Mike Kelly

Posted on May 20, 2009 by Sawdust Art Festival

Pure, natural light and the colors of nature are the driving forces behind Mike’s art.

To maintain the integrity and purity of the work, Mike uses no color filters or darkroom manipulations to enhance or change the images that were composed in the viewfinder. As such, his portfolio is a true representation of an artist’s ability to create imaginative, powerful images by combining his unique ability to see art in nature with the mastery of his equipment.   Mike continues to shoot exclusively with color slide film.

His expertise with both underwater and conventional photographic equipment allows for a level of diversity in subjects and locations virtually unequaled in the world of professional photography.

Photographic locations include 5 continents and over 100 nations, with more to go.

Mike received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology from California State University of Long Beach. Before becoming a professional photographer, he was a sport fish Research Biologist for the California Department of Fish and Game as well as a member of the Mammalogy staff at Seaworld, San Diego. His insight and understanding of marine wildlife as well as animal behavior enable him to capture wildlife in a truly unique fashion.