Kira Kelly is an acclaimed American cinematographer known for her bold visual storytelling and commitment to elevating diverse voices on screen. A graduate of Howard University, Kelly first gained widespread attention for her work on the critically acclaimed independent film Bitch (2017), before cementing her reputation with the Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary 13th (2016), directed by Ava DuVernay. Her striking cinematography on Queen Sugar (OWN) marked a significant milestone in television history, as the series exclusively hired women directors during its early seasons, with Kelly helping to define its lush, cinematic Southern aesthetic.

Kelly’s feature film credits include Barry (2016), chronicling the early life of Barack Obama; All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt (2023), a poetic Sundance standout; and the critically praised romantic drama The Photograph (2020), starring Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield. She also served as cinematographer on the Disney+ holiday film The Hip Hop Nutcracker (2022), showcasing her versatility across genres. Her television work spans high-profile series such as Insecure (HBO), The Morning Show (Apple TV+), and P-Valley (Starz), further demonstrating her range in both intimate character-driven narratives and glossy prestige productions.

Throughout her career, Kelly has been recognized for her contributions to the craft, earning nominations from the Primetime Emmy Awards (shared with the 13th team), as well as honors from film festivals and cinematography guilds that celebrate her innovative lensing and advocacy for inclusion behind the camera. Kelly continues to stand as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after cinematographers, building a body of work defined by lyrical framing, textured lighting, and a deep sensitivity to character and culture, solidifying her place among the leading visual storytellers of her generation.