Today we’d like to introduce you to Donovan Kelly
Hi Donovan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I got started with photo/video work back in junior high and high school, and I absolutely loved it. I did everything I could to learn more about creating photos and videos, and I ended up liking photography more. I served an LDS mission and when I got back, I went to BYU and studied in their photography program. I also worked as a student photographer for BYU Photo covering all BYU Athletic events, banquets, official portraits, and any other photography needs the university had. I loved that job and getting to learn more about studio lighting, capturing fast action, and learning how to organize my content effectively. After that, I went and worked full-time at an off-road parts company in North Salt Lake called Artec Industries, and I just recently shifted jobs to become a studio photographer for Crumbl.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d say the road of being a “creative” definitely has its challenges. There’s lot of people that teach the same technique differently, and it’s all about finding your style. The cost of gear is always expensive. Learning everything you can about your gear, finding its limits, and understanding how it impacts your final images takes lot of time, work, and energy. I’d also say that finding people to critique your work is a challenge because you need a good mentor who is willing to share their “industry secrets” and help you grow your skills. From my experience there can be a lot of secrecy from people when it comes to pricing, how to work, how to find clients, etc. You definitely need a good mentor, lots of patience, and a desire to grow at every shoot you do. However, with all of those challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing, because I’ve learned so much along the way and made friends that will last forever.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Right now I work full-time as a studio photographer for Crumbl. I just started this new role recently, so I’m still learning the ropes, but my team handles all of the branding photography that Crumbl needs for their revolving weekly menu, important collaborations/campaigns, and other one-off projects.
Aside from that, I freelance with an emphasis in studio, product, automotive, and sports photography. I’m most proud of my ability to capture fast-paced action and adapt to create great imagery no matter the circumstances. I love finding a challenge and overcoming it to make a great photograph. What sets me apart is my knowledge of studio lighting and my ability to shape light to make my subject look amazing, whether I’m in studio or out on location.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My biggest mentors would be Jaren Wilkey, Nate Edwards, and Aaron Cornia over at BYU Photo. They really shaped me into who I am today with my photography. They took lots of time to critique my images, give me tips on things to improve on, and help me find new ways of capturing events to tell the best story possible. They also helped me improve my range of skills by adding video editing and other little creative skills that help me stand out from the crowd, and there’s no way I’d be where I am without them.
Pricing:
- For pricing, please send me an email at donovankellyphoto@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://donovankellyphoto.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/donovankellyphoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DonovanKellyPhoto
