MEET OLYMPUS VISIONARY KELLEY L. COX
WHO ARE YOU?
I am a photographer based in the San Francisco bay area. I freelance for IMAGN and am the founding member and managing director of KLC fotos. KLC fotos is the official photographer for Cal Athletics and USA Rugby. Clients include Special Olympics, USA Water Polo, US Rowing, Allstate Sugar Bowl, Coaching Corps, and other colleges including, Arizona, Oregon, Stanford, New Mexico State, Boston, Oklahoma, among others. When I’m not on a sideline or on my computer, you’ll find me on a boat, on a trail, or anywhere in the good company of family and friends.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE A PHOTOGRAPHER?
I waved the Cal flag as part of the Rally Committee for Cal Athletics, and would photograph the game in-between. I sent some images to the company that had the contract with Cal Athletics at the time and asked if they wanted an intern. I covered as many games as I could, to build a portfolio and getting an opportunity to pick the brains of local photographers. The bay area is a great place to be a sports photographer not only because there are so many great teams that you can stay busy year round, but because it’s a hub for some of the best photographers in the business. I’m grateful that the community took me under their wing and I hope to expand on that with KLC fotos.
INTRODUCING OLYMPUS
How did you get started with the Olympus system?
TEPA staff photographer, John Mabanglo introduced me to the Olympus system as a travel camera because it was lightweight and weather sealed. When the E-M1 Mark II and M.Zuiko 300mm F4.0 IS PRO came out, suddenly Olympus became a viable option not just for personal use but for my job in sports. I made the full switch at the end of 2016 and haven’t looked back.
What’s your go-to Olympus setup?
Getting to be a part of launch of the E-M1X was so exciting. I mostly use the E-M1X and E-M1 Mark III, with the M.Zuiko 300mm F4.0 IS PRO, 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO, 40-150mm F2.8 PRO, 7-14mm F2.8 PRO. Depending on the setting, I also might use the M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 PRO, 25mm F1.2 PRO, and Fisheye Body Cap Lens. I am looking forward to Olympus’ continued development and lens roadmap.
How does Olympus help you do your job?
Olympus cameras make my job so much easier! They are lightweight so it’s easy to carry gear up and down a sideline all day. They are weather sealed so I don’t have to worry about bringing rain gear when I cover a game in a downpour. The built-in WiFi means I can quickly send images to clients in-game. The autofocus means I can trust the camera to help me capture peak moments. They are reliable and fun to use!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF THE OLYMPUS FAMILY?
As an Olympus Visionary, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with some of the best photographers, and people, who work with and for Olympus and for a platform to connect with other photographers.
TIPS FOR OTHER BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Starting out, you should take a ton of pictures. From those sets, see what worked, what didn’t work, consider how you can improve. With enough practice, you can anticipate moments, see images before you create them, know how to find nice light, and start really creating images not just taking pictures. And always, have fun with it!
TIPS FOR OTHER PRO PHOTOGRAPHERS
The industry is ever evolving. Cameras have changed. Client needs have changed. But providing value to clients is still the bottom line. Finding ways to grow, adapt and find purpose encourages a rewarding career.
