Meet Kelly Fitzgibbon

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

Hi Kelly, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Growing up in Nevada, I was shaped by a unique blend of influences that helped mold my creative and entrepreneurial spirit. My grandparents, George,Diane, Bryan, and Sheila instilled in me the value of hard work, persistence, and understanding the balance between creativity and practicality with their business-focused mindsets. They all taught me how to navigate challenges with resilience and seize opportunities, which became foundational in my approach to photography as both an art and a business. Meanwhile, my parents offered the emotional support and nurturing environment that encouraged me to explore my creative interests freely, fostering my love for storytelling and self-expression. If you’re a 90’s baby or parent, you might remember the show “Kim Possible,” and my mom used to call me “Kelly Possible,” if that gives you any idea of how she supported me. Together, their belief in my potential provided me with the confidence to pursue my passion, knowing I had a strong support system.

I grew up a hop skip and a jump away from Lake Tahoe With its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant community, it became my playground and my classroom. The beauty of the region, from its towering pines to its serene waters, offered endless inspiration. I spent countless hours exploring the area, learning to see the world through a lens, capturing not just the vast landscapes but the subtle, intimate moments that define the human experience. It was here that I began to hone my skills, experimenting with different perspectives and techniques while immersing myself in the stories of the people around me. The natural world and its dynamic interplay with the community shaped my approach to photography, pushing me to develop a deep connection with my surroundings.

Over time, this combination of influences, entrepreneurial drive, emotional nurturing, and a profound connection with the environment, helped me become the successful photographer I am today. Embracing both the landscape of Lake Tahoe and the people who inhabit it, I learned to capture moments that reflect not just the scenery, but the essence of the stories unfolding within it. My photography is a direct reflection of how I’ve blended these influences, creating work that is both technically strong and emotionally resonant. Through the lens, I’ve been able to merge the lessons learned from my grandparents and parents with my love for nature, establishing a career that allows me to share the beauty of the world with others while also capture life’s best moments!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At KOFilms, we go beyond just taking beautiful photos—we focus on delivering a seamless, personalized experience for every client. From the first consultation to the final delivery, we ensure each shoot is tailored to our clients’ unique vision. We take the time to understand their needs, creating images that truly reflect their story, whether for portraits, events, or commercial work.

We prioritize clear communication, flexibility, and professionalism throughout the entire process. From easy scheduling to handling all logistics, we aim to make everything stress-free and enjoyable. Our goal is to provide not only high-quality photos but a smooth, memorable experience from start to finish.

After the shoot, we ensure each image is uniquely edited and custom work to match our clients’ expectations. At KOFilms, we believe that exceptional service and creative excellence are key to helping our clients cherish their moments for years to come.

Finally working with KOFilms is not just about the exchange—it’s about creating genuine connections through shared moments. Each image captures a story, a feeling, or an experience that transcends the transaction. It’s about how we connect with others, reflect on our lives, and preserve memories that hold meaning. For me, photography is a way to enrich these connections, offering a visual language that brings us closer together. I want to feel like friends or family after a shoot and I definitely want you to know I am here for you in all matters of life too.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Miami, if I had a friend visiting for a week, I would take them to the vibrant Wynwood Walls to experience incredible street art and unique galleries. Another day we’d head to South Beach for sun, sand, and the iconic Art Deco architecture along Ocean Drive. Another day we would head to Haulover Beach for more rays of sun and its skating scene. For a more laid-back day, we would explore the Perez Art Museum and Frost Museum of Science. It’s nice to sit in the park near by and watch boats go by on the inter coastal afterwards. For a night out we could go to Miami Improv Comedy Theater and I would top the trip off with excitement and take a flight lesson experience in a Glider at the Homestead Airport.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shout out my high school arts teacher Laura Filmore for teaching me the essentials of photography and for having patience with me in my teenage years. Also, as a young adult my grandmother bought me my first expensive camera that I still use to this very day! Finally, I’d like to shout out my husband Joshua Fitzgibbon, who helps my business in the good times and the bad times. He has been an assistant at shoots many times, he has been a second shooter a time or too and once I was in the hospital for a prolonged period and he was the editor, customer service representative, and basically CEO. There have been many people throughout my journey but KOFilms would not be here today with out these three people’s support.

Website: https://www.koffilms.com/

Instagram: @kof.films

Image Credits
Kelly Fitzgibbon // KOFILMS Julia Miller