Kelly Hofer Studios

Kelly Hofer Studios Calgary based photographer and maker. Pricing: http://www.kellyhofer.com/pricing/

I’M KELLY HOFER, A PEOPLE PHOTOGRAPHER FROM CALGARY AB. CANADA.

To this day I’m still unsure how I became a photographer. I grew up on a Hutterite colony in Manitoba where I was the only photographer in a culture that is not supportive of photography. There were “outsiders” such as William Albert Allard, Laura Wilson, Tim Smith and George Webber, who photographed my culture, but none were Hutterite. My first jobs, starting around the age of 8, were as far remo

ved from the art of photography as literally possible. At different times I was a gardener's helper, fine woodworker, apprentice automotive electrical engineer and finally a CNC waterjet operator. We built fire trucks on my colony, a notable fact considering we are traditionally farmers. My first experience with photography was a point-and-shoot camera my mother used to document construction on the colony, and sneaking off to the near-by river valley to experiment. I was 10 and loved every minute. I could not afford a quality camera of my own, but thanks to my wonderful sister Denise and close friend Ken Yuel and their extremely generous gifts–SLR cameras–I was able to learn the technical side of photography. Much of the lighting equipment and accessories I needed, I made myself. I learned by trial and error through research on the internet. At the age of 19 I made the difficult decision to leave my home on the colony. As a result, I have acquired the title Ex-Hutterite, a title I proudly carry, for there is much about my culture that I love. Growing up on a colony immersed me in a rich cultural upbringing, a sense of purpose, a strong work ethic and many other qualities, which I treasure. Being a photographer in a culture in which many older, respected members struggled to accept cameras and having their photos taken, creating tension. I wanted to pursue my passion, and found it difficult in light of so many obstacles. Creating scenes and finding good photos was therefore difficult and this experience improved my photography skills immensely. I am now much more capable of taking what is presented and creating better photos. Beautiful shots are easy when the light is magical. However, when taking photos in areas such as hotel conference rooms and large gymnasiums, my strengths–light manipulation, documentary style photography and creating extraordinary art depicting ordinary people and places–are great assets. My first exhibition was at the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2011, at the age of 19. I then had the opportunity to be part of the "Six Shooters" exhibition at 8th Avenue Place in Calgary. My next exhibition is scheduled for late 2013–early 2014 in a Calgary gallery.

08/04/2026
Wandering the backroads of the Yasaka Shrine on an exceptionally humid evening in Kyoto.
08/03/2026

Wandering the backroads of the Yasaka Shrine on an exceptionally humid evening in Kyoto.

I’m back from an incredible three-week trip to Japan with Jesse Marshall and Amanda, and I finally have time to start ed...
07/31/2026

I’m back from an incredible three-week trip to Japan with Jesse Marshall and Amanda, and I finally have time to start editing and sharing photos. I prefer to enjoy the trip while I’m there rather than spending my time posting.

This image was taken on the island of Miyajima, just off the coast of Hiroshima, where semi-tame deer wander freely among visitors. Photographing deer with a wide-angle lens was definitely a new experience for me.

Miyajima is a charming island, best known for its enormous torii gate, which appears to float when the tide comes in. But if I’m honest, we spent more time swimming in the ocean just beyond the gate than sightseeing, it was the perfect escape from Japan’s intensely humid summer heat.

This was the most mind bending art installation I've seen. The チームラボプラネッツ teamLab Planets TOKYO installation in Tokyo. W...
07/15/2026

This was the most mind bending art installation I've seen. The チームラボプラネッツ teamLab Planets TOKYO installation in Tokyo.
With Jesse Marshall

Relaxation station with Jesse Marshall
06/19/2026

Relaxation station with Jesse Marshall

Getting some sunset views on Yates. Thanks for getting us all together at that time and place.
05/27/2026

Getting some sunset views on Yates.

Thanks for getting us all together at that time and place.

Making some very very large resolution images from a sneaky view of the Glenmore dam.
05/21/2026

Making some very very large resolution images from a sneaky view of the Glenmore dam.

New headshots shot by the talented
05/16/2026

New headshots shot by the talented

The beautiful minimalism of the Central location. Captured in infrared. One of my favorite places to work on creative p...
05/16/2026

The beautiful minimalism of the Central location. Captured in infrared.
One of my favorite places to work on creative project planning. With plenty of free inspiration all around.

6 days to go until the market. I'm will also be showing my teapots at the teapot show. May 2, 6-9pm at the .yyc
04/27/2026

6 days to go until the market.

I'm will also be showing my teapots at the teapot show. May 2, 6-9pm at the .yyc

Address

Calgary, AB

Telephone

+14038368874

Website

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