Today we’d like to introduce you to Valencia Kelly Kellz.
Valencia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
If someone were to tell me five years ago that I would be a photographer, I would have known for a fact they’d be lying. I played division one basketball, though I was going pro. Then turned to personal training, with my Exercise Science Degree, which has been my life since 2012, that’s when I graduated college. I didn’t think I was capable of being anything other than a jock. I even turned to have a fire fighting career for five years.
About two years ago my older sister, who is also a photographer, gave me her old point and shoot Nikon camera, which is a beginner’s camera for some event I was going to. A year later, I was encouraged to pursue the craft. However, it wasn’t until I believed in myself I decided to upgrade my camera to a Canon DSLR (digital single lens reflex). I have discovered a desire to show the passion, pain, joy, and anger of my community through art. My community is black and brown. My community is LGBTQIA.
Needless to say, the rest, is building herstory, mine.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No way! A big challenge for me was deciding to leave a perceivable great career as a firefighter to pursue life as an entrepreneur. But when you begin to feel physically ill because you have to go “play a game” that you are tired of playing, it’s time to move on.
I have had tremendous support and encouragement along the way from the tribe I am building around me. So I am appreciative of the seasons, and teachings of individuals who have come and gone through this journey.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am a photographer. I shoot things. I shoot concepts, weddings, lifestyle, portraits, special events, promotional shoots, shots for comp cards, and headshots. I shoot things with a purposeful artistic eye to create a story that you would have never read before. I specialize in concept photography.
Every image I take, I write a poem or storyline too. Giving the viewer a look into what I as the photographer saw the image to be. I then ask for a story to be created solely from the viewer of the image, it’s all perceptive. This is what sets me apart from the other guys and gals.
I am most proud of the art exhibitions I have had the privilege to be a part of. The Concept Art Show in NYC, Pancakes, and Booze art show, Atlanta Gallery HUNDO, and the shows to come in 2019. This is where art collectors really get to appreciate the craft, and it doesn’t just have to be an exhibit for the painters.
What were you like growing up?
I was a jock, lol! I liked sports and competing, I was and still am good. Some find it odd when I say, growing up, I never saw gender, I just did stuff, cause I could. It was never, “I’m good for a girl” I was just good and obnoxiously humble. Guess I can thank my parents for all that.
It wasn’t until becoming an adult that I realized the stigma society brings on gender roles between men and women. I also realized, I don’t have to be obnoxiously humble, just a little, mixed with some confidence, cause I’m still, good.
Contact Info:
- Website: Kellzphotography.com
- Email: 1kellzphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: @1kellzphotography
- Facebook: Shots By Fitbody
Image Credit:
Models – Michele Robinson, Justin Howard, Emerald Phoenix
Clients – “The Forogos”
Photographer- Mark Rywelski
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
