TILLY NELSON | PHOTOGRAPHER | She/Her

A young woman with long hair, wearing a black sleeveless top, black pants, and white sneakers, sitting on a pink storage cabinet in a brightly lit room, smiling at the camera.
Group of people in a photo studio preparing for a photoshoot, with a large white backdrop, lighting equipment, and a mannequin with a transparent cover.
A woman is taking a photo with a camera in a room filled with people who are sitting and standing, engaged in a discussion or activity.
Woman sitting on a rolling stool, smiling as she takes a photograph with a professional camera in a photography studio.
2024 IPA offiical selection professional photography awards logo with a diamond-shaped design in shades of beige and brown.
A circular badge with the text 'The Best Vancouver' and a city skyline illustration in the center.
Logo for the Communication Arts Photography Award Shortlist with 'ca' at the top and orange banner below with text.
Logo for Capture Photography Festival featuring a stylized camera shutter icon in blue and the text 'Capture Photography Festival' in blue.
Cover image for Graphis 2025 Photography Annual featuring a modern, abstract sculpture with white and grey curved shapes and yellow accents, set against a black background. The title text appears in colorful letters for 'Graphis' and in white for '2025 Photography Annual'.

Bi-coastal commercial photographer based in Vancouver, Toronto (Canada) and London (England.)

Tilly Nelson specializes in inclusive lifestyle and fashion photography. Known for creating joyful, authentic imagery featuring children and adults of all abilities, her work focuses on diversity, representation and human connection.

Tilly has become an industry leader in inclusive advertising photography, using visual storytelling to champion diversity and authentic representation. Her passion for amplifying underrepresented voices through inclusive productions and community-focused storytelling has led to international awards, global recognition, and speaking opportunities across the creative industry. In addition to commercial photography production, she now leads workshops and talks focused on inclusive casting, accessible productions, diversity in advertising, and representation in creative industries.

In 2022, Tilly was part of the core team that launched Canada’s first exclusively inclusive talent agency and now collaborates closely with two of the world’s leading inclusive talent agencies. Together, they have contributed to international conversations around inclusive marketing, accessible advertising campaigns, disability inclusion, and authentic representation in global commercial productions.

Select Client and Awards List:

  • 2 x Silver Graphis Awards 2025

  • Official Selection for International Photography Awards 2024

  • Shortlisted for the Communication Arts award 2024

  • Solo Exhibition in Capture Festival 2024

  • Named one of Vancouvers Best Portrait Photographers by Best in Vancouver

  • Photographer in Residence for Langara College Jan ‘24-Apr ‘24

ARC // BC Children’s Hospital Foundation // Canucks Autism Network //Childrens Hearing and Speech Centre // EcoJustice // Kindred Studio // Lululemon // Readers Digest // Specsavers // Torys LLP // Vancouver International Children’s Festival // University of British Columbia // Wētā FX +45 others

News Features: Greenpeace// Environmental Defence // CBC NEWS //CBC Listen//Global News// CityNews //

*I respectfully recognise that I am fortunate to work and play on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

5 Stars *****

“I had the privilege of working with Tilly recently, and I can confidently say that her work shines through in every image she creates. Tilly's ability to connect on a deeper level is truly remarkable. The empathy she brings to her work allows her to capture not just moments, but emotions and stories. It's as if she has an innate understanding of the people and scenes she photographs. She masterfully creates a comfortable space where moments unfold naturally. Her patience and dedication to allowing the perfect shot to manifest is a testament to her commitment to her craft. In a world flooded with visuals, Tilly's work is a breath of fresh air. It's not just photography; it's a journey, an experience, and an exploration of stories waiting to be told.
Thank you, Tilly, for sharing your vision and creating images that resonate deeply.”

// the // blog //