We're excited to connect with our alumni through our new Darlington Connects series. Today we hear from Andrea (Riddle) Kelley (‘06), a professional photographer with Andrea Kelley Photography.
Andrea Kelley ('06) never saw herself as being artistic. She went to Auburn University to study agricultural business.
“I was involved with horses during high school and did my after school activities all around horseback riding,” she says.
She only started taking pictures in college because her roommate had a nice camera and showed her how to use it.
“I really enjoyed outdoor shots with great natural lighting," Andrea said. "I got my own camera and began really experimenting with lighting and found that I loved it.”
She began her photography career taking pictures for friends and family. In 2016, she opened her business. Not long after that, she decided to make an adjustment to her business model.
“I married a fellow Darlington alumnus, Luke Kelley (‘07), in 2018 and after experiencing our wedding and our photographer, I decided to to rebrand my business to Andrea Kelley Photography and do things a little different,” she said. “I want my clients to have a more personalized experience.“
Andrea's goal is to give her clients a totally client-centered experience. Weddings are her primary focus, but she also does portraits and photoshoots for couples. Natural light is her preference, and outdoor shots comprise the majority of her work.
“I’ve just begun taking children’s pictures because so many of my brides are now having babies," she said. "It’s so fun to make these lifelong relationships with my clients.”
Andrea is offering a holiday package at the Christmas tree farm in Silver Creek this year and she is also taking appointments for senior portraits, family photos, and weddings.
“The values that were instilled in me at Darlington, honor above everything, have had a big impact on my business ethics and the integrity of my relationships with my clients,” Andrea said.
Are you a Darlington alum (or do you know one) with a career or interest that is fascinating and unique? We'd love to spotlight you in a future blog! Please email connect@darlingtonschool.org if you are interested in being featured.
