Meet Maegan Brown, the rising star who captures some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes

Maegan Brown is on a mission to photograph some of the most remote and hauntingly beautiful places on the planet.

We spoke with Maegan about how she shines a light on these bewitching corners of the earth. 

You are a woman of many hats – tell us about your creative endeavours

I’m a freelance creative and balance my time between graphic design and photography. Commercially speaking, I shoot lifestyle, interiors and still-life projects. My fine-art photography presents mostly remote and otherworldly landscapes.

When I have some downtime, I like to create one-off ceramic tablewares and homewares, under the label Wan.

When did you start photographing landscapes?

I grew up in a family that values travel as a learning experience. This played a huge part in shaping my path as a photographer. We visited some fascinating parts of the world and I loved documenting my surroundings through photography.

One of my favourite locations when starting out in 2011 was Utah. I was in awe of the rich colours and rock formations, and have since remained curious and keen to explore more remote parts of our world.

How do you go about scouting for locations?

I do a lot of research beforehand. I love reading up on interesting and untouched locations, and am particularly drawn to lesser-known places that are hard to reach or lack civilisation.

After reading through travel blogs, I’ll start scouting an area via Google Maps and Google Earth to get a better idea of the terrain and landscape.

What goes through your mind when you’re framing a shot?

I always look for simplicity and try to keep the frame minimal and restrained in composition and colour. Soft lines, minimal detail and tonal colours allow the viewer space for reflection, while creating visual ease and harmony.

I tend to hone in on an interesting detail rather than shoot something in its entirety. I look for things in my surroundings that might usually go unnoticed, and then portray it in a different light.

Tell us about Jokull, your dreamy Icelandic collection

This limited-edition series of aerial photographs is shot entirely from above, from distorting heights. Jokull, which is Icelandic for glacier, was shot during a two-week journey to unearth the ethereal and barren lands of Iceland.

This series captures the diverse landscape, from geothermal terrain to breathtaking glacial rivers in abstract form.

Where is After-Form, the collection you displayed at Denfair Sydney, shot?

This series is photographed throughout Death Valley National Park and the Mojave Desert in California and Nevada.

The collection depicts isolated, enduring and prehistoric landscapes formed over 150 million years ago. The terrain feels very celestial and moon-like, and the relentless nature of the environment is visually arresting.

How would you describe your own style at home?

Simple, cozy, natural and warm. I love that everything serves a practical purpose in our home. It just feels relaxing, comfortable, real and, most importantly, lived in. It’s my favourite space to relax in and unwind after a busy day.

maegankb.com