stevie May, With Jean, SPELL, IMG Sydney, Peony, Zulu & Zephyr, and Status Anxiety.
Brie has been featured in British Vogue, RUSSH, The Wall Street Journal, BODE Magazine, and GOOP. Additionally, her work has appeared with notable brands like Lee Matthews, Palma Martin, Alice McCall, Aje, Pacific Fair, Made With Love Bridal, and Slowe.
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Brie at her home studio to discuss her career, photography tips, and insights into being a successful creative professional.
BB: Since you’ve begun your photographer career in mid-2017, your career has skyrocketed. But how did you get started in photography and when did you develop your interest in fashion?
BC: Throughout my teenage years, I was fascinated with beautiful imagery and fashion. I finished high school in 2015 and went on to study a double degree at QUT fashion communication and business. I studied for one semester but didn't feel as though it was something I wanted to continue. I decided to take half a year off to work and plan out what my next step was. Photography had continued to come up as something I was interested in but I didn’t have a camera at the time so I pleaded with my family for months to help me with getting a camera. Not long after, Christmas rolled around and my amazing family blessed me with a Canon 60D! I was so excited, but I didn’t even know how to use it. I began watching countless YouTube videos until finally, I had the basics to make my next move.
BB: Over the course of your career, you’ve worked with many recognisable brands such as YSL, Dissh, Universal, Sabo Skirt, With Jean just to name a few. Out of all your achievements, what’s your proudest achievement?
BC: One of my proudest achievements would have to be working in the media team for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Sydney in 2019. I got to meet and work with many amazing people such as Elyse Knowles, Eleanor Pendleton (owner of Gritty Pretty).
BB: You’re going to Europe around mid-2020, do you have any aspirations to expand your work internationally?
BC: I am heading to London for 6 months in July. This has been a gradual step for me as I knew it was something I needed to do for my career but wasn’t sure when the right timing was. I have been approached by some of my favourite brands and magazines with some possible work opportunities. It just naturally felt like the right time to step out and create some work that was more in line with my high fashion vision. The opportunities are endless in London and I'm extremely excited to be working there for a few months. I also have plans to be shooting London and Paris Fashion Week in September.
BB: You started your career at 19, have you faced any hardships due to your age? How have you combated this? What advice would you give to any hound aspiring fashion photographers?
BC: I definitely have come across quite a few hardships because of my young age in this industry. Most of the people I work with are quite a bit older so it can be really hard starting off as I tended to doubt myself and not feel like I was capable. It takes a while to develop confidence. I still feel inadequate sometimes. But it's all about putting yourself out there and being willing to learn from a situation even if It doesn’t go to plan. It takes time but so worth it when you choose to push through the harder times.
BB: What advice would you give to aspiring fashion photographers?
BC: My top tips for a young aspiring photographer would be - Watch as many YouTube/tutorial videos as possible. Reach out to your fav photographers and ask if you can come on set with them. Keep test shooting - the more you test the more you learn.
BB: Have you had to make any sacrifices for your career at your young age?
BC: Being a Fashion Photographer does come with quite a few sacrifices. It is a very self-focused job and to be the best in the business it sometimes does require you to be selfish. The pool of creatives striving for the same thing is extremely competitive. But in saying that I think it is super healthy to keep a balanced lifestyle. Photography isn’t everything to me. I love it but it isn’t everything and I think that is the best way it can be. I put a lot of hard work into my business but I would never sacrifice my family, friends and relationships for that. Keeping a healthy balance in your life with all the things you value is the best way to ensure you won’t burn out. I see my time with those I love as refuelling for the time I spend on set during the week.
BB: What was it like to work aside industry professionals such as Emily Abay, Jeremy Choh and Bonnie Hanson?
BC: It is incredibly humbling working alongside the best in the business. Emily Abay, Bonnie Hanson and Jeremy Choh are all absolutely incredible at what they do and have taught me a lot of what I know. All of these professionals have taught me that It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get to their position. Working alongside them inspires me to be better at what I do.
BB: How to prepare for a photoshoot?
BC: Photoshoot prep tips:
1. Make sure you have chatted with your client previous to shoot day to ensure you have all the correct details and vision for the shoot
2. Have a checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything
3. Pack extra SD cards and Batteries ALWAYS!
4. Helpful to have an assistant to help with small jobs on the day
BB What would happen in a typical day on the job? What is your schedule like?
BC: A typical job day looks like:
1. Very early wake up as my shoots are usually in Byron bay or the Gold Coast
2. Arrive onset around 9 am and set up while the hair and makeup team are finishing
3. Make sure I am aware of the locations and light situations for the day
4. Take some test shots with the model and chat with the client about shoot locations
5. A long day of shooting with a few breaks in between but always a lot of fun shooting with a team and meeting new creatives
6. Wrap up / start packing down around 4:30
7. Long drive home blasting the music to stay awake
Brie Conomos’ latest campaign is with Nine Lives Bazaar. Click here to find out more about her work and her upcoming campaigns.