Kolby Schnelli
Kolby Schnelli began his journey with photography 12 years ago while studying film and cinematography in college. One evening, after completing a grueling, six-week film project, he picked up a camera with a stock lens and stepped outside into the dusk. With each subtle click of the shutter, Kolby discovered his love for photography and the joy of capturing an entire story – even a lifetime – in a single frame. He hasn’t put the camera down since.
Kolby’s early career began in the music industry when he was hired to photograph one of the largest musical events in the United States, the infamous Warped Tour. This once-in-a-lifetime experience allowed him to hone his technical skills and creative vision while gaining the ability to focus the lens on a single subject in a sea of movement, action, and chaos.
Touring the country with world-renowned musicians kindled his second passion – his love for travel and adventure. Kolby is a true explorer – he has photographed subjects and landscapes across the globe including Russia, China, SE Asia, London, Germany, Belgium, and Italy -- to name a few. His US photography tours have taken him ocean to ocean; from the granite monoliths in Yosemite Valley to the low, dust-red desert of Mesa, Arizona –- and everywhere in between.
Some of Kolby’s favorite experiences throughout his career include walking the Great Wall of China, sharing a stage with Joan Jett and McHammer, drinking with Russian bodyguards in the Red Square, traveling from Moscow to Siberia and every village in between, accidentally getting detained in Beijing, recording music and praying with DMX, and photographing historical archeological sites in Paisley Caves.
These experiences, along with his outstanding technical skills, have transformed Kolby from an imaginative youth with an inquisitive eye, into the highly accomplished, award-winning photographer he is today.
You can find Kolby’s photographs featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine, Maxim, Alternative Press, Parade Magazine, New York Post and many other publications. His employers include the University of Oregon, American Music Group, Pure Volume, and Sony.
Kolby specializes in editorial, portrait, and corporate photography. For commercial bookings and inquiries please contact Kolby directly.
