Mike Kelley grew up in Ipswich, Massachusetts, a small coastal town that embodies both picturesque charm and the drama of a Boston film. He was fortunate to encounter several remarkable teachers who introduced him to the realms of art and design, profoundly influencing the trajectory of his life in ways he never anticipated. After completing his studies in studio art and environmental science at the University of Vermont, Mike relocated to Lake Tahoe, California, aspiring to become a professional snowboarder—a decision shaped by the circumstances of graduating just after the 2008 recession. However, after a couple of years and numerous injuries, he accepted an opportunity to photograph some homes for a client he had met during his recovery. What began as a serendipitous venture evolved into the ideal combination of technical challenge and creative expression, compelling him to commit fully to this newfound career path by moving to Los Angeles.

In partnership with Fstoppers, the leading photography website, Mike developed a series of tutorials focused on architectural photography, quickly establishing himself as a recognized authority in the field. In 2018, he launched the Architectural Photography Almanac, a resource designed for architecture photographers and professionals within the architecture industry who wish to deepen their understanding of the craft and theory of architectural photography through articles, videos, and in-person workshops and events held in locations such as Finland, Italy, Japan, California, and Indiana.

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