Kelly Turro shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Kelly, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Trying new photography techniques and styles. I am used to working with the same styles over and over again, specifically taking portraits and using scenery I am more familiar with. But as of late, working with different spaces such as in a studio setting has been interesting as I can work with different types of lighting and angles I would not be able to do outside of a studio. I have also been looking to delve into other types of photography such as nature and street photography. South Florida is such as expansive area, having drastic environments from the skyscrapers of Brickell to the swamps of the Everglades. Exploring these surroundings with my camera, without a specific model to focus on, and highlighting the beauty of these landscapes, will be a fun adventure to dive into.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
In my free time while studying Biological Sciences in college and after graduating, I would do photoshoots for people in the community. Whether those were taking scenic photographs at parties or graduation photos for excited graduates, I photographed individuals going through important moments in their life. Photographing since I was 14, I have learned a lot over the years, improving my technique and defining the style of photography I am more inclined to. Portrait photography is fascinating to me because it is a moment you are connecting with a person, escaping from reality to be the most idolized version of yourself, feeling beautiful in the moment and after once the model has the photographs in their hands.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Growing up, I hated getting my picture taken. As the youngest in my family, every camera was always pointed in my direction and coming from a family that loves getting their picture taken at every occasion, this was relentless. Luckily, since everyone wanted to be involved in these moments, I took any opportunity I had to be the one to take the photo. Once my parents realized I was tired of getting my picture taken, they took advantage of this and had me be the one to always take photos. Over time, my family realized out of everyone I was the most familiar with a camera, especially since the technology was a bit complex for them, and I realized I actually liked taking pictures and correcting others who would take photos with their phone at an awkward angle. As I grew up, my dad got me a small, silver point and shoot camera. I took that camera everywhere I went and took photos of everything I laid my eyes on. Once I got into the photography magnet of my high school, I decided to get a DSLR, as that was the kind of camera we would be practicing on. Without my shy and reluctant beginning as a bored model to my family, I would not have discovered the wonder that is looking at the world through a viewfinder.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
One of my first moments photographing a party, I was met with cluelessness of how to get guests attention in taking their picture. Being young, most guests were very warm and patient, giving me time to change the setting on my camera and taking multiple pictures of them. Over the span of the party, I got used to it and knew exactly how to fix the settings on my camera to match every area. However, not every guest was as inviting as others. I was met with guests aggressively asking me if I really had to take a picture of them or if I even knew what I was doing. To be honest, no I did not. But, this was an opportunity for me to grow and experience a new type of photography; one where multiple different events are happening out of my control, with my job being to photograph those special moments. From those negative comments, I learned to accept that not everyone is comfortable in front of a camera, and it is my job to assure others I will try my best to photograph them in the best light. As well as not taking unexperienced criticism personally, unless it is truly constructive.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
There are many photoshoots I have in my head that seem rather impossible to do as someone who works by myself with a limited budget. But, over the years, I have never let that stop me from making my dream photoshoots a reality. I love taking the time to plan every detail of a photoshoot, from hair and makeup to the poses the model will do, to every detail about the background and how it is angled. All these details are crucial for making a simple photo into a work of art. Sometimes my planning takes months, from organizing exactly how I will create my vision to executing it and fixing the finishing touches. At the end, all those months of hard work is worth it once I see the finished product and know I have done exactly what I had envisioned. Some of my photography role models pull of the most unique photoshoot ideas that I cannot fathom how they brought it to life. But they did, proving to myself that with patience and dedication, I can make my dreams a reality too.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
Expanding my expectations and goals of what I can accomplish as a photographer. Since I was 14, I have always had wild dreams of what I would like to make a reality. Some, seem impossible or would take many years for me to get done. Still, I do not let that stop me from still having those ideas and working towards them, because you never know what opportunities will arise. Some of my wildest dreams have become a reality and I plan on continuing to work towards my goals and come up with more dreams to try and reach over the years. If I were to give up or feel my dreams were not realistic, as I age, I would deeply regret not completing the goals I am more than capable of doing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kellyturrophoto
- Other: Email: kellyturrophoto@gmail.com
Image Credits
Kelly Turro
