Where do you live?
I currently live in Chicago, IL.
How did you get started?
I first started taking pictures when I took a photography class my junior year of high school. When I got to college, I took a few other intro classes to learn more about photography and fell more in love with taking pictures of people. Eventually I bought my own camera and took pictures of my friends all the time; then one day I got my first real client and it all took off from there!!
What is your educational background?
I majored in Journalism in college, which was nice because it allowed me to take some photojournalism classes and expand my skillset in a new way.
When you are out shooting a subject, how many shots do you take of one subject?
It really depends on the type of shoot I’m doing (wedding vs. senior portraits vs. family pictures, etc.), but for an average portrait sessions I take around 300 pictures. When I go to edit them, it gets cut down to only 80ish, but taking a lot helps me get the shots I want (and avoid the issue of missing a good picture because it’s out of focus or slightly overexposed).
How much planning is involved in the quest for the “perfect shot?”
For more styled shoots, there can be a lot of planning to get the “perfect shot”—what the person will wear, what lens I’ll use, the location and time of day the shoot will take place, and more—but some of my favorite shots actually come from the most spontaneous snap:. One picture I love from a wedding I shot was of the flower girls just sitting on the dance floor talking; I saw the scene happening and just had to act and take the picture in about two or three seconds. I would say it’s equally important to be able to plan for a shot and to react quickly to a scene to get that “perfect shot”.
How much time do you spend with your camera each day?
I try to shoot almost everyday, but it really varies. Some days it might be a minute or two just to snap some quick pictures, others it might be 12 hours (like on days where I’m shooting a wedding).
What type of camera/ equipment do you use?
I shoot with a Nikon D610 and primarily use my 50mm and 35mm lenses. Sometimes I’ll bring a light reflector for portraits because I love natural lighting, but I’ll use external flashes if they’re needed.
Do you use any programs, such as Lightroom, Photoshop to alter your imagery? Any other software or programs used?
I ALWAYS use Lightroom to edit my pictures. I use Photoshop for certain types of touch ups (skin, flyaway hairs and such), but I start with Lightroom to get the exposure and colors the way I want them.
Why did you want to become a photographer?
There’s something so fun to me about being able to capture special moments in people’s lives; whether it’s a wedding or baby pictures or engagement photos, I like knowing people will cherish the work I do for the rest of their lives. I also love having a creative outlet that allows me to be artistic while I meet all of these great people during special times in their lives.
Where do you go to take pictures?
Anywhere and everywhere! I love shooting outdoors and always try to find new places to have shoots (usually out in nature because I love green tones or colorful background in the fall).
Marissa Kelley Photography
