Photojournalist, Philanthropist,
and Purveyor of Beauty

by Maurajane Rogers

Kerry Brett Hurley. In a word, devoted: to her family, her cause, and undeniably, her work. Taking photojournalism to a level of professionalism and surpassing excellence, Hurley ascribes to the most anti-solipsistic vernacular ever to be encountered. Terms such as "award-winning," "compassionate" and "zealous" flutter to the tongue when attempting to describe artist, Kerry Brett Hurley. Yet her standard fare is far more self-deprecating; her humble nature exhilarating; and her work, her prints, her very art, belies the modesty of this talented woman.

The daughter of award winning photographer Bill Brett of the Boston Globe, Hurley was raised with a camera in her hands (with the photos to prove it: at age 3, Kerry with her dad, Bill's Nikon and Bill with Kerry's Fisher Price). Seeing her father dash out to capture breaking news 24/7/365, the fires were kindled, and before long, younger Brett was accompanying elder Brett on the beat, whenever opportunity knocked. It was where she felt joy, and at a tender age, the realization that the joy must be fostered hit home.

There is nothing mawkish about how Hurley acknowledges her introduction to her passion. Due to the lasting impression made upon her by her father, much as Hurley would like to credit renowned photographers as her influence, Zone System and Ansel Adams be damned; it's all about Dad. She unequivocally credits him with instilling in her the infatuation that has evolved into her livelihood. "Everyday I feel at home - with a camera in my hands, and I am so blessed because I absolutely love what I do. I have the greatest job in the world because I make people happy," Hurley says without hesitation.

With an undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, she is also a Certified Professional Photographer from Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Currently, she is wrapping up the latest coup de grace, becoming a Master Photographer, a nearly Herculean task for a full-time working mother. Hurley has spent 11 years with The Improper Bostonian magazine and, in 1997, after six years with The Boston Globe as a contributing photographer, she pursued, en masse, her own business. Between her column in The Improper Bostonian ("Proper Bostonians") and her father's column in The Globe ("Party Lines"), they are the country's only Father/Daughter duo with dueling celebrity columns. As her father readies to unveil his latest undertaking, a book entitled, "Boston: All One Family" (with a foreword written by Robert Parker and text by Carol Beggy), Hurley continues the Brett family tradition of photography. With her professional and educational training, Hurley is gifted with "the eye" and has developed her own style with sharpness and contrast, leading to many awards. Strictly a Black & White photojournalist, Hurley effervesces just talking about it. "B&W prints are timeless, classic, venerable works of art; nothing can detract from the subject; not clothing, not color, nothing, it's all about the expression."

Talking about her accomplishments is not at the top of her list. In fact, Hurley gets quite discomfited when accolades are on the menu. "I'd just as soon put the awards away... because I want to be able to do that for everyone. I constantly ask myself in the end, did you get the award for everyone you photographed?" When asked to enumerate her awards, she instead subjugates her honors and gives praise to her inherent drive to be the best she can be. Constantly challenging herself, cultivating and nurturing her innate ability; this is what motivates her, not the plaques that hang on the wall in her studio. Her wide range of awards includes, but is scarcely limited to, The Court of Honor, Fuji Masterpiece Award, and The Kodak Gallery Award.

Apart from the B&W, Hurley considers herself to be a Children's Specialist. Her focus is primarily children, often with their mothers and sometimes with their families, but mainly it's all about the kids. When she talks about the wee ones, it is as plain as the nose on a face: she loves children. Not only is her soul food her camera and film, it is undoubtedly children. A relatively new mother herself, Hurley cannot refrain from the wide smile as she points out various prints of clients: mother and child, the six month old print, the walking milestone, the first year. So strongly does she feel about capturing these moments, she insists that time must be made, that time in and of itself is fleeting and these days (infancy, toddler, child, whatever stage it may be) will be gone in a blink. She lives by the sentiment "If you want to feel rich, count the things that money can't buy." She believes that motherhood has helped her become a better photographer and a better person. When booking a client, she will hear every excuse as to why the time is not right: "I have to lose 10 pounds", "the baby got a horrible haircut", or "there's rain in the forecast". None of this matters, says Hurley. Hic et nunc! Here and Now! This is the time to capture your children. Make it a priority, she pleads, as these moments surely slip away.

When it comes to the children, she is at their mercy and it is indeed, for her, a thrilling experience. They are who they are, whether in front of or behind the camera, she says. They have what Hurley refers to as the "Ta-da!!" factor, and it is invigorating. As a Children's Specialist, she provides a fun, safe and comfortable environment for her subjects, and her fervent love for children is ingenuous.

Hurley also loves to photograph women and maintains deference for them by allowing herself to be photographed. "Every once in a while I get in front of the camera so I know what I put people through." Trust is tantamount to ease and she has no intention of showcasing any less than flattering stances. Yet, it is almost as though Hurley cannot see the imperfections (slight or otherwise) of the everywoman. Dare I say she is the Mark Darcy of the darkroom? Women ache for flawlessness and strive for the perfect look, but just as Mark Darcy felt toward Bridget Jones, Hurley too, (insert British accent here) likes us just the way we are.

Hurley considers herself blessed for a variety of reasons: the love of her family, the blessings of her friends and, so important to her, the passions her work stir in her. She is constantly moved by her subjects; the very feel and spirit of them, as they become her clay, either in studio or on location. As a resident of Hingham, Hurley is surprised by the splendor that is there for the taking, yet often times overlooked and left dormant. Her favorite portraits are of children: barefoot on the beach, sleeveless flowing sundresses, hats and ribbons, blazers, and rolled up khakis; these are the images she endeavors to capture. Sandy Beach, Black Rock Beach, and Duxbury Beach are just a few of many nearby locations not requiring a boat trip to the island for that picture perfect shot. She implores people to utilize the beautiful sunsets, boardwalks, and private beaches that provide her the backdrop with which to seize the editorial print of a lifetime.

In 2002 when an aunt, a best friend, and a family friend all were diagnosed with breast cancer, Hurley embarked upon a mission to make a difference. She single handedly sought to raise money for breast cancer research and has donated 100% of the proceeds raised from her portraits of women and their children to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. Three years and several thousands of dollars later, she has photographed countless victims of the disease, has seen women get sick, get better, recover, and pass away, all of it having a tremendous impact on Hurley's life. Giving back has made her a better person, she says, and she continues in her extraordinary efforts to give.

In her unaffected manner, Hurley graciously acknowledges praise for her work, which is stunning, breathtaking at times, moving, and without doubt, award winning.

Kindly contact Ms. Hurley at www.kerrybretthurley.com or at 781-749-8205 for a sitting to capture forever your most treasured possessions. Hic et Nunc!