Vejer de la Frontera day by day: : Kelly Lawlor, photographer

Kelly Lawlor with daughter Kitty

Before we consign 2014's feria to the realms of history, I want to share some of Kelly

Sol Sanchez de Muniain and Chelsea Anton

Lawlor’s excellent photographs from this year’s celebrations. Kelly and I have co-operated on several projects in the past, including the photography for my production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and A Summer in Flamenco, the book which I wrote with the dancer Adrián Brenes. Kelly’s photographs were a major part of the book and have been much admired since it was published last year.

Kelly was born in Epping, Essex and began her career in banking. Despite her success in this field, she yearned for something more creative and after spending time travelling and trying out different professions, when she received her first photographic commission, a portrait, in 1990, she knew she had found her niche. Living in London, she worked on a wide range of photographic projects during the 1990s, specializing in portraits, actors’ head shots and portfolios.

Kelly’s first child, Rex, was born in 2000 and photography took a back seat for a while. Rex was soon followed by Gus and Kitty, and somewhere in between, Kelly also managed to study Silversmithing and Jewellery at London Metropolitan University. In 2008, she and her family moved to Vejer, where she owns an old patio house on the Corredera, with beautiful views towards Medina Sidonia. She has returned to her interest in photography and regularly delights her friends with gorgeous pictures of interiors, events and weddings, as well as stunning portraits.

Sol Sanchez de Muniain

Kelly has a keen eye and an inventive imagination, as well as a mastery of technique. This year, she was particularly intrigued by the gender isues apparent at feria.

'It's fescinating to see how the girls dress up as boys for the sevillanas and equestrian events,' she told me. Her pictures are lively and original, often inspired by a feminine viewpoint on the world. It's a privilege to be able to share her pictures of Vejer’s feria 2014.

Thanks to Sol, Chelsea Anton, Maria Vera, Adrian Brenes and all those whose pictures appear in this blog. Kelly Lawlor can be contacted at kellyklawlor@gmail.com.

November 2016: Kelly is now based in London, but still visits Vejer whenever she can.