TILLY NELSON

A woman with dark hair holding a professional camera, standing in a dimly lit room with a dark background.

People setting up a photography or video studio with a large white backdrop and a clothing rack in a spacious room.

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

Ultimately I’m a lifestyle and fashion photographer and I shoot all sorts of campaigns that focus on people, but the bit that sets me apart is that I’m known for creating inclusive, authentic and mostly joyful imagery featuring children and adults of all abilities. My work focuses on diversity, representation and human connection. I bring my heart to each production and believe it’s as much about the process and experience than the finished product.

By following the work I’m passionate about, I’ve become an industry leader in inclusive photography, using visual storytelling to champion diversity and authentic representation. I can’t help but let my passion for amplifying underrepresented voices bubble out of me and through inclusive productions and community-focused storytelling I’ve won international awards, global recognition, and booked speaking opportunities across the creative industry. I’ve led workshops and talks focused on inclusive casting, accessible productions, diversity in advertising, and representation in creative industries.

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

A circular badge with the text 'The Best Vancouver' and a city skyline illustration in the center.

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'.

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.

A woman with glasses and patterned blouse sitting cross-legged on the floor talking to children, a young woman crouching beside her taking photos, and a man with a cap holding a device, in a room with a potted plant and a cart with books and supplies.

A woman wearing a pink sweater and jeans is holding a camera while looking at a baby in a front-facing baby carrier. She is in a photography studio with a monitor displaying multiple photos and some equipment in the background.

A photographer in black clothing helping a man with a mobility aid sit up. Both are smiling

Black and white photo of a woman speaking at a podium during a conference, viewed through a small opening or gap. The woman is wearing a polka dot skirt and a dark top, and is gesturing with one hand while holding a microphone with the other. The background shows a large window and a building outside.

A young woman with brown hair tied back, wearing a black t-shirt and earrings, holds a professional camera with a large lens and a strap, standing indoors next to a tripod, with her left hand on her hip, looking to her right.

Woman sitting on a rolling stool, smiling as she takes a photograph with a professional camera in a photography studio.

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.

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 // Patient Voice // PosAbilities // Readers Digest // Specsavers // Torys LLP // Vancouver International Children’s Festival // University of British Columbia // Wētā FX +45 others

PRESS: PhotoEd //Greenpeace// Environmental Defence // Langara // CBC NEWS //CBC Listen//Global News// CityNews //

TALKS, INTERVIEWS: ARC// Photographie // Capture Festival // Rethink Round Table // PhotoEd // IWD ‘25, ‘26 // Disability Foundation // PPOC // Langara // CAPIC // Glam z // Van Arts //

*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.”

TILLY NELSON

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