We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kathleen Kelly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathleen, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents have always pushed “do what makes you happy”. Of course, if we could figure out how to earn a living from it, that would be ideal, but the focus was always on finding happiness. They’ve always been genuinely interested and supportive in any creative endeavors from asking questions to even offering financial support however they could. They’ve always seen me as I am as well, so seeking creative universities and a creative career path was of zero surprise to them. They’ve shared creative links, shown up to events, and have been active supporters, no matter what I’m doing. Especially in the creative field, the doubt and imposture syndrome can be so strong and sometimes overwhelming, and just knowing my parents are always in my corner and believe so strongly in me has been a great buoy in times of struggle and doubt.

Kathleen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a photographer, digital content creator, and social media manager. I have my hands in many honey pots since so many things interest and excite me! My mom started her own equine videography business before I was born (youngest of three), so I grew up with the concept of video editing. All of us kids had big imaginations and were telling stories and performing. As soon as I could get a disposable camera, I was taking photos. My parents got me my first point-and-shoot digital camera and I was using it to take photos and videos. Doing what I could to bring the stories in my head to life. I specifically remember in high school taking self-portraits with my Nikon CoolPix camera.

As a photographer, I do portraits, weddings, creative concepts, theatrical productions, and events. I love telling stories and creating and collaborating with people. My focus is on making people, especially women, feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera. I also don’t retouch. I am also such a big cheerleader energy behind the camera and will absolutely hype my clients up. I want their experience with me to be positive and feel like they’ve got a friend behind the camera, who wants the best for them.

Pre-pandemic, I had developed a couple of personal projects exploring color theory and another on gender identity and fluidity. I loved being able to explore those concepts with friends. For 2023, I’m looking forward to getting back into exploring personal photo projects again.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

With my photography, when I’m in the moment of shooting an event or a creative portrait, it’s such a great feeling. Especially when all the elements come together and the lighting is just perfect (especially utilizing natural light), it feels euphoric. It’s those moments where I’m gleefully yelling behind the camera, “Omgaaaaawd! These are so good!” And my client and I are just so excited and bonding. And then in the editing process further bringing it to life. Whether it’s a planned shoot or event, I get mental images in my head of what shots I want to do, and then when the images come out just like it or better, it feels incredible. It’s when skill conquers imposture syndrome. At least, that’s what it feels like. They’re joyful reminders of how much I really love creating.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish the accessibility of online information and video tutorials were available earlier in my creative journey. The online resources available now are incredible. Practically any walkthrough tutorials are available via Google search, and there are so many step-by-step on Youtube. There are so many ways for people to be self-taught as well as continue their education on their craft and skills. So many possibilities, limited by your keyword search. It’s phenomenal. Also, the digital field is so much greater than it was before. Social media and the online space opened up a lot of opportunities as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kathleenalicekelly.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kkelly.photography/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-kelly-b1721349/