Yevonde Cumbers Middleton began her photographic career as an assistant to the studio photographer Lallie Charles (1869–1919). Inspired by her experience, Middleton opened her first photography studio in 1914. Practicing under the pseudonym 'Madame Yevonde', she photographed a number of notable clients and occasions. 

She is renowned for her innovative portraits and pioneering work with colour photography based on her mastery of the Vivex colour process. In 1932 Madame Yevonde organised a solo exhibition of her photographs. She hired the gallery space, printed catalogues and advertised the exhibition. The exhibition was a great success and was the first time colour portrait photographs were publically exhibited.