Meet Matoli Keely | Wedding & Editorial Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matoli Keely and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matoli, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?|
As a wedding photographer, most would think my inspiration comes from other wedding photographs/inspiration magazines and blogs. Instead, I have found that the things that inspire me the most are outside of the wedding industry. I am influenced most by music, art, old movies, street and editorial photography and often times just unexpected everyday situations that strike the inspiration cord at random. One of my favorite bridal editorials I dreamt up was based on “Petrichor” – the smell of the earth after rainfall. I was walking to my car from grocery shopping on a rainy day and that smell which I absolutely love, hit differently that day. Within an hour I could visualize how I could translate that smell/feeling into an editorial and the result was a beautiful red-headed model (inspired by earth) and all clothing/ photographic elements were blue toned to represent the rain. I have several stories like these for most of my favorite shoots. Inspiration is all around us, sometimes looking for inspiration is harder and limiting, but just living and experiencing different environments, having conversations with someone new, visiting a new a museum and even trying new foods; these moments have led to snippets of inspiration for me over the years and continue to influence how I translate my experiences into my photography.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of the things that sets me apart from others is that I started my business while pursuing a career in the biotechnology industry. It was not always easy and there were several sacrifices, late nights and very early mornings along the way. I think launching my business in this environment made me even more dedicated to succeed. My schedule was very different (6-8 am business, 8:30-6 pm biotech job then 8-11pm business). Weekend hours would normally be 15 hours of work put into learning, practicing, networking etc. This was my schedule for quite a number of years when I started my business and although it was never easy, the hard work has paid off in ways in never imaged. I have learned along the way to remove my emotions from the business and it has greatly benefited my decisions and approach to the business. In the past I would get sad if I lost an inquiry, or a submission was denied for publication. It took me about 2 years to realized that although I am a business owner, I have to create a safe place for Matoli as the sister, daughter, friend, colleague. When I did that, my business flourished. Instead of being upset about losing a client, I in-turn channeled my energy into determining what I could do differently next time and learn from the experience. I think there is a notion that being labeled a “full time photographer” means you have reached a certain level of success and that title should be worn as a badge of honor. Well I challenge that notion, I still have two careers, one in the biotech industry and the other as a photography business owner. It has been a balancing act but I have never felt I had to give up one or the other. We now live in an age where multiple streams of income are a necessity, and so why not do it within two different career fields. I am proud of what I have accomplished for my business so far and for the plans I have for the future. My brand is one that brings in a unique influence from a different career field and I strongly believe my scientific background has helped me excel in how I approach my business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is no denying the amazing food San Diego has to offer. When friends visit that is where I start, feeding them at all my favorite spots. City Taco in North Park, Ironside Fish and Oyster in Little Italy, The Taco Stand, The Smoking Goat, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido and Café 21 in University Heights to name a few. A full brewery tour will also be in order to experience all the craft beers San Diego has to offer. Finally a stop at the OB dog beach, Torrey Pines for hiking and of course La Jolla for the seals.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is to my parents. It is impossible to think of being where I am today without the sacrifices that my parents made for not just me but for my siblings as well. They worked hard to get their kids to immigrate from Cameroon to America in 1998 and instilled in all of us the value of hard work and determination. They taught me to approach any project, challenge or circumstance with the utmost dedication and to never forget the blessings that we have to live in this country and the opportunities that we have worked hard to achieve.

Website: www.matolikeelyphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matolikeelyphoto/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matoli-keely-3aa76253

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MatoliKeelyPhotography