Name Kelly E Schultz
Company Name Kelly E Schultz, photographer
Location Nashville TN
Location Nashville TN
Website(s) http://www.k3schultz.com
Camera Nikon D3000, Nikon D90, Nikon S9100 Coolpix
Lens AF-S Nikkor DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G AF-S Nikkor DX 35mm f/1.8G
Filters Mysteriously cracked and never replaced
Tripod Seldom used except for firework photography
Lights / Flash I never use flash except for candid photography of my cats, much to their annoyance
What Editing Software do you use? Photoshop
What Editing Software do you use? Photoshop
Do you consider yourself a pro or amateur? Professional with a day job
When did your interest in photography start?
My father introduced me to photography as a child. I have fond memories of him setting up the slide projector and showing us his beautiful work. I was mesmorized by his images.
My father introduced me to photography as a child. I have fond memories of him setting up the slide projector and showing us his beautiful work. I was mesmorized by his images.
What was your first camera
My first real camera was a Minolta 35mm film camera. When I was 18, I was in Hong Kong with my parents when my dad decided to purchase a new camera body, as the price was right. I had a little extra spending money and grabbed one for myself, along with a ‘kit’ lens. During that trip, my dad was able to take me under his wing and teach me how to use it.
Because I learned on a film camera, I was very reluctant to switch to a digital camera. I had several friends who had them and I was annoyed when they would take horrible photos but then use Photoshop to ‘fix’ everything. To me, that wasn’t photography because one didn’t have to pay attention to lighting, the surroundings or anything else that a film photographer had to consider. With all the post production in today’s photography, I still have a hard time separating ‘photography’ and ‘graphic design’. To me, a photograph is more interesting if it isn’t ‘perfect’. It’s like the difference between vinyl and an MP3 file; streamed music may sound best, but the pops and hisses of vinyl make music interesting.
My first real camera was a Minolta 35mm film camera. When I was 18, I was in Hong Kong with my parents when my dad decided to purchase a new camera body, as the price was right. I had a little extra spending money and grabbed one for myself, along with a ‘kit’ lens. During that trip, my dad was able to take me under his wing and teach me how to use it.
Because I learned on a film camera, I was very reluctant to switch to a digital camera. I had several friends who had them and I was annoyed when they would take horrible photos but then use Photoshop to ‘fix’ everything. To me, that wasn’t photography because one didn’t have to pay attention to lighting, the surroundings or anything else that a film photographer had to consider. With all the post production in today’s photography, I still have a hard time separating ‘photography’ and ‘graphic design’. To me, a photograph is more interesting if it isn’t ‘perfect’. It’s like the difference between vinyl and an MP3 file; streamed music may sound best, but the pops and hisses of vinyl make music interesting.
Regardless, in 2007 I finally broke down and purchased a Polaroid point and shoot digital camera. I was amazed that I could take more than 36 photos at a time! In 2010, I purchased my D3000 and last summer I obtained a hand me down D90.
What is your favorite subject to shoot
I’m known as a concert photographer but interestingly enough, trees are my favorite subject to shoot. I love the uniqueness of them and love photographing them in different seasons and in different lighting conditions.
I’m known as a concert photographer but interestingly enough, trees are my favorite subject to shoot. I love the uniqueness of them and love photographing them in different seasons and in different lighting conditions.
What are your favorite 3 photos you have shot, what were the camera settings, lens, filter that you used
This photo is simply called ‘Favorite Photo Ever’. Technical information is lost and the quality is deminished as the print was scanned and then digitalized, but this is my favorite photo. It was captured in China at Confucius’ Temple with my brand new Minolta 35mm camera when I was 18. In rural China, people didn’t want their photograph taken because they were afraid their soul would be captured along with the image. But this old man, who was sitting near the tomb, invited us closer so he could show off his pin display. He welcomed the cameras and as they were raised, he stood taller. It was that moment when I pressed the shutter. The photo isn’t technically perfect, but ever time I look at it I smile.
Jazz musicians are my favorite artists to photograph because they are so expressive and so focused on the music. The image of the late George Duke was captured in 2011 in San Diego when he performed with Marcus Miller and David Sanborn. A brilliant, soulful man who was called home too soon.
Nikon D3000, 1/50 sec, f/5.6, ISO 800, 200mm
LG Smart phone, Converted to Black and white in Photoshop
What would be your dream shoot
To be the concert photographer for Marcus Miller or Herbie Hancock on a world tour.
To be the concert photographer for Marcus Miller or Herbie Hancock on a world tour.
What is your dream camera
My dream set up would be a Nikon D4 with the 70-200mm f2.8 Nikon lens and the 24-70mm f2.8 lens but I don’t know if I’d be able to lift it.
My dream set up would be a Nikon D4 with the 70-200mm f2.8 Nikon lens and the 24-70mm f2.8 lens but I don’t know if I’d be able to lift it.
Who has influenced you the most in photography
My father, George E Adams.
My father, George E Adams.
Would you consider yourself a technical photographer or more of a go by the feel photographer
Definitely more of a go by the feel photographer. I don’t get bogged down by f stop, aperture, ISO, metering and all the other stuff. Concert photography is about adapting to situations that change so quickly. I’m more concerned about having a fully charged battery and an empty SD card than any camera presets.
Definitely more of a go by the feel photographer. I don’t get bogged down by f stop, aperture, ISO, metering and all the other stuff. Concert photography is about adapting to situations that change so quickly. I’m more concerned about having a fully charged battery and an empty SD card than any camera presets.
What are your biggest strengths in photography
With concert photography, I have to be adaptable. Often I don’t know where I’ll be shooting from until I get to the venue. Then for ten minutes or so it’s me versus the lightening director, the poorly placed mic stand, the unphotogenic guitarist, the fans arriving late, the fans raising cell phones right when I press the shutter, the sometimes surly security guards, a subject who’s so excited that they can’t stay still for one second and other photographers with better equipment but major insecurities. It’s also important to me that people don’t realize I’m there. I don’t want to ruin someone’s concert experience by being a jackass photographer who’s in their way, lugging around monster lenses with a shutter release that would make a machine gun sound quiet. People deserve to enjoy their experience even if they do at times get in my shots.
With concert photography, I have to be adaptable. Often I don’t know where I’ll be shooting from until I get to the venue. Then for ten minutes or so it’s me versus the lightening director, the poorly placed mic stand, the unphotogenic guitarist, the fans arriving late, the fans raising cell phones right when I press the shutter, the sometimes surly security guards, a subject who’s so excited that they can’t stay still for one second and other photographers with better equipment but major insecurities. It’s also important to me that people don’t realize I’m there. I don’t want to ruin someone’s concert experience by being a jackass photographer who’s in their way, lugging around monster lenses with a shutter release that would make a machine gun sound quiet. People deserve to enjoy their experience even if they do at times get in my shots.
What would you like people to know about your photography
This may sound counterintuitive but my photography isn’t about me, especially my concert photography. I don’t plaster social media with my images, seek out band members to ‘tag’ them, and pound my chest to get attention from faceless admirers. I capture moments, and those moments shouldn’t be pimped out for the sake of my ego. I’d much rather have the respect of artists, tour managers, publicists and label execs. You may not know my name, but you’ve seen my work. And in the coming months, you’ll see a lot more of it.
This may sound counterintuitive but my photography isn’t about me, especially my concert photography. I don’t plaster social media with my images, seek out band members to ‘tag’ them, and pound my chest to get attention from faceless admirers. I capture moments, and those moments shouldn’t be pimped out for the sake of my ego. I’d much rather have the respect of artists, tour managers, publicists and label execs. You may not know my name, but you’ve seen my work. And in the coming months, you’ll see a lot more of it.
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