Brian Kelly Photography (www.briankellyphoto.net)

moving to Tumblr

2010-07-23T10:23:00.003-04:00

I'm going to be posting bloggy content much more frequently onto my Tumblr site. I'm not sure how long I'll keep this Blogger page going as well.

My Tumblr site is a nice mix of current shoots, portfolio/video work, behind the scenes stuff, as well as a photo diary of sorts. It's less formal and random. There's a lot of content up and running already.

Please visit that site, bookmark it, feed it, follow it, etc.

Aquinas Library at Night

2010-07-16T23:04:00.003-04:00

I came across this architectural photo I shot back in 2006 for Aquinas College…their library looks fantastic at night.

Behind the Scenes-Lux Land

2010-07-05T23:35:00.004-04:00

Lux Land Shoot - Behind the Scenes from Brian Kelly Films on Vimeo.

A quick (and raw) video clip of part of my shoot with Lux Land last summer for her new album. If you haven’t ever heard her music, do yourself a favor and pick up her latest album “Sweet Suspension."

This portion of the shoot with Lux was located in a (mosquito infested) nature reserve at Calvin College. Just to the left of where we were shooting in this video was a small patch of trees where the cover shot to the album was taken.

Here's the photo we were working on in the video:

ROBOTS for MAKE

2010-07-02T14:03:00.003-04:00

outtake from a soon to be infamous robot photo shoot for MAKE Magazine...I'll be blogging about this later.

Steve Heacock for Congress

2010-07-02T13:31:00.003-04:00

Steve Heacock is a Republican candidate for Congress.

Michigan State University

2010-06-30T23:50:00.003-04:00

I’ve shot quite a bit the last few weeks for Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. It's another stunning addition to Grand Rapids' burgeoning Medical Mile.

Momentum - 2010

2010-06-30T17:53:00.002-04:00

Momentum is an organization that provides seed funding and mentorship to innovative entrepreneurs to help develop, refine and bring their ideas to venture capital investors (among other things).

I was asked to produced this video on a tight timeline for Momentum. It was shot, edited and screened to an audience within 2 1/2 weeks.

Momentum Video from Brian Kelly Films on Vimeo.

Haworth Photo

2010-06-30T16:56:00.004-04:00

A photo from a recent shoot with furniture giant Haworth.

Recent Shoot-Urban Bike Park

2010-05-21T21:27:00.002-04:00

I love shooting for Rapid Growth Media every single week. The stories are all positive and shooting for them allows me to meet all kinds of innovative people around Grand Rapids that I'd never otherwise get to photograph.

These photos are of Nate Phelps. This dude made a great BMX/Mountain bike park out of a blighted, abandoned park on the city's tough southwest side (he also had a lot of volunteers, dust, dirt and determination). It's this type of grass roots effort that makes Grand Rapids arguably the coolest place to live in the Midwest.

That's right, I said Grand Rapids, Michigan :)

Click here to read about the Rapid Growth feature story about Nate.

And please check out the rest of my photo portfolio. I'd love to work with you: www.briankellyphoto.net

Have a great weekend,

Brian

I've Joined Wonderful Machine

2010-05-02T16:35:00.007-04:00

I'm very proud to announce I am now affiliated with Wonderful Machine; one of the world's leading online resources for creative professionals to locate and hire photographers by region as well as by photographer specialty.

Wonderful Machine presents my work to a world-wide audience of photo editors, ad agencies, art directors and designers that I would not be able to reach on my own. They also are able to provide production assistance just about anywhere in the world as well as a range of other specialty services that photographers often need.

Wonderful Machine represents some of the best photographers in the world. Needless to say I'm extremely pleased to be working with them. I invite you to take a look around their site and visit some of the fantastic talent they showcase.

I've also been frequently updating my re-designed web site so take a look around if you haven't seen it in a while!

Guggenheim Fellow - Carolyn Drake

2010-04-18T13:28:00.002-04:00

Some of the best documentary photography I've ever seen. Meet 2010 Guggenheim Fellowship winner Carolyn Drake:

http://www.carolyndrake.com

Editing Is Hard But Sequencing Is Harder

2010-04-10T11:23:00.010-04:00

Editing down the images you want to show to a client, editor or audience can be difficult...but sequencing images for your web portfolio is even harder.

The images above are from a recent location shoot for Rapid Growth Media and feature the accomplished artist and art advocate Paul Amenta. The shoot came out nice and I had a really hard time making selects. Each of the set-ups above had slight variations that worked well, but these were the selects that I came up with for the Rapid Growth story that felt the best to me.

I wanted to put 1 or 2 of these up into my "People" section of my portfolio site. I had a hard time deciding which one(s) to place into my portfolio and where to drop them into the flow of images that were there already in the ; should they go toward the beginning, middle, or end of the flow of images? Plus, should I separate the images inside the portfolio or sequence them all consecutively because it's the same person/shoot?

Tough questions...there isn't really a hard and fast answer. I actually don't have a clue as to what will create the most impact on the viewer coming to my site cold. I'm much too close to the shoot and am biased somewhat by the circumstances around each set-up, i.e., was the lighting more difficult to accomplish? or was something funny said that we all laughed about, etc? These are all things that might influence me, but the viewer coming cold to the images is unaware of these circumstances (and probably doesn't care).

So this blog post remains open ended as to how to sequence your work. How do you handle this issue? Feel free to drop a comment and share your ideas and, perhaps, frustrations.

Here's my "People" portfolio as it stands right now with a few of the images above dropped in.

Finding Danny Glover - Finding Clay

2010-04-06T15:30:00.010-04:00

A couple of months ago, I needed a model for an advertising shoot for book publishing giant Zondervan. Their ad agency at Extra Credit Projects requested a model fitting a "Danny Glover type, black male, 50's with a grey peppered beard."

The shoot was on a tight timeline and we needed someone quickly. I reached out to my social media contacts on Facebook and Twitter and posted this photo of Danny Glover and asked if anyone knew of someone fitting the bill to contact me right away:

Within 5 minutes my friend Aaron over at Creo Productions emailed me the cell phone number of Clay...a guy who lived near their offices on Division Avenue.

I called Clay immediately on my way to another shoot. I explained I needed a model but had to get agency approval asap. He said he was eating pizza at Georgio's Pizza downtown and that I was welcome to drop in. I was only a few blocks from there. Within seconds I'd taken a quick iPhone shot and emailed it off to Extra Credit Projects for approval. Here's that iPhone shot:

Clay was approved right away...and we shot him a couple of days later. Clay's a very sweet man, an amazing poet and a bright light living in the resurging neighborhood of Heartside. Here's one of the shots that was submitted for the Zondervan advertisement. Don't underestimate the willingness of your social media contacts to help you when you need it most!

Upper Peninsula Discovery

2010-03-25T20:34:00.003-04:00

I was prepping some files for a client from a shoot I did well over a year ago in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The client was finally ready to proceed with the project and requested a nicely edited suite of images from the trip.

I stumbled upon this outtake of a vintage car passing me. It was totally a grab shot...the camera pointed out an open window...a small diversion from hours and hours of driving in between cities.

The shot is totally over-exposed, blurry, technically flawed, random...

...beautiful.

(You can see earlier posts about this trip here and here.)

Lux Land-Album Packaging

2010-03-22T12:56:00.008-04:00

Lux dropped off her new CD over the weekend called "Sweet Suspension." I was really pleased with the packaging and printing. The front cover photograph coupled with the album title is a really nice match.

Last summer Lux and I shot for a few hours on a mosquito infested afternoon...we shot deep in the woods and also alongside a swampy bayou of Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids.

The album is fantastic and features some amazing production by Texas' Kristy Krueger. Lux's music is always the hardest for me to describe...so I won't even try. Just order her album he

re and thank me later!

Here's some outtakes from the shoot:

Photographer Platon and the Civil Rights Movement

2010-03-16T21:26:00.008-04:00

The famous portraitist Platon talks to Charlie Rose in a video here about a series of incredible images he made for The New Yorker; Platon took portraits of many of the surviving figures of the the civil rights movement.

I very much connected to 3 things Platon discusses with Charlie Rose:

1. That he still gets nervous before each shoot (as I do)

2. That it's very hard to emotionally connect to the people you're photographing

3. That these inspiring civil rights figures had a profound effect on his life

Last fall I was in Memphis. And on somewhat of a whim I went to the National Civil Rights Museum located at the site of the now infamous Lorraine Motel. This is where Martin Luther King, Jr. was murdered on the motel balcony.

As I toured the Museum, I became overwhelmed at the enormous sacrifices and injustices that so many in the civil rights movement endured to provide others a chance at social justice and freedom from oppression. Many were murdered...many others beaten, jailed and treated worse than animals.

This all occurred when I was baby...not that long ago. These were people born in The United States. It seems incomprehensible today.

I only managed to take two simple photos w/my iPhone...both of them were of that damn balcony.

David Byrne Documentary

2010-03-12T20:34:00.001-05:00

A source of inspiration...can't wait to see it.

Can Design Save Newspapers?

2010-03-10T21:47:00.003-05:00

Can great design save newspapers? Yes. Magazines too. This brilliant designer transformed many European newspapers through design...readership is exploding.

My favorite quote from his speech is "Remember, to be good is not enough."

This video is well worth 6 minutes of your time...the ideas presented apply to many industries...not just media.

My New Web Site is LIVE!!!

2010-03-09T08:10:00.007-05:00

What does 2 months of a lot of photo editing, some very late nights and a lot of tweaking get you? I'm proud to announce that my new portfolio web site (briankellyphoto.net) is now live!

This new site is certainly media rich...with large photos (try the site on Fullscreen!)...and a large integrated video player. This is a huge change from my old Flash based site.

The iPad, Kindle and other portable media devices are rapidly changing how we view newspapers, magazines and television shows...this revolution is just starting...and it's a content rich world.

I believe photography and visual storytelling (short films, photo essays, videos, etc.) are going to more important than ever in a high bandwidth, multi-media world...it's a VERY exciting time to be both a photographer and videographer!

I welcome your feedback on the new portfolio. Oh, you can also view a nice mobile version of my site on your iPhone or other SmartPhone device!

Brian

moving soon...

2010-02-25T00:39:00.004-05:00

It's been a bit quiet here lately, but for good reason.

In the next week or so, I'll be launching an entirely new www.briankellyphoto.net portfolio site as well as moving this blog over to a new blogging platform supported by the new web site.

I can't wait to share it with you...one of my big goals for early 2010 was to totally rethink how I show my photography and film work online. I'm very happy so far and will roll it out soon!

Fun at Haworth

2010-01-27T00:34:00.005-05:00

I was out at Haworth yesterday in Holland to shoot a portrait for a feature coming up this week in Rapid Growth.

I had a some time to kill and was inspired to throw on a tilt/shift lens and play around re-interpreting some of the lines, colors and patterns.

I was absolutely blown away by the design and architecture of Haworth's headquarters.

Gothic Rapid Growth?

2010-01-22T19:42:00.006-05:00

As some of you already know, I've been Rapid Growth Media's managing photographer since its inception 4 years ago. I love shooting for this thoroughly positive weekly web magazine that focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, lifestyle and "green" initiatives around West Michigan.

This week's issue has some particularly interesting photographs. I invite you to take a look at the kayak feature as well as the a nice profile about an eco-couple.

These two stories exemplify why this publication is so much fun to shoot for...one moment I'm photographing someone out on an icy river...and the next I'm inspired to ask a couple to emulate Grant Wood's "American Gothic" painting...but with a twist.

New Aquinas Video - Academics

2010-01-21T21:28:00.003-05:00

I've been producing, directing and shooting a series of videos this year for Aquinas College. This latest video touts the high academic standards of the school using several voices faculty members as well as the Provost.

Wondergem Staff Photos

2010-01-20T10:55:00.006-05:00

Grand Rapids based Wondergem Consulting undertook one of the longer term photography projects I've ever worked on...and it was a total blast. We shot over the course of 4 months starting in June of last year.

The project consisted of creating unique portraiture of each their staff as well as a selection of their blue chip client list for their brand new web site. We shot on helipads, pedi-cabs and everywhere in between!

Above are some of the staff photographs...and I'll post some of their client portraits later in the week!

UICA-Behind the Scenes

2010-01-14T16:10:00.006-05:00

I proudly serve as a member of the board of UICA...the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art...one of the most unique art organizations in the entire country. We're building an amazing new facility.

Take a quick video tour with me and UICA's Executive Director Jeffrey Meeuwsen.

If you'd like to donate and support this amazing place...as well as have your hard earned dollars generously matched by the Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation you may do so here.

Fashion Shoot Post #2 - Paper Dresses

2010-01-02T13:43:00.015-05:00

This was one memorable shoot...and the photos/wardrobe featured in this post were only a part of it...so many talented people worked very hard to mutually pull off something (hopefully) special. Many of you have asked me who the shoot was for and why it took place. Interesting story:

Julie Strating and I started casually chatting at a Christmas Party for our friends at StoryTelling Pictures...and the next thing you know we agreed to collaborate on a major fashion shoot to benefit our mutual portfolios. I'll give you the whole back story of how (and why) this came to be with my next post.

These amazing paper dresses were designed and created by fashion designer/artist Claudia Petrelli. Claudia is from Grand Rapids...by way of Bucharest, Romania. Thank you, Claudia!

Here's the rest of the hard working crew...amazing job by everyone.

Julie Strating: Make-up Artist
Erin Brown: Hair Stylist
Natasha Ohlman: Fashion and Set Stylist

Models:
Jon "JC" Cunningham: Male Model
Alexandra Rush: Female Model (of Ford Models in New York City)
Christine Praniewicz: Female Model (of Matthew Agency of Grand Rapids)

Brian Kelly: Photographer

Josh Tyron: Lead Assistant

Elizabeth Mikrut: Producer/2nd Assistant

Location: Wealthy Theater - Grand Rapids, Michigan (thank you, Erin for all your help!)

A big thanks to my crew of Josh and Liz...you always have my back...and the sandwiches.

One more blog post about this shoot coming later...more photos too!

Fashion Shoot Sneak Preview

2009-12-31T15:04:00.008-05:00

I'll be blogging in detail about this major fashion shoot very soon...and putting up lots of images on my portfolio site.

I had a blast and was fortunate to work with extremely talented and hard working people.

In the meantime I couldn't resist sharing a sneak peek!

more weddings in 2010?

2009-12-23T16:14:00.007-05:00

I know I mentioned Adrienne and Kyle's wedding earlier this year here on the blog. I feel truly honored that I was allowed to document such a cool couple's big day. They were just simply awesome to work with!

I was amazed at their final wedding books. The printer I used delivered the finest quality books I have ever seen.

I typically have very limited availability given my normal workflow of commercial work, but I enjoyed shooting Adrienne and Kyle's wedding so much that I'd love to collaborate on 2 or 3 weddings in 2010.

If you know of someone who might be interested in having me shoot their wedding, just send an email to my project manager Elizabeth and she'll gather some initial information and set up an appointment.

Red Wall - Spencer Mulder

2009-12-21T23:57:00.005-05:00

Here's another shot of musician Spencer Mulder. I love this newly painted red wall in Heartside that was part of local artist AJ Paschka's ArtPrize entry. It was created to be used as a photo wall...and I'm sure I'll use it again.

Even though it was broad daylight when we shot this, I lit it so it looked like the evening. You can see more of this same effect w/Spencer's photos on my web site. Just check out the "Music & Fashion" section.

Lux Land Photos

2009-12-17T08:38:00.004-05:00

Okay...I've been sitting on pins and needles to show you these photos for quite some time.

Lux Land is an incredible singer/songwriter, gifted party thrower, awesome mom and a good friend.

Lux has a new album coming out early next year. It's super great...can't wait!

Want to see more photos of Lux? Take a look at the "music and fashion" section of my web site.

Meeting Ad Agencies-Creatives

2009-12-11T14:13:00.003-05:00

Hey out there...a big part of 2010 for me, Elizabeth and Josh is getting outside Grand Rapids to meet more of you cool creative professionals that influence and decide who gets to shoot what for your clients. It doesn't matter if you're a big or small agency, but if you initiate photography or video campaigns, we'd love to say hello.

So I'll extend this offer to anyone that might have a genuine interest in learning more about my work and discussing potential photography or video based projects sometime in 2010:

We'll come to you to show you our portfolio...and we'll go virtually anywhere (within reason) to put a face with a name.

Just shoot Elizabeth an email and she'll gather some information about your agency and get the ball rolling.

In the meantime you can always look at some of my portfolio here!

Sarah Palin - Photo Essay

2009-12-06T20:06:00.004-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I got a call from Getty's London office to shoot for one of the largest national newspapers in the United Kingdom. The Observer Magazine (of The Guardian Newspaper conglomerate) is the equivalent of the New York Times Sunday Magazine.

I was honored to get the call.

My assignment was to create a photo essay of various people waiting in line to meet Sarah Palin at the first book signing of her tour here in Grand Rapids at a mall. A writer from The Observer flew in from New York and interviewed the people I photographed for a story.

It was quite a cast of characters waiting in line...as you might imagine.

Acton Institute - Annual Reports

2009-12-03T13:37:00.005-05:00

This year I was fortunate to shoot 4 different annual reports for various clients. I really love shooting A/R's because they offer an opportunity to work intensely with one client.

This is a portrait of Fr. Robert A. Sirico from the Acton Institute for The Study of Religion and Liberty. This particular composition is weighted strongly to the right to allow for potential text or a letter from Fr. Sirico on the left.

Fr. Sirico is an internationally known speaker. His writings on religious, political, economic, and social matters are published in a variety of journals, including: the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the London Financial Times, the Washington Times, the Detroit News, and National Review. Fr. Sirico is often called upon by members of the broadcast media for statements regarding economics, civil rights, and issues of religious concern, and has provided commentary for CNN, ABC, the BBC, NPR, and CBS' 60 Minutes, among others.

Spencer Mulder - Leaves

2009-12-02T16:05:00.006-05:00

Another series of photos of Spencer Mulder...look for more of these to drop on his web site very soon.

I've been steadily updating www.briankellyphoto.net with fresh images...stop by if you haven't checked it out in a while!

Aquinas College Video - President Balog

2009-11-20T12:37:00.005-05:00

In a video I was very pleased to produce, direct and shoot, President Balog discusses the strengths and heritage of Aquinas College as well as highlights some exciting developments that are on tap in the upcoming year. You can also view the video in full HD.

Aquinas Student Spotlight Video - Lauren Smith

2009-11-19T15:29:00.006-05:00

I'm very excited about the video series that we've been shooting, producing and directing for Aquinas College this fall. We've finished 3 videos already. Here is the first one.

Aquinas College sophomore Lauren Smith is a very busy Pre-Med student and an exceptional track athlete. Find out why she feels Aquinas College is the perfect fit for her.

Aquinas videos coming!!

2009-11-18T14:11:00.005-05:00

I'm excited to say I just got the go ahead to release the first few videos that we've been shooting for Aquinas College this fall. I'll post them up here on the blog tomorrow. I can't wait to share what we've been working on for the last few months.

But for now I'm off on assignment for the London Daily Mirror to cover Sarah Palin's book signing visit to Grand Rapids...these photos will appear in the U.K edition of the newspaper as well as their online edition...I'll post a link when it's available.

Position filled - Spencer Mulder shoot

2009-11-12T23:18:00.006-05:00

Well, after 3+ weeks of starts and stops in the process of hiring "One Brave Soul", I recently filled the position of project manager and client liaison. I'm very excited and will properly introduce Liz in a few days here on the blog.

I was truly overwhelmed with the number of very qualified candidates that contacted me. I received 40+ responses. Nearly all of you could have helped me in some shape or form and I deeply appreciate your interest in working with me.

So this blog's been a bit empty lately...I think I saw a tumbleweed blow through here yesterday. Here's a quick shot from a shoot I had today with future household name Spencer Mulder. I hope to post a whole backlog of projects in the next week or so here on the blog and over at my portfolio site at www.briankellyphoto.net

I'm hiring one brave soul

2009-10-21T21:24:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone...I'm really busy with a wide range of projects and am looking for one talented (or perhaps brave) individual to come work with me in the following role. Send me an email if you live in Grand Rapids, are able to multi-task and would like to know more about this position:

About Brian Kelly, LLC

Brian Kelly, LLC is a full service commercial photography and video production company that services a very diverse range of West Michigan based clients.

Position

Brian Kelly, LLC seeks an individual to execute the roll of project manager/producer/client liaison/personal assistant. This person is the first point of contact a client may have with Brian Kelly, LLC and often the main point of contact for the client throughout a project. This person works very closely with Brian Kelly to assist in the efficient flow of communication between clients with projects in various points of production within the company.

Responsibilities may include scheduling meetings, photo and video shoots, controlling the flow email and phone communications, coordinating location scouting, delivering files to clients, running to the photo lab or to other vendors, shipping/mailing, obtaining shooting permits and/or other location and logistical permissions, shepherding projects from estimation phase to final billing, grabbing lunch or coffee on location as well as be a 2nd assistant on some larger photo or video sets...it's a little bit of everything and every day is different.

This person minds the gaps as well as does a fair share of babysitting Brian Kelly’s right brain. This person needs to be very detail oriented with strong communication skills and the ability to track multiple projects on various points of completion at any given time. This position requires a fast paced, intuition-minded, and highly professional individual with an understanding that attention to detail and the fast turnaround of a dynamic product is essential to the continued success of Brian Kelly, LLC.

Bonus points for fluency in Photoshop/Lightroom/InDesign and the nuances of ice cream.

This position requires a minimum of 20-30 hours a week with many weeks likely to exceed 30 hours. Pay rate is negotiable based on experience and other software skills.

Brian Kelly, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

ArtPrize-Behind the Scenes-Interview with Young Kim

2009-10-12T10:03:00.005-04:00

I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing Young Kim on Saturday for the official ArtPrize book that will be coming out later.

As you know, there was a HUGE buzz about Young's installation at 47 Commerce...(here's the first video Josh and I made about his work). It seemed to be the one piece everyone was talking about and most felt strongly that Young Kim deserved to be in the Top 10. Fortunately, he was recognized with a $5000 Curators Award by UICA at the ArtPrize awards ceremony on Thursday night.

I think you'll like Young Kim even more after listening to him talk about his work, his experiences in Grand Rapids and ArtPrize.

ArtPrize-Behind the Scenes-Rooftop Photo Shoot

2009-10-06T15:45:00.002-04:00

On Monday we shot portraits of 5 of the Top 10 ArtPrize finalists. This video takes you behind the scenes on the shoot.

A big thank you to Suzette from The Ledyard Building for letting us crawl all over their historic building in the heart of Grand Rapids.

There's more shoots like this to come, not all the Top 10 artists are in town yet...but they will be soon.

I haven't voted yet, getting to know each artist a bit during these shoots has made it a harder decision for me...I have tremendous respect for all of them that I've met so far.

ArtPrize-Less Videos = More Photo Shoots!

2009-10-03T16:01:00.006-04:00

I've been blown away by how many people have tuned into this blog and watched our videos over the last week and a half...literally thousands and thousands of people. Josh (my assistant) and I have been having a blast putting these together and we're very pleased that you are enjoying and sharing them with others.

Many people have come up to me on the street and said "you're the ArtPrize video guy," or "we love the videos you're doing for ArtPrize."

But just to clarify one logical assumption you may have; I am not being paid by ArtPrize to produce these videos, nor have I ever discussed with ArtPrize what the subject matter of my videos would or wouldn't be. I am doing these videos purely out of excitement for ArtPrize and my unabashed love of Grand Rapids.

The only reason I spend so much of my own time (and my own money) producing these videos is because I have 100% creative control of what I want to say and what I want to show you about ArtPrize.

We'll try to do a few more videos as time allows this week...but we may not be able to produce as many due to one major project that I actually am being paid by ArtPrize to produce.

ArtPrize has commissioned me to document the Top 25 pieces of art as well as take a unique portrait of each of the Top 25 artists. These photos will be used for an upcoming official ArtPrize book/catalogue that will be released later.

So this week will be a mad dash of scrambling to locate artists, see who's in town and hopefully make some incredible images that will honor the artists, their work and ArtPrize.

So stay tuned...keep checking back here for more behind the scenes content of some of my photo shoots for ArtPrize...still photography of some incredible artists and their art!

ArtPrize-Young Kim like a Rocket!

2009-09-30T11:20:00.004-04:00

Young Kim was actually in the Top 50 ArtPrize artists before Josh and I produced this video bringing more attention to his work in a venue off the beaten ArtPrize path. I'm now an unabashed believer that Kim's work is deserving to be in the Top 10...and possibly win all of ArtPrize.

He's now in the top 25...keep voting...keep talking...keep advocating for ALL the artists you feel deserve to be in the Top 10.

Here's another opinion published on Facebook by Rachel Van Dyke making a case as to why Young Kim's work is so special and pertinent to the conversation of ArtPrize:

"young kim,-as a total installation, it is beautiful, it moves you to walk amongst the pieces of art and examine them carefully, his choice of location, colors, and set up were all very fitting to express his work. And his actual artwork is sensitive, using traditional and contemporary techniques. I judge by skill and meaning making and his achieved both. He made it specifically for ARTPRIZE as well." - Rachel Van Dyke

ArtPrize-Behind the Scenes - Get out the VOTE!

2009-09-29T23:51:00.007-04:00

Today is the last day of voting and artists with the most UP votes will be launched into the coveted the Top 10...so get out there and make your votes count...there's a ton of prize money on the line!

So VOTE UP for the pieces you think are deserving of a shot at $449,000 in prize money!!

ArtPrize-Behind the Scenes - Rob Bliss

2009-09-29T12:32:00.005-04:00

I was lucky to be with Rob Bliss shooting the big 100,000 paper airplane toss as part of his ArtPrize entry...take a look behind the scenes at one of the largest scale events in the history of Grand Rapids.

ArtPrize-Behind the Scenes - Tanglefoot

2009-09-28T13:03:00.001-04:00

If you're here for ArtPrize, don't miss the amazing Tanglefoot Building. It's one of the off the beaten path places that will blow you away!

ArtPrize-Behind the Scenes - Young Kim

2009-09-27T19:15:00.001-04:00

I'll probably be super grouchy for a long time if this piece doesn't get voted into the Top 10 at ArtPrize...see if you agree with me.

ArtPrize-Behind the Scenes - Dufala Brothers

2009-09-26T13:04:00.004-04:00

Okay...so this is proof ArtPrize comprises both high brow art and the surreal.

ArtPrize never promised you consistency...but they did promise you a unique experience.

The Dufala Brothers are bad to the bone. The Toilet Tricycles races were quite the ArtPrize performance piece.

ArtPrize-Behind the Scenes-ACTIVESITE

2009-09-25T15:55:00.003-04:00

ACTIVESITE = Artspace

ACTIVESITE @ ArtPrize

Check out our latest Behind the Scenes video at ArtPrize...Josh and I are working hard to bring you a taste of what's turning Grand Rapids completely upside down!

ArtPrize-Behind the Scenes-Rick DeVos

2009-09-24T21:41:00.003-04:00

A quick look behind the scenes as Rick DeVos officially kicked off ArtPrize...already easily the most significant cultural event ever in Grand Rapids.

My assistant Josh and I will keep bringing you more behind the scenes footage and photos of interesting things we find during ArtPrize.

ArtPrize-Behind the Scenes - Yolanda Gonzalez

2009-09-24T17:29:00.005-04:00

My assistant Josh is rolling footage on some of our behind the scenes adventures here at ArtPrize...the most amazing cultural event to ever land in Michigan...let alone Grand Rapids.

Our first video explores the Old Federal Building and an incredible installation by Grand Rapids' own Yolanda Gonzalez.

We'll be posting more videos of our photo shoots and other great stuff we stumble into whenever we can!

more kids needs a "favorite" artist - ArtPrize

2009-09-24T11:37:00.009-04:00

New York artist Jason Hackenwerth and his installation at UICA. My story begins below.

I'm extremely lucky to be shooting a ton for the good folks at ArtPrize over the next 2 weeks. Some of the work I produce will be rather elaborate shoots with complicated lighting set-ups, and some projects will be beautifully simple and small.

I dashed out of the door this morning in a tired fog...needing coffee after a late night...I was frankly ready to run through the motions of a simple assignment of documenting UICA's ArtPrize educational outreach efforts to area high school students.

But as I started to photograph I was jolted by the palpable excitement in the air and started to listen to what the kids were saying and also what was being said to them.

Balloon artist Jason Hackenwerth gave a talk in the UICA auditorium about his work...a pretty standard artist talk by an energetic artist...but the poignant moment for me was blatantly unintended. It went something like this:

Jason: Who can tell me who their favorite artist is?

Audience: (silence)

Jason: Anyone?... Anyone?...Name your favorite artist...

Audience: (uncomfortable silence)

Jason: "Really? No one can name their favorite artist?"

Girl in 3rd row: "I like Picasso."

I felt frustrated by the lack of answers...and actually a little deflated in the afterglow of the explosion of ArtPrize celebrations last night. But then it hit me:

After ArtPrize is done turning Grand Rapids upside down...every kid in that audience will be able to answer Jason's fundamental question of "who is your favorite artist?" It might not be Jason's work...I'm not advocating or promoting his work in that sense (although he's amazing). But those kids will be inspired by SOMEONE here exhibiting in Grand Rapids...and that's terribly exciting and potentially life altering for some young lives that explore what is offered at ArtPrize over the next 2 weeks

How many kids and young adults might be inspired to explore a career in the arts as a result of ArtPrize?

ArtPrize is nuts...follow my blog as I go!

2009-09-23T16:56:00.003-04:00

I'm shooting non-stop for ArtPrize the next 18 days. Me and my assistant Josh will try to bring you an interesting angle into this major cultural event...and attempt upload cool stuff here at the blog

You can follow me on Twitter if you want all the quickie inside dirt (twitter.com/briankellyphoto). Actually, I won't be posting any dirt even if it happens...cuz I'm cool like that :)

I'll also be posting some cool behind the scenes videos from some of our photo shoots from time to time here...for real...so check out my blog often.

ArtPrize - Artist Public Relations

2009-09-20T15:17:00.005-04:00

Innovative self-promotion by balloon artist Jason Heckenwerth...you can view his official ArtPrize entry at UICA.

Park(ing) Day

2009-09-20T14:45:00.002-04:00

One of the more surreal events in downtown Grand Rapids...Park(ing) Day.

Spencer Mulder photo shoot

2009-09-02T23:27:00.004-04:00

Spencer Mulder is an extremely talented singer/songwriter based in Grand Rapids that sites Ryan Adams as a major influence. There's a lot of buzz about his upcoming sophomore album and that it might be the one that breaks him national. But if it doesn't happen now at age 19, he's got plenty of time to wait for the big time to come to him.

I had a great studio session with Spencer in June to produce the cover of the new album as well as jacket art. All the old tape and cassettes were actually Spencer and his producer Michael Crittenden's idea.

The new CD is out on September 13. There's a release party/concert is at The Intersection on the same day. I'll be there!

Behind the Scenes Photo Shoot

2009-09-02T07:55:00.004-04:00

Behind the Scenes Photo Shoot at The Winchester from Brian Kelly Films on Vimeo.

This is kind of fun...tag along with me at The Winchester on a recent shoot for the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention and Visitors Bureau. A lot of work/planning goes into getting just one photo option for the cover of the annual Visitors Guide.

This shoot was unusual because we wanted to shoot with the models at dusk...and The Winchester is ALWAYS packed at night. It's one of my favorite places to eat and hang out.

You can also watch it in full HD by clicking on the arrows by the "Vimeo" logo on the player.

ArtPrize's Rick DeVos -Round 2

2009-08-30T13:21:00.003-04:00

Another photo from my shoot with Rick DeVos of ArtPrize.

You can find my other entry from this shoot here.

ArtPrize's Rick DeVos

2009-08-29T10:56:00.006-04:00

This week I had an hour or so with ArtPrize creator and Grand Rapids based entrepreneur Rick DeVos. ArtPrize needed new portraits to help satisfy the barrage of media requests for photos of Rick. ArtPrize is deservedly getting worldwide attention...as is Grand Rapids in its wake.

I scouted several prime (if not unusual) locations within steps of Rick's downtown office. I'll post a few more favorites as I get time...almost everything we tried seemed to work.

I'm quite proud to be officially shooting for ArtPrize and will help create a book/catalog for them during the 2+ week event...can't wait!

Vacation & Knuble Residence

2009-08-14T20:28:00.006-04:00

The Kelly family is officially on vacation for the next 10 days...soaking up some much needed sun and relaxation on Lake Michigan's pristine shoreline.

I'll leave you with a dusk shoot from a few nights ago. National Hockey League star and Grand Rapids native Mike Knuble built a wonderful new home in East Grand Rapids. I was commissioned to document the home for interior designer Kathryn Chaplow, architect Jeff Visser, builder Joel Peterson as well as Cosmopolitan Home Magazine.

The Knuble family was extremely accommodating and generous with their home and time...an exceptionally gracious family to work with.

Awesome Michigan Travel Video from 1949

2009-08-12T06:58:00.002-04:00

Pre-"Pure Michigan"...you could drive cars on Sleeping Bear Dunes!

additions to portfolio

2009-08-08T12:56:00.005-04:00

I've been slowly adding some new photos to my portfolio web site to the point that it's worth mentioning it's been freshened up. So if you haven't been to my site in a while drop by and take a peak.

In the next month or so I'll be adding some work that's been under wraps for a while.

Interlochen and Cornerstone Architects

2009-08-02T14:59:00.004-04:00

I've been shooting up north the last few days for Cornerstone Architects and the Frey Foundation...it's been a great trip.

In addition to their GR presence, Cornerstone has a sizable office based in Traverse City. They've done some great projects in this area. If you're a design firm in Michigan right now, I can't imagine two better communities to hang your hat on that seem to be surviving the economy better than most.

This is a new fine arts building Cornerstone designed for Interlochen Center for the Arts. I had very nice weather and these dusk shots really accented the design. There is a natural vignette at the top from stretching my tilt/shift lens to it's limit.

Daisy May - "WaterFall"

2009-07-27T00:13:00.002-04:00

This is a beautiful 7 minutes...worth the escape!

Joseph Jeup

2009-07-18T21:18:00.004-04:00

I came across this photo tonight. I shot it last December. I liked it then...but I really like it now for some reason.

This is Joe Jeup; owner of Jeup Furniture and a good friend. I've been shooting for Jeup off and on for almost 10 years. He's the best furniture designer/manufacturer I've ever seen.

Jeup Furniture built a new facility last year; it's extremely impressive.

This photo was taken inside a staining room before their facility was operational...the stainless steel provided nice reflections. I used two strobes for this set-up.

Meet Nixon

2009-07-17T15:30:00.002-04:00

A sneak preview of a story coming out next week in Rapid Growth Media.

This is Nixon. He's a rapper/producer and a major figure in GR's burgeoning hip-hop community.

I'm sitting on it!

2009-07-16T14:38:00.007-04:00

How did I make it through June without really posting anything here? Well...I can tell you it wasn't because I didn't want to share some highlights of some great projects I've been working on.

In fact it's been KILLING me lately not to be posting more recent favorites...I've been working with some very creative people and I've been given an awful lot of freedom to shoot things however I want. But for now, for one reason or another, these photographs are still "under wraps" by the client.

That's pretty standard...you don't want to leak anything on a blog and erode the potential impact for the client.

That said...I've been very busy...and I'm particularly excited about recent work I shot for Lux Land, Karisa Wilson, Spencer Mulder, The Grand Rapids Community Foundation and the list goes on. Not to mention film projects for Ralston Bowles, Disability Network and MomentumMI.

I've also been involved in one of the most ambitious, creative and fun projects I've ever shot for Wondergem Consulting...we're still shooting this one off and on all summer. By the fall this tiger should be ready to be unleashed. And no, Chris Knape..."tiger" is NOT a hidden clue! :)

Although I woudn't mind shooting a tiger...with a camera...any one have a tiger?

Karisa Wilson photo shoot - outtakes

2009-07-11T18:54:00.004-04:00

I wanted to shoot outside instead of the studio...so we set-up a backdrop in my backyard to photograph the amazing singer Karisa Wilson.

My girls Maddie and Hanna were great assistants...they love Karisa.

My assistant Josh stands in while we tweak the lights...he's got a sweet portfolio of stand in shots.

I'm really happy w/how the shoot went. Karisa was up for anything and we experimented a lot...it paid off big time. We'll have to wait until her new album comes out to see the final photos!

Madcap Coffee - Photoshoot

2009-07-11T12:24:00.005-04:00

A couple of quick picks from my shoot at Madcap Coffee in downtown GR for the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

I always love shooting for the CVB...this shoot was for potential cover photos for the annual Visitors Guide...a very high profile magazine for this region. It's an honor to get the call from Janet Korn and Kate Wiltzer to help create the cover.

Georgia was our model and she did a great job. Ironically, I tracked her down after seeing her several times at Madcap Coffee...and thought she'd be perfect for this shoot!

Inspiring Photographers - part one

2009-07-08T21:38:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I was itching to discover new work to admire and be inspired by.

So on Twitter and Facebook I asked photographers to tell me who inspires them. I'm still sifting through some fantastic work and links. Thanks everybody for chipping in.

A few people asked me to share which photographers inspire me.

So I'll speak to inspiration...and not necessarily influences on my work. Here's a list in no particular order...perhaps I'll post more later:

James Nachtwey - purpose like no other. I'm glad I have not witnessed what he has documented

Hiroshi Watanabe - (photo above) My good friend, Hiroshi...he's the Japanese Cartier-Bresson...only better. There is a hard to describe formality to his street photography. I was honored to attend his wedding in Hawaii a few years ago.

Katie Barnes - young, emerging, highly talented, she documents everything...she'll be a household name in 10 years...no pressure, Katie!

Mark Seliger - One of the best careers forged from music, celebrities and editorial work.

Annie Leibovitz - I greatly admire the deliberateness of her portraiture, although I'm not always fond of her work...I've learned a great deal by looking at her career.

Anton Corbijn - U2's longtime photographer and friend of the band. He also works in film and that's where I find myself migrating. Although his latest film "Linear" for U2 was the most awful thing I've ever watched...literally...but I still love you, Anton.

I'll add more artists later...feel free to send me your favorite photographers!

environmental portraits on the fly

2009-07-07T15:29:00.007-04:00

One thing I love about shooting for Rapid Growth Media is the challenge of walking into any given situation and having to create an interesting portrait.

All the shoots are location based...I never know what the people or the places will look like before I arrive...there's no art director except for myself.

This is Daniel Morrison of Collective Idea...a bright company located in Holland, MI. He was photographed in the City Flats Hotel.

Other times I'm not so lucky with such a cool interior :)

I'm BACK...(sort of)

2009-07-06T23:30:00.005-04:00

Well...hello there little blog...my how I've been neglecting you.

Been over a month since my last post...that means I'm buried in work and having a blast.

Been working on several film projects simultaneously...both big and small...as well as the full plethora of commercial photography that I love so much.

These are busy times...giddy up.

Above is artist Rick Beerhorst in his studio; he's an amazing painter...a more amazing person.

The destruction of Iroquois Middle School

2009-06-01T17:07:00.008-04:00

A very beautiful school from the 1920's is being torn down across the street from my house. The old Ottawa Hills High School (and later Iroquois Middle School) was an architecturally significant school. It was built at great cost and to last much longer than the 80 or so years than it was in use.

More importantly, it was designed in a similar vernacular to the unique brick homes of the that era that comprise the Ottawa Hills Neighborhood. Together, this school structure and the surrounding homes were a perfect design compliment to the other...they worked in unison.

Unfortunately, the design of the new school that is slated to replace it is an example of the low budget, low material cost, suburban school design. Visually the new school would fit much better into a newer community like Rockford, Caledonia, Byron Center; places that have seen explosive school growth with brand new homes, brand new roads and brand new strip malls...in other words...any place other than the historic neighborhood of Ottawa Hills.

It's very sad to see such a beautiful building being torn to bits each day. It is sadder still to live across the street from a prime example of how our culture doesn't value our past or the historic structures that provide an identity to our Present and give Future generations an idea of who we were in the Past and where we came from.

I believe in architecture and the power of GOOD design (good design is not inherently expensive). Not enough was done to save a small portion of the standing building.

Jim Rides His Bike - short film clip

2009-05-30T12:59:00.003-04:00

Jim Rides His Bike from Brian Kelly Films on Vimeo.

I'm working with Square One (a great communications firm here in GR) to create an short film for Disability Network. This is a short clip from yesterday's shoot.

Aquinas Shoot - Metro Health Hospital

2009-05-24T16:54:00.006-04:00

I did a shoot this week for Aquinas College...one of my longest standing clients...10 years running!

This is John Ebers, a graduate of AQ's Sustainability program. He landed a great job with the new Metro Hospital facility. His job is to reduce waste and energy consumption.

John's pictured on a portion of Metro's green roof...a spectacular place.

Faith turns 4!

2009-05-21T10:14:00.003-04:00

I'm a little behind...

Faith had a birthday on May 4. We had a wonderful party.

She's already packed a lot of life into her 4 short years.

She inspires her dad to no end...

Harley Ride in California

2009-05-16T00:06:00.004-04:00

Best bike trip ever...I had a blast.

California - nephew Will

2009-05-11T12:52:00.005-04:00

I'm in California for most of this week. I'm shooting and riding a Harley on a bike trip with a couple of friends. My brother and sister in law live here in San Francisco...so I had the added bonus of hanging out with my nephew Will.

a masquerade ball

2009-05-10T22:51:00.001-04:00

The Verve Pipe - New Promo Shots

2009-05-03T09:28:00.007-04:00

The Verve Pipe is leaving soon on a mini-world tour with concert dates in Spain, Italy and Hawaii...there may be other locations but those were the places that I remember cursing at in jealousy!

I shot TIGHT portraits of everyone plus a new full group shot. Such a great bunch of guys.

Above are the two principal songwriters for the band; Donny Brown and Brian Vander Ark.

I'm starting to construct a special "Music and Fashion" section for my full web site. You can see a preview of it here.

ArtPrize - People Design's take

2009-04-25T15:27:00.002-04:00

Here's an insightful take on Grand Rapids newly announced ArtPrize by the "People" that created the logo/identity for the world's largest art prize.

http://www.peopledesign.com/thoughts-on-the-artprize/#respond

Adrienne and Kyle - part 3

2009-04-23T23:58:00.004-04:00

A couple more from last Saturday's big wedding...there's just so many I like!

Art Prize - World's Largest Art Prize announced for GR

2009-04-23T12:16:00.005-04:00

This will have a huge impact...very innovative...brilliant and great for Grand Rapids.

I'm looking forward to documenting the entire initiative for ArtPrize:

more Adrienne and Kyle

2009-04-20T21:39:00.006-04:00

I'm having a very hard time editing this shoot. I suppose that's a good thing!

Downtown Grand Rapids offers so many sweet locations to shoot in.

wedding shoot

2009-04-19T16:22:00.007-04:00

I don't often have the opportunity to shoot weddings, so I really enjoy photographing the ones I can.

This is Adrienne and Kyle...a super cool couple.

They were up for anything...and I had a blast with them.

I'll post more photos from this wedding later. Their entire day was spontaneous and beautiful.

a little less suck

2009-04-09T18:01:00.006-04:00

I don't know Zack or his work as a photographer...but he gets it...watch the whole video...funny and insightful.

I go through periods like this too...I'm in one right now!

Highland Group's Jen Crowley

2009-04-05T16:00:00.008-04:00

On Friday I photographed my friend Jen Crowley of Highland Group, an advertising agency in Grand Rapids with a client list that most agencies would die for; but the firm remains low-key, nimble and relaxed. They recently purchased and renovated a great building in the historic neighborhood of Cherry Hill.

These two photos came later in the session. I often have a portrait subject chat with someone off camera and grab some simple candid shots. These moments are sometimes the most relaxed and interesting of the shoot.

Rock and Roll - Cleveland

2009-04-01T19:29:00.007-04:00

I had a whirlwind trip to Columbus and Cleveland this past weekend. I was shooting for another new web magazine that is coming out soon for Issue Media Group. I'm quite proud to be the Director of Photography for their publications and am able to work with a ton of talented photographers in each of our publications.

I'd never been to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland...these are the cars used on U2's Zoo TV tour.

GR Boxing - MLK Gym

2009-03-25T20:40:00.004-04:00

I'm loving this boxing gym run by GR Box...great kids all working so hard...very inspiring place.

I'm also making a short film at GR Box...more on that later.

So much for posting more often...I'll try to get up to speed again.

am I a portrait photographer?

2009-03-11T15:38:00.004-04:00

Confession time. I used to be terrified of taking portraits...I'm not exaggerating...I was completely horrified.

This is why I turned to architectural photography early on in my career. Buildings didn't move...or think they were fat...or had a nose the size of Lyle Lovett.

But good clients have a way of extending your boundaries...and over the years the buildings turned into people...and now I shoot way more portraits than I do buildings...

...and I love it.

This photo is of Jason Sosa...he's 28...he just moved to Grand Rapids...keep an eye on him. He writes software applications for large touch screen technology that will blow your mind.

You can read about him in Rapid Growth on Thursday.

Recent shoot #2

2009-03-08T16:18:00.004-04:00

The Radio City Rockettes at Wealthy Street Bakery

Okay...it was shot last fall, but I came across this and it made me eager for spring in Grand Rapids...and a cinnamon roll.

A Recent Shoot #1

2009-03-06T08:19:00.011-05:00

I'm striving to post favorites from photo shoots a little more frequently.

This is the first in a series of posts called "A Recent Shoot."

These images are of People Design owners Kevin Budelmann and Yang Kim. They were great to shoot. Their firm does some really creative stuff. They were up for anything I asked. We only shot for about 15 minutes or so. I felt like I had exactly what I wanted when I left...which isn't always the case!

This was shot for a feature in Rapid Growth Media. You can find the article here.

social networking craze

2009-03-03T12:58:00.004-05:00

I started this blog about 16 months ago and have been pleased to see that the number of people checking it out has far exceeded anything I might have imagined.

In April of last year, I started to embrace facebook and twitter as experimentation...to reach out to professional as well as personal contacts. Follow me here.

The result is that I've found both facebook and twitter to be very valuable in sustaining friendly dialogue with friends and new people that I might have only infrequent or very random encounters. Facebook has reconnected me with personal relationships I haven't had in 15 years (or more)...and that's amazing by itself.

As for business relationships, I am very lucky to already have a very loyal client base, but I feel that the addition of social network dialogue (sharing mutual bits of our personal and work lives) has strengthened these relationships to beyond just being a photographer/client experience. I have many new unexpected friendships.

I must say I'm not engaged in social media for the purpose of driving the bottom line, but social media is a useful tool in solidifying and strengthening all of my relationships. If in some cases my friends happen to help decide where marketing dollars are allocated and which photographers are awarded work, then it may indeed help my business (indirectly).

I still have to be the best photographer for the job to be hired...but sometimes an ongoing conversation makes you a natural fit to reach out to when a client needs something new done.

recent favorites

2009-02-25T20:10:00.003-05:00

A recent favorite from Rapid Growth...the owner of Capelli Salon in Eastown.

2009-02-19T05:35:00.003-05:00

A very nice video was published today by Rapid Growth Media about The Projection Initiative. The video shows some of the potential buildings in Grand Rapids where art could be projected and I explain the concept. There's an HD version at the YouTube link if you click "watch in HD."

You also get to watch me drink coffee...no extra charge for that.

The Projection Initiative

2009-02-14T14:41:00.002-05:00

This is one of my latest endeavors...I'll post more information shortly.

new camera testing

2009-02-05T23:58:00.003-05:00

The Canon 5D Mark 2 has a sweet HD video capture mode. I was lucky enough to borrow a body today. I couldn't resist putting on my tilt/shift lens and see what happened.

Thanks to AJ Paschka at GRAM for letting me grab footage in the museum...apologies to Ryan Adams for the unlicensed use of his song.

Eno and Byrne

2009-02-04T21:52:00.001-05:00

This looks good...

skating at Rosa Parks Circle

2009-02-02T07:58:00.007-05:00

Saturday was awesome...chilly and very sunny. I took my daughter Maddie and her buddy Clare to Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids to do some ice skating. We ended up staying 3 hours!

What I love about Grand Rapids is that there are many pleasant and simple things to do in heart of the city. You can't skate outdoors in the midst of beautiful architecture in the burbs!

The Great Marvin Sapp

2009-01-28T21:54:00.004-05:00

Pastor Marvin Sapp has taken gospel music by storm the last few years by winning a Grammy and several other major industry awards.

The man has a gift.

He makes Grand Rapids proud.