Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsie Koziol.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started doing photography because I have been a dancer since I was three years old. I am now a professional dancer and circus performer in Los Angeles. I get to tour the world with the most beautiful, amazing, and talented people. And I get access to behind the scenes and backstage. So about nine months ago I started shooting film. I had a couple of amazing mentors who have showed me so much. And thats where it all began. My love and addiction for film. I started shooting all my friends at shows and backstage and on tour and everyone just loved them; it was a weird thing because for me it wasn’t about becoming another job. It was about documenting my life in the most authentic way, through film. its expensive and a pain in the ass but its the most real for me. Its how I can tell my story and show these beautiful amazing moments that most people would never be able to see. And I can do it while I perform which is amazing. And now I have people hiring me to shoot them and it’s more then I could have ever asked for!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The expense. My first camera that my friend bought me eventually broke and so my other friend let me borrow his. And I took it with me on a trip and I was on the beach taking photos and a wave came and took me down fully clothed, my phone my wallet and the camera. When I returned, I gave him the bad news and he said ok if you get it fixed you can have it. Which was so sweet, but then a month went by and that camera broke as well. I was devastated, I felt like how could I have this much bad luck and a new camera was so expensive and I couldn’t afford it at the time. So my mentor and friend helped me get a new one and said I am talented and I can do this. It was so sweet and made me realize its what I love to do. And I couldn’t imagine not taking photos. And now I have that camera and I love it so much and it has lead me to be able to pursue this passion.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with 35mm Kelsie – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a commercial dancer, aerialist, fire dancer and acrobat. And I also shoot film. I can also shoot digital but what I love most is how film can capture these raw real moments with people. I am known for shooting beautiful hot babes, portraits and music/concert photography. I think what sets me apart which is mostly what people tell me is that I capture these raw/reel moments with people that normally isn’t seen. And with the film it just adds an even more authentic feel.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
For the future, I want to shoot more music and performance which is actually really hard with film but I love the challenge. I also am excited about a series I’ve been working on which is portraits of photographers. I feel like they are always behind the camera but I’ve been working on getting them in front and capturing the soul of these amazing people!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @35mmkelsie
Image Credit:
The photo of me is by Amie Nicole. The 9 photos are all shot by me on film.
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