Kelly has been working in photography for over fifty years. He literally grew up around chemicals, enlargers, lenses and lights, as the son of a Chicago-based commercial photographer. While pursuing a career as a Silicon Valley technology executive, he continued to practice photography privately, returning to it full time in 2009. Although his work now is miles distant from the trade he learned back then, he still draws on the skills and techniques he developed in his father’s darkroom and behind a ground glass.
Kelly’s recent work has focused on portraiture in the bazaars, open markets and public spaces of western China, chiefly Xinjiang province. He seeks out places and people who are at the edge of change, in some cases maintaining personal integrity and traditional ways, in others experiencing loneliness, loss and isolation. He hopes that the joy, courage, authenticity and quiet strength shown by individuals in these settings go beyond their immediate situations and depict a broader world of that resonates and harmonizes with all of us.
- The China portfolio was a jury selection for the 2010 Fresh Fair in Santa Monica, CA.
- Winter Tree won an Award of Merit in the 2009 California State Fair, Fine Arts Exhibit.
- Winter Tree was also a Showcase Selection and won a Judge’s Choice Award in the 2010 North American Nature Photography Association contest.
- Emin Hoja Mosque won an Award of Excellence at the 2010 California State Fair.
- Han Rider won an Award of Merit at the 2010 California State Fair.
- One-Two-Three won 1st place in the Color 8x10’s class at the 2010 Contra Costa County Fair, and 2nd place in Color Photos at the 2010 Sacramento County Fair.
- Hayden Christopher won 2nd place in the B&W 8x10’s class at the 2010 Contra Costa County Fair, and 1st place in B&W Photos at the Sacramento County Fair.
- Mountain Weather won an Honorable Mention at the 2010 Sacramento County Fair.
- The Barber’s Next Customer was selected for Photo Review’s Special Web Exhibition in July 2010.
- Four photos were jury selections for the 2010 Canton Luminaries exhibition in Canton, Ohio. All four were also named Curator’s Choices.
- Leatherworkers was selected as a Finalist in the Photographer's Forum 30th Annual Spring Photography Contest.
- Leatherworkers was also selected for inclusion in the book, Best of Photography 2010.