We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelby Reck. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelby below.

Kelby , appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I originally never planned to be a photographer. A friend of mine was going to school to get their film degree and convinced me to upgrade from my GoPro that I shot with from time to time. I caved, I went and purchased a used canon 60D.

I then practiced “mastering” different parts of my camera because it can be intimidating seeing all the different settings and buttons. I practiced shooting landscapes, low light, harsh light, rainy days and hot days. Then that turned into animals then finally people. In my opinion I chose the fastest path to learning. I went out everyday practicing and applying different techniques I had read about or envisioned.

Following rules of shooting then breaking them. It’s important to know the basics but I believe it’s more important to break them and step outside the box.

Through all of this learning the biggest obstacle I had to face was money. Cameras are not cheap, neither are the lenses, editing software, film, processing etc that you need to make a living off of it.

Kelby , 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?

Kelby Reck is a Creative Director and Commercial photographer based in Kansas City, Missouri. He first discovered he had an eye for imagery years ago. It wasn’t until 2017 while working part time as a bar tender he decided to pursue this passion. Since then his work has been featured in magazines and online publications such as Vanity Fair, Vogue Italia, and People Magazine.

Kelby’s unique style combines modern colors with a wave of nostalgia. His attention to detail and keen sense for symmetry has helped him on sets when acting as a Creative Director. From various projects like “Is This it” by The Greeting Committee, UFO Club for Cheatin Snakes, and TruKolors by Travis Kelce.

Currently, Kelby’s focus is on period pieces with visuals inspired from the 1980s and 1990s era. He continues to explore new techniques and styles to create unique and captivating images.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Prior to covid I was working a serving job and doing photoshoots part time. Covid then honestly pushed me to take the leap to do photography and creative directing. Though it was scary financially it was the pivot I needed to make the jump into bigger roles on set.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Something that has always driven me as a creative is the idea of having never ending possibilities. I love the thought of being able to shoot basic portraits one day to shooting a music video where you are setting things on fire and filming a car chase. It truly is endless and I want to explore all those experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kelbyreck.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k_reckd/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelby-reck-582a0321b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzWe8zKEfTE4VgnOZvHPCQg

Image Credits
All Images by Me ( Kelby Reck) image 1: Band- The Devil Wears Prada Image 2: Model- Delaney Benson CGI- Tristan Gramling Image 3: Shot by Kelby Reck Image 4: Artist- Marcus Yates Image 5: Athlete- Mecole Hartman Image 6: Musician- Alison Wonderland Image 7: Cairo Foster & Weston Sparks Image 8: Model- Mayce Gray