Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Mason.
Kelly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I went to college for photography at the University of Florida. My dad had a rare illness and we couldn’t afford the equipment so he said “pick another major”. I didn’t really know better than to do that. Finally after years of taking photos, I decided it was time to open my business and get serious about doing something that doesn’t feel like work! My dad passed away when I was 26 and I wanted to start this with giving honor to him. Not only is Mason my last name, but we were raised with Mason Jars as are so many people, especially in the South. So many photographers use their name and a lot of people remember objects over names, so this is how I landed on Mason Jar Photography, LLC.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When you start pursuing photography, you are so consumed with the “way things should be done” that you lose your art and style of what you envisioned in the first place. I think it is critical to really understand lighting and how photography works, not just call yourself a photographer without understanding how a camera works in and out. The struggle was trying to listen to the outside world of photographers on what is right and not doing automatically what my mind had envisioned. Follow your heart, after all photography is an art not just a click. You make a picture, not just take it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Growing up, we laughed at the studio images that were so stoic. You had no idea who that person was, what they liked or didn’t like and they could have been a wax figure for all we knew. I vowed I would never be a “say cheese” photographer. People are looking for an experience, memories that they won’t forget, and to look back on that moment and relive how they felt. Stoic and traditional pics is not my thing. I like to catch a glimpse, a smile, a blink, a look, something where the soul communicates without words. I strive to catch the language of love and communication through the lens that people miss in the blink of an eye.
My work is different than a lot of photographers in that it is candid with deep warm colors and non-traditional poses. There are so many types of photography editing styles and that is the one that comes natural to me. I am NOT a light and airy photographer. The joy of photography is there is a photographer who captures a style for each person out there!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Find someone’s work that you love and admire.
Call them, text them….ask if you can be there sidekick on a session or two and tell them why you were drawn to their work.
Photography has gotten to be a dime a dozen, literally. Find a group of photographers that support each other as you will also run into some that are not supportive and see you as competition.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://masonjarphotosc.m.pixieset.com/
- Instagram: @masonjarphotosc
- Facebook: @masonjarphotosc
- Other: Google Reviews
