Today we’d like to introduce you to Ed Kelly.
Hi Ed, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography began for me in high school when I borrowed a friend’s camera. After college, I worked in NYC as an assistant to other pro photographers. Two years later I rented my own space in my hometown of Red Bank NJ. My business expanded rapidly and soon I purchase a building and created my own studio. I worked in that location for over 25 years doing commercial and corporate photography. My clients included Johnson & Johnson, New Jersey Natural Gas Co., and Phillips lighting, and other major corporations. I was one of the first photographers in New Jersey to purchase a high-end studio digital camera.
My wife and I began vacationing with our sons in the South and immediately fell in love with the Lowcountry.
Moving permanently to South Carolina in 2008. We always knew we would live here.
During my first seven years in South Carolina, I began working in product photography again, working for Spartina 449, Lowcountry Originals, and doing architectural photography for various high-end builders. I have always been drawn to nature and wildlife and before long my nature photography began.
Over the last few years, I have had the time to do more and more nature photography. I was featured on the Tamron Website for my bird photos and also in the Professional Photographer magazine. My goal was to emulate John James Audubon’s bird portraits with my “Coastal Dream Series” which was featured in the magazine and website.
I have recently started including drone photography, taking advantage of our natural habitat and enjoying the skill involved in flying a drone. I”m also integrating some of my original portraiture photographs into AI imagery which I enjoy creating.
Photography is a continually evolving and expanding business and hobby that everyone can enjoy.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Being self-employed is a blessing and a curse. If the phone does not ring, it can be nerve-wracking. Fortunately for me, the phone rang enough.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Photography is an ever-expanding field. I enjoy almost all aspects of this profession. I tend to do everything in spurts.
Product photography, portraits, high-end retouching, and manipulations.
I am loving flying a drone and getting angles of nature that were out of reach before.
I am creating portraits using my existing images and combining them with the conceptual AI work that I have created.
Recently I made a 25-page book for my granddaughter with her favorite thing, unicorns.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
One simple thing is to have a great file management system for your images. You need to take the time upfront to keep everything organized. Spending an hour looking for a very specific image is very wasteful of your valuable time and energy.
Shoot what you like. Trends come and go. Be prepared. Specializing can also be an asset.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.edkellyphotography.com
- Instagram: @edkellyphotography
Image Credits
Ed Kelly Photography
