Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Fitzsimmons.
Kelly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been a photographer most of my life and remember taking photos of people and landscapes as a young child growing up in Colorado and California. I learned to develop film and process images in high school, and always felt a tremendous sense of creative energy with a camera in my hand and could spend hours in a dark room watching images appear in trays of developing chemicals.
While working traditional corporate jobs in NYC and Los Angeles, I took classes and did photography “on the side.” Having four children – including one that was born three months early – was an important catalyst in re-evaluating my work/life balance and I began to focus more on photography as a business.
My primary work, in the beginning, was photographing children and families – to this day, that is a big part of my work, and one of my favorite genres. I loved capturing children in a more candid way, chasing them around with my camera to capture their spirit and the joy of childhood. I also began photographing newborns – capturing that fleeting and precious time, typically the first two weeks of life. I treasure these sessions immensely.
Following my son’s three month hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, I joined the staff there part-time to develop programs to help families with babies in the NICU. One of my favorite projects was photographing the babies at Halloween (in their costumes) and other holidays, bringing a sense of normalcy to families during a stressful and difficult time.
Over the past ten years, my work has expanded to include event, documentary, political and fine-art photography. This work has been quite personal and is primarily centered on supporting women, families and civil rights. I worked with the Hillary for America Campaign in 2016, photographing Hillary Clinton, numerous fundraising and candidate events in NYC, Boston and at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. I have also had the honor of photographing incredible leaders including Secretary Madeleine Albright, Christine LeGarde, Sally Yates, Chelsea Clinton, Rep. John Lewis, Rev. Cornell Brooks, and many others.
I have had the privilege of traveling with an NGO called Open Hands Initiative, whose mission is to is to promote greater understanding and goodwill between the United States and its global neighbors. I have documented innovative programs in Amman, Jordan and in Colombia, South America. I was honored to have my images documenting Colombia’s public health crisis in displaced populations featured in a photo exhibit, “The Faces of Granizal” at the Museum of Modern Art in Medellin, Colombia.
Complementing my photography and my continued quest for artistic expression, I have been exploring photo-encaustic for the past 4-5 years. This process is beautifully sensory, using a photograph as a foundation, and then layering with beeswax. pigments and a blowtorch to create a unique work of art. I love that the elements of earth, wind, and fire are utilized, giving beautiful depth and dimension to a photograph.
Most importantly, my work has allowed me the flexibility to be an active participant in the lives of my four children, Meghanne (21), Reilly (18), Ethan (16) and Owen (14). They are constant sources of inspiration, and as they’ve grown, they have become more involved with my work. My daughter Meghanne, a college Art Major, regularly assists and shoots with me.
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, it has not always been a smooth road. I often struggled with self-confidence, which meant that I wouldn’t charge enough, or put myself out there as a “real” photographer. I gave too much away – of myself, of my time, of my mental energy. There are also times when business is slower than I’d like it to be.
My advice would be: Don’t underestimate yourself. Know that you are worthy and that your time and talents are worthy of compensation.
Also, there is a strange pressure in photography to specialize in one genre. That works for a lot of people. That didn’t work for me – I think I have some form of Photo ADHD, seriously, I love so many genres and I love experimenting and learning new techniques. Do what you love, and you will shine. Even if you love more than one thing. During the slow or down times, take time to educate yourself – attend a workshop, in person or online – take an extension class, watch YouTube videos – or just go out and photograph things that make you happy. There’s no shortage of beautiful and amazing subject matter.
I am presently working on a long-term project documenting women in agriculture – this personal project feeds me creatively and intellectually during slow and busy times alike.
We’d love to hear more about Kelly Fitzsimmons Photography.
I guess you could say I specialize in meaningful photography, beautiful images, and outstanding client service. That’s how I approach each “job” (and I don’t even like calling it a job). I love connecting with my subjects and clients, making them feel comfortable and relaxed.
I am “all-in” on any assignment, striving for the best images, documentation, interaction, and experience. My goal is to produce the best images possible and deliver them on-time – clients who need quick turn-around times will not be disappointed. My litmus test for success is being emotionally (and often physically) exhausted after a shoot – then I know I’ve put everything into it.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have been fortunate to find mentors somewhat randomly through Facebook groups and through friends and acquaintances. In New England, there are some wonderful Facebook groups that help photographers network, meet, refer clients, etc. I attend local workshops, exhibits, and auctions and do my part to support and promote fellow photographers.
I am actually in the beginning stages of starting a Boston chapter of Women in Focus photography group specifically designed for women! Anyone interested can email me!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kellyfitzsimmonsphotography.com
- Phone: 978-549-0987
- Email: kelly@kellyfitzsimmonsphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kellyfitzphoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kellyfitzphotography
- Twitter: @kellyfitzphoto
Image Credit:
Kelly Fitzsimmons, Reilly Fitzsimmons
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