Meet Kelly Turro

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelly Turro. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kelly , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Through integrating myself more and more into the photographer space, communicating with other photographers from all different types of styles. This allowed me to realize that each photographer comes from a different background, and I can find a place for myself within the community.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My focus is on portrait photography, working with different types of fashion and style. The most special part about doing portrait photography is working with people. Each model is different and comes from a different place in terms of their viewpoint as a model, whether they are camera shy or very comfortable in front of the camera. Having them become more and more comfortable in front of the lens, fully expressing themselves is the best part of the job. Another special part about being a photographer is being able to experiment with different mediums and styles with models, not having to do the same type of photoshoot every time. I always have new ideas I would like to test out, seeing how working in different environments or with different lighting can work out. Then, with the editing process, it can be really interesting testing out the endless possibilities of editing a photograph. For the future, I hope to work with more artistic individuals and try new styles of photography.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Start out with a simple camera and work your way up. Do not focus on using the fanciest equipment. As long as you are using a camera where you can learn the basics, you are good to go. It’s more important to stick with the same camera for years, allowing you to be comfortable with changing the settings or how each aspect of the camera works. Then, once ready, you can look into buying a fancier lens or body, knowing exactly what you look for in a camera and what you’d like to change, even if it is a simple upgrade.
2. Practice makes perfect. Give yourself time to learn what works best for you during a photoshoot, editing, changing the settings on a camera and more. Making mistakes is part of the process, so give yourself room to make them!
3. Go with the flow. Usually, when I do a photoshoot, I have an idea of what I would like the outcome to be. But most of the time, the outcome is a bit different than what I expected, and that is ok. Sometimes you have a specific idea of a photograph you’d like to take, and it simply does not work. Throughout the photoshoot, you will experiment with different things and finish with even better results than you were hoping for. Allow the photoshoot to flow and be comfortable with thinking quickly and shifting your perspective on the spot. It’s the surprise moments and quick thinking that result in the best photos.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

An ideal client is anyone willing to get out of their comfort zone and model. Being in front of a camera is always intimidating. People might feel they are not posing correctly or do not know what to do at all. As long as the client trusts me and trusts that the outcome of the photograph will be great, than they are my ideal client! Working with people that are willing to try new things, whether it’s new props I have been working on or a new editing technique I would like to try, collaborating with people looking to think outside the box is always welcome. And if a client does not feel comfortable right away, it is ok! I like to put on their favorite music and give them time to be comfortable, and having them be as natural as possible. A genuine laugh is the best kind of smile for a photograph!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kellyturrophoto
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Photographs by Kelly Turro