In the Studio with photographer Kim Kelly
Kim Kelly is a local photographer, currently exhibiting in the “Maryland the Beautiful” exhibit here at CAC. Kim’s passion for photography goes back to 1978 when she received her first camera as a college graduation gift. Her images have been featured in local magazines and she has participated in several exhibits including her own one women show. Her images have been selected by several businesses to adorn their walls; including Coldwell Banker Realty and KHovnanian Homes.
She currently makes her home near Annapolis, Maryland, with the Chesapeake Bay and its extensive shorelines her “playground”. Her journeys and travels are the paths to her imagery. Here’s Kim talking about her art, process and experience:
When did you realize you were an artist: I realized my work had merit when people started purchasing my images.
Was there a pivotal moment you remember when you knew you were going to pursue art as a career: When I migrated over from film to digital photography, I started taking classes, attending workshops and joining clubs & meetup groups and my photography began to evolve.
How did you get into Photography: I have a real estate photography business which came about from having been a realtor for 12 years. I began shooting other subjects and the "bug" really bit me.
On finding inspiration: While I shoot a wide array of subjects, much of my work is focused on nautical and maritime themes. I love shooting older, weathered boats (i.e. watermen's boats) and similar subjects because they have stories to tell and evoke questions in the minds of the viewers.
What are you currently working on: I am currently working on a long term project (2-3yrs) involving photographing the building of a new and historically accurate representation of the Maryland Dove, a 17th century trading ship that brought many of the first settlers to Maryland shores. The State of Maryland has put up $5 million dollars for the building of this ship to replace the current aging one in Historic St. Mary's City. It is being built by roughly a dozen shipwrights at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. I am photographically documenting the entire process from start to finish.
Advice for other photographers just starting out: For a photographer to grow, it is important to get out and shoot often and not be afraid to make mistakes; as that is how we learn. I would also recommend they take classes, workshops and join clubs/meetup groups.
For more information regarding Kim Kelly, check out her website at www.kimkellyimages.com, or on Instagram as @Kimkellyimages.
More Information on the current Maryland The Beautiful Exhibit at the Chesapeake Arts Center:
On view: November 9, 2020 through January 31, 2021
The Maryland The Beautiful Exhibit is a collection of photographic artwork captured within the state of Maryland by The Annapolis Photography Workshop Group.
The photographers range from beginners up to and including professionals. All images are on view in the Hal Gomer Gallery and for sale. A portion of the artwork proceeds will benefit the Chesapeake Arts Center.
Visit the gallery
The Hal Gomer Gallery is open to the public by appointment only. Please contact CAC to schedule your appointment.
