Meet Christine Keeley | Photographer & Director
We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Keeley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Christine, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in Haddonfield NJ as one of 8 in a rather large, extended Irish-American family. Very large, actually! I was daughter #5 in a family of 6 girls and 2 boys-and countless cousins! Lots of family gatherings, both at home and the shore. Dad and Grandpop McDermott were avid photography enthusiasts – always with camera and movie camera in tow to capture those Kodak moments. Over the years, my family became my very own visual time capsule with all its complex moments in time of human love, innocence and contradiction. No doubt my “eye” is influenced by those formative memories, along with a lifelong passion for the arts. I’ve been told I was born the “artistic” one: a left-handed, quirky, non-conformist with an active imagination. Yet I followed the traditional path of formal education, sports and corporate career…until, as a mother with two children of my own, I began to discover and rediscover my authentic self within the arts. And once I made the decision to explore my true passions, I could not get enough! Art, music, dance, writing – and photography- became food for my soul, inspiration for my career and lifestyle. To quote Peter Altenberg, “Art is art and life is life, but to live life artistically; that is the art of life.”
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Photographer/Director based out of New York working within the fields of luxury fashion, lifestyle, portraiture and my own personal projects. After a lengthy corporate career, I pivoted into the arts and immersed myself in the studios of world-class fashion & beauty photographers, while working as Associate Art Director at a boutique gallery in New York. With my lens, I create distinct edgy, yet poetic undertones and imagery that exudes a sense of resilience with subjects that seem to tell their own narrative. My vision is inspired by inventive artists like William Klein and Berenice Abbott and my lifelong love of visual and performing art. With my subjects, I like to draw upon freedom of movement and expression, manipulating light and shadows to accentuate inner and outer beauty.
In 2018 I set out to build my own company, specializing in still & video production for individual and commercial clients. Focused on elevating my clients’ brands and building a best-in-class team, I was able to fast-track and build a robust portfolio in just 5 years. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some amazing individuals and organizations recently such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, American Friends of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, The Train Foundation and Columbia University.
It wasn’t always easy! As my business was gaining momentum, we were hit with the pandemic. After the first few months of loss, I dug deep to try and find a way to “keep the doors open.” So I amped up with a strong social media presence…and requests began trickling in. I continued to mask up and rent studios in the city, keeping a pipeline of customers going, including some incredible music artists. I then decided to open a studio in my home, which offered clients a safe and luxurious client experience. This changed everything for my brand and portfolio, and I began to expand into fashion and lifestyle from there. Meanwhile, I got busy with other business opportunities and started exhibiting my work and curating for other artists. I found myself working with high-profile individuals and luxury brands – and my work began to get published.
In 2023 I established Studio Catchlight, my daylight studio conveniently located in Manhattan’s Financial District (www.studiocatchlight.com).
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?
Oooh, I love this question! Day 1: We would have to start at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the fabulous Karl Lagerfeld and Van Gogh Cypress exhibitions then pop up to the rooftop to see the Lauren Halsey installation, enjoy a cocktail and panoramic view of the city, Central Park & beyond. Then we would hang out on the steps for some people-watching and pics, strolling along 5th Ave. to find our way to the fabulous Sistina for a delectable dinner. Possibly head to a piano bar or speakeasy from there.
Day 2: Central Park starting at The Dakota then stroll through Strawberry fields to Bethesda Terrace, over to 5th Ave with a stop at St. Patrick’s and Rock Center. Dinner at Joanne Trattoria – the cozy italian restaurant owned by Lady Gaga’s parents before heading down the street to Summer for the City at Lincoln Center for an outdoor performance and silent disco, one NYC’s best live art experiences!
Day 3: FIDI/Downtown: My Studio as home base. We would head to the Oculus then pay tribute at the 9.11 Memorial before heading over to the Seaport to stroll around the Tin Building. We’ll walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for iconic views of the city and pics along Water St at the Manhattan Bridge. We would head back with a stop at the iconic Fraunces Tavern: the Whiskey Bar & Piano Bar upstairs. Top off the evening with a boat ride on the Hudson River with Lady Liberty.
Day 4: Highline and Chelsea Market then gallery hopping in Chelsea. Hudson River Park for sunset salsa dancing. Stop for tapas on 9th!
Day 5: MOMA for the AI and Georgia O’Keefe exhibitions, then head over to Milos for fine Greek dining and a Broadway show, Take a Pedicab around Times Square for an unforgettable experience, guaranteed to make you laugh ’til you cry.
Day 6: Tenement Museum and a day on Orchard Street, boutique and gallery hopping and shopping at my favorite Vintage couture shop, Pilgrim. Head over to Kiki’s for late lunch then wind our way over to the Village for a stroll and window shopping. The Blue Note or Django at the Roxy Hotel for Live Jazz.
Day 6: Spa day at The Peninsula or Mandarin Hotel,then head to Cipriani’s for dinner.
Day 7: Soho, Chinatown for Dim Sum. Then Flatiron District and Madison Square Park. Top the evening off at the Flatiron Room for jazz, dinner and great ambience.
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 to Fashion & Beauty photographer Lindsay Adler, for inspiring me in her role as a successful photographer, director, educator and female business owner. With her guidance and wealth of industry knowledge, I’ve learned to create stunning imagery and build a robust business with the support of a best-in-class creative team and state-of-the-art resources. And,of course, Steven Turner, fellow photographer, who so patiently assisted me on countless studio and on-location shoots. My amazing clients! Thank you for the opportunity to work with you. For sharing your time, your story, your energy, so that together we could create and capture the very best imagery. To my daughters, of course, who inspire me every day with their strength, unconditional love and support.
Website: www.studiocatchlight.com (launching July 2023) www.christinekeeley.com (live)
Instagram: www.instagram/christinekeeley_photo
Linkedin: www.linkedin/in/christinekeeleyphoto
Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinemariekeeley
Image Credits
Christine Keeley
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
