Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Medeiros.
Kelsey, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
All my life, I’ve loved to create. My mom is an artist and enrolled me in after school art programs at a young age and I think I took every art class my junior high had to offer. I first stepped foot in the darkroom my senior year of high school; immediately, I was hooked. Next thing I knew, I had earned my Certificate of Photography from Orange Coast College and, with every intention of studying Business, found my way back to the arts and graduated with my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Photography from California State University of Fullerton. What can I say, I know what I like!
Freelance Photography has always been on my heart as far as a dream career but it didn’t seem realistic for me to become full-time business owner. I’m happy to say that with the support of my loving husband, I’m finally living out my dream of full-time freelance. I wasted so many years doubting myself, working part-time jobs that I hated because I didn’t believe I could support myself in such a competitive field. These past couple years have been challenging but in all the best ways. Studying art over business may have made for a steeper learning curve but I’m so thankful for the handful of incredible classmates that I still work with and learn from every day. It’s crazy to think that I worked so hard for a degree that I didn’t necessarily need but it definitely made me realize just how passionate I am about creating, how to channel that passion and use it as the driving force behind a business that just feels like an extension of what I’ve always been doing: telling visual stories.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My work is always narrative. Whether I’m shooting engagement photos or a personal project, I’m focused on telling the story without words. If I’m shooting branding or lifestyle portraits for a blogger, I ask her lots of questions about her aesthetic, who her audience is, what she writes about, etc. and I find a location that matches her vision. I want the tone of the images to match the tone of her writing so if her aesthetic is minimalist, I’m not going to take her to a vibrant carnival. My approach is similar for fashion photography as well as for couples. I want my shoots to be a collaboration of everyone involved, contributing ideas and enjoying the creative process together. I work with people I connect with and my photos are a direct result of that authentic, human connection.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
That’s a great question. I definitely see social media as both helpful and hurtful to artists. Helpful in the sense that you can market to your ideal clients as well as connecting with fellow artists but hurtful in that the comparison game is breaking dreams apart every day, for those who let it get to them. I’m guilty of it myself! But disqualifying or shaming ourselves is not a healthy motivator. I have to make the conscious choice to encourage those photographers I believe are better than me in order to keep any jealousy from creeping in. But I love the community>competition movement that’s happening right now, where artists are sharing knowledge and experience with one another over social media. It’s extremely empowering! I would say if local businesses, like coffee shops, were open to hosting artist meet-ups, it would really cultivate this movement towards community even further! Plus, coffee 🙂
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’m always sharing what I’m doing on Instagram: @kelseychristinephoto or you can check out full shoots, my blog, and more info on my website:Â kelseychristine.com
Contact Info:
- Website:Â https://www.kelseychristine.com/
- Email:Â [email protected]
- Instagram:Â https://www.instagram.com/kelseychristinephoto/
- Facebook:Â https://www.facebook.com/KelseyChristinePhotography/
Image Credit:
Kelsey Christine Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
