Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsey Coleman
Chelsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been creative. From music, to painting, to sewing, to DIY crafts, to photography I’ve always enjoyed making things. I decided to major in Photography in undergrad, but I couldn’t resist trying out some other disciplines like dance, metalworking, and graphic design along the way as well. I started working as a photographer my freshman year, and to this day it’s still party of my creativity. I even managed to work it in to my master plan in grad school while earning an MA in Conservation Biology. Creating is the way I explore our world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. While I did study photography in school, there was a lot that I learned on the job. Not much can compare to practical experience. I’ve learned more about my strengths and weaknesses, practiced at things that don’t come easy, and become more of a well rounded artist. This year I’ve been coming out of a long period of time where I just didn’t feel as connected to the creative part of myself. It’s felt so good getting back in to that headspace and trying new things again. Currently I’m exploring old school hand lettering and sign painting.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve found a niche in photography for capturing movement. Dancers, aerialists, and acrobats have been some of my favorite subjects. Catching the highest point of a ballerina’s jump, or the moment a gymnast looks completely weightless, I think is so much fun and makes for great pictures. Concerts especially are so much fun to shoot! Capturing not only the band or singer but the vibe of the crowd and the feeling of the event. I think it’s the element of the unknown that I’m drawn to. Even in more typical portraits I love being on location and working with the wind, or waves. Or even in studio style portraits adding some smoke or bubbles, or something that relates to the person I’m photographing and their story of who they are.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Absolutely! My teachers in the photo program at California State University of Long Beach taught me so much. But I’d have to give most of the mentor credit to Michael and Marni Farmer of f/8 Studios. I’ve been working with them my entire photography career and they’ve given me so much advice and knowledge. Michael has even lent me gear and studio space, and even given me advice on my own personal shoots and projects. I do have to give credit to my great grandfather James Stewart, as well. He always had one bathroom in his house that he had converted in to a darkroom, and growing up he’d give my brother, my cousins, and I peeks in to how making a picture from film works. He was an incredible outdoorsman and took beautiful landscapes. Not to mention all the fun family photos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bychelsey.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_bychelsey/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_bychelsey?lang=en
Image Credits
Chelsey Coleman
