About Denise Brady
Most people know me as the photographer with bright pink and purple hair; someone with a camera always in hand and a love of telling people’s stories. Photography isn’t just my career, it’s how I see the world. I love finding small moments that others overlook and turning them into something that will keep memories alive forever. Whatever I’m photographing, my aim is always the same: to create images that feel honest, natural and unmistakably true. For me, photography has never been about cameras. It’s about people. Every photograph starts with a conversation and ends with someone feeling seen.
Q&As
Describe yourself in three words?
Colourful. Genuine. Creative.
What was your first job?
Babysitting from the age of 13. And career-wise, as a receptionist in a local hotel.
What frustrates you?
Lateness, unkindness and people who don’t keep their word.
How do you spend your leisure time?
Walking by the sea, reading, spending time with my family and grandchildren, and watching theatre shows and people.
What is your go-to comfort food?
Italian. You can’t beat a great bowl of pasta, good company and plenty of laughter around the table.
What temptation can’t you resist?
Coffee, chocolate, a brand-new notebook and camera gear. Not necessarily in that order!
Where are you happiest?
I’m generally a happy person, but there’s something special about standing on the Norfolk or Suffolk coast watching the sunrise or sunset. The sound of the waves has a way of putting everything into perspective.
What is your number one karaoke song?
I’d rather be behind a camera than behind a microphone!
At school, what were you good at?
Languages and drama, although I was a pretty good all-round student. I studied French, German and Latin. I also have a smattering of Spanish and am currently teaching myself Polish. I think being curious about people and different cultures has helped me connect with clients from all walks of life.
What would be your plan B as a career?
Probably interior design or event planning. I love creating spaces and experiences that make people feel something.
Which one luxury could you not live without?
Good coffee. And air conditioning in the car. I refuse to choose between them!
Which three people, dead or alive, would you invite as dinner guests?
My grandad, because he died when I was young and I’d love him to see the woman I’ve become. My mum, just to see her beautiful smile one more time. And finally, Marilyn Monroe, because I’d love to know who she really was beyond the fame, and what really happened to her.
If you could time travel, where would you go and why?
I’d need more than one trip! First, I’d travel back to the 1940s to photograph ordinary people living through extraordinary times. Then I’d head to Salem in 1692 during the witch trials. I have a degree in Early Modern History, so I’d love to witness that period and understand what really happened. Finally, I’d hopefully get out in one piece so I could spend an evening in a Harlem jazz club during the late 1930s, soaking up the atmosphere and listening to Ella Fitzgerald sing live.
How many attempts before you passed your driving test?
Second time lucky!
