Kelly Nash Photography

Kelly Nash is no ordinary photographer. Visit her website photo gallery and you’ll see what I mean. No staged, awkward smiles in front of a drop-in background; no frozen headshots framed in beige or light blue. Instead you’ll see a vast array of photos that depict real life in all its authentic beauty. Whether you’re a family or a business, that thing that makes you unique shines through in each of the shots.

So, if Kelly were to turn the camera on herself, what would it show? How did Kelly Nash become Kelly Nash Photography?

From St. Pete to Barcelona to St. Pete

Kelly was born and raised in St. Pete, and she can scarcely remember a time when she wasn’t interested in photography. It has always been her passion. She even chose to photograph her high school prom rather than attend it!

As she entered adulthood, she wasn’t sure how practical photography would be as a “job”. A two-year post-college stay in Barcelona, Spain helped Kelly prioritize her life’s path and fully embrace the “artistic hippie” side of herself. This transition allowed her commit to transforming her passion into a career. She knew, though, that she didn’t want to be the type of photographer who staged traditional photo shoots; she had something else in mind.

She returned to St. Pete five years ago, determined to bring her photographic vision to life with Kelly Nash Photography.

Documentary-Style Photo Shoots

Central to this vision is the belief that staged photos are a poor substitute for real life. Kelly knows that everyone’s story is unique. She also understands that if she wants to capture the essence of that story, whether it’s at work or play, then her photo subjects need to move and interact. They need to LIVE, so that their genuine personalities shine through the lens onto the photo paper or screen. She accomplishes this goal through documentary-style photo shoots that allow her to organically memorialize moments of beauty or spontaneity or creativeness.

It sounds like a great idea, but what does it mean in terms of an actual photo shoot? For family shoots, Kelly asks her subjects to think about what sort of moments they value. What is the story of YOU? Are you newly in love? Are the kids growing faster than weeds? Is your mom visiting her newest grandchild? Are you nearing a special birthday or anniversary? Are you just happy with the rhythm of your everyday life? After Kelly listens to what is important to you, she’ll spend anywhere from an hour to an entire day or more documenting what unfolds in those moments. No bribery. No forced smiles. No fake backgrounds. Just genuine moments. The result is a unique and beautiful depiction of what is special and real in your life.

Kelly’s documentary style isn’t just for memorializing your family moments. It’s also a great way to capture the life of your business. How many business cards are tossed, billboards ignored and websites unclicked because potential customers are unimpressed or bored?

Kelly knows a business is more than a name. It’s people. What is it that makes you and your people special? Who are you? How do you work? Kelly listens and then spends time documenting these moments. The results are professional and genuine photos that do more than depict a headshot on a boring background. They showcase what genuinely makes you and your business special.

Thanks to St. Pete

Talking with Kelly, two things were abundantly clear. First, she is passionate about what she does. She loves making photos. She is thrilled when families of all types and sizes allow her to share their special moments. She enjoys helping a business transform their public image from just a name on paper to a living, breathing entity. Her passion for her craft is such that she even finds time to offer photography lessons.

Secondly, she is profoundly grateful to St. Pete. She returned home from Spain with a vision for photography that differed from the traditional. The community could have rejected this vision; instead, St. Pete embraced it. As she put it, “I love them for that!” And St. Pete seems to love her right back!

Looking for a Photographer?

If you are looking to capture a special moment in your family life, or to enhance your business profile, then look no further than Kelly Nash Photography. You can find her at http://kellynashphotography.com/ or on Instagram @kellynashphotography.

Kelly’s photos and other local art will be on display at Black Crow Coffee Co. throughout the month of March. Stop by for a cold (or hot) brew and take it all in. Black Crow Coffee is located in Old Northeast at 722 2nd St N, 33701.