See more: interview – Team Flytographer – Victoria
We’re excited to announce a new series of photographer Q&A’s on the Flytographer blog! Offering insight into our amazing community of photographers, we begin with natural light Flytographer Kelly in Victoria, British Columbia.
Name: Kelly
Location: Victoria, BC
Equipment: 5D Mark III, Sigma 50mm ART, 35mm 1.4 L, and a 70-200 f2.8 L
How long have you lived in your city?
2 years
How did you come to be a photographer? Tell us a little about your background.
I received my first camera when I was in high school and totally fell in love with taking photos. It was a film camera and I worked through the entire process of loading it, capturing the images, developing the film and watching the images come alive in the dark room. I then went to college for photojournalism where I learned how to capture natural, candid images and tell stories. I now own a business that specializes in natural light photography and am so lucky to work with amazing couples, families, talented makers and inspiring business owners.
How would you describe your personal photography style?
My personal style is creating images that are thoughtfully put together while feeling natural and telling a story. I love soft, neutral tones and photographs that have beautiful light. My style also tends to change with the seasons, being a bit darker and moodier in the winter and then lightening up with more golden tones in the summer.
Where do you find your creative inspiration?
I am most inspired by watching light and seeing how it can change the mood and feel of of a photograph. I also find great inspiration in the natural world and different landscapes which is why I love to travel. Also, as I mentioned with my personal style, I find so much inspiration in the changing of the seasons. The way the landscape changes colour, the different light, the types of activities that go along with the time of year. Noticing these shifts keeps everything fresh and exciting for me as a photographer.
What album is on repeat when you’re editing photos?
I don’t usually listen to full albums but I am really into the Bahamas, Horse Feathers and Shakey Graves.
What are you currently reading?
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Where is your favourite place to shoot in your city and why?
I really love natural landscapes and we are so lucky in Victoria to be surrounded by parks, beaches and so many flowers. I love that I can be downtown shooting beautiful architecture and then walk to the beach and feel like I am in the middle of nature.
What does a perfect day in your city look like?
The perfect day in Victoria for me would be to wake up and bike ride to the Inner Harbour for breakfast at Nourish Cafe followed by a visit to the Moss Street Farmers Market. From there, I would head to the ocean with friends or take a walk through one of the many gardens in the city. I would end my day watching the sunset from one of the many high lookout points in the city followed by dinner downtown.
Where are your favourite places in your city to get a coffee and or a cocktail?
Meeting friends for coffee is one of my favourite things to do and we are so spoiled in Victoria with such amazing coffee shops. My top picks are Hey Happy, especially their lattes with house made cashew milk, Hide & Seek and The Parsonage. If I am meeting friends out for a drink, my top pick would be The Tapas Bar.
Where was the last city you travelled?
I recently travelled down the west coast on a road trip and visited many cities in Oregon and California. Even though I have done that trip many times, there is always so much to see and explore.
If you could live anywhere in the world for one year, where would you live and why?
I would love to spend a year in Morocco. I am absolutely in love with the ancient architecture in the cities as well as the colours and all the amazing vendors and markets. I feel very drawn to the desert, the vast open space and how it is so monochromatic. I could easily spend a year exploring that place with my camera.
What do you most enjoy about shooting for Flytographer?
I love meeting new people, especially when they are traveling because they are so excited to be in a new place! I also really like sharing with people what I love about living in Victoria and helping them experience the best parts of the city.
