Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Davidson.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have always had a camera. Since I was a little kid, I documented everything around me. My photos of school trips were sometimes published in the class paper. I took photos of all of my dolls/stuffed animals to document what was mine in a house shared with 2 step-sisters. Eventually, I studied photojournalism at Boston University and was hired as a designer at the Boston Phoenix right out of college. I went freelance in 2005 and started my Rock Parents photo series. I shot bands, travelled all over (from Maui and Portugal to Yemen and Japan), played bass, grew my business, got married, bought a house, and had two kids. I’m still shooting, still self-employed and still evolving.
Please tell us about your art.
I think I shoot everyone like they’re a rockstar (kids, CEOs, actual rock stars). I’m a big fan of making people jump (I don’t necessarily want a jumping shot …but I definitely want that post-jump ‘I can’t believe I just did that’ laugh). I really love photographing people. I like to create images that tell a story about a subject, and hopefully succeed in that, whether I’m given 2 hours or 5 minutes to create an image.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
I think the challenge lies in how people value art and pay for art. People often want to use photography for free or own music for free…and it’s hard to fight for fair compensation all the time. I make a living as a photographer and I have actually had to tell people that a photo credit doesn’t help me pay my mortgage.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have an ongoing portrait series of local rockers with their kids and the next exhibit will be May 6.
Rock Parents: Part 7
Rock Parents photo series exhibit
May 6, 5-9pm
Once Lounge in Somerville, MA
I have work in the current issue of Design New England Magazine. Many of my photos are up on permanent display at Jamspot (rehearsal spaces in Somerville).
I shoot for Berklee College of Music where my work can be seen all over campus and on their website. I have photographs from my work at Girls Rock Campaign Boston (as ‘band photographer’ at the Verb Hotel.
Contact Info:
- Website: kellydavidsonstudio.com
- Email: kd.photo@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kdstudio
- Facebook: facebook.com/kellydavidsonstudio
Image Credit:
Elizabeth Do
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