Kelsey Swanson is a photographer from Rhode Island who captures the world’s beauty through her lens. In this interview, Kelsey shares her unique journey of combining her love for travel and photography into a fulfilling career. She discusses how her studies at Rhode Island College shaped her artistic development and how her travel experiences, especially studying abroad in Florence, have influenced her creative process. Kelsey also reflects on her work in various photography styles, from portraits to dance competitions, and the challenges each brings. Through her work in galleries, teaching photography, and volunteering for causes like the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Kelsey highlights the power of photography to connect people and create meaningful experiences.

Kelsey Swanson is a featured artist in our book “Lines And Curves.” You can explore her journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing the book here: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book

Kelsey Swanson, a photographer from Rhode Island. Her passion for photography began during her travels with family, where taking snapshots served to preserve memories. Over time, she combined her love for photography with travel, aiming to capture images that encapsulate the essence of each location she visits. Her work is defined by saturated colors, iconic landmarks, local culture, and a deep admiration for the places she explores. Through her photography, Kelsey seeks to bring the world to others, offering a piece that can be enjoyed wherever they may be.

1. Kelsey, what made you decide to pursue Photography as a career, and how did your time at Rhode Island College help shape your journey?

I pursued a photography career and degree because I wanted to deep-dive, fully develop my photography, and explore my options in that field. Rhode Island College gave me insight into the beginning of a career in galleries, collaborations, and jobs. In photography, we were challenged with ideas and open-ended concepts for our projects to grow into well-rounded art shows.

Travel encourages me to have some planning done ahead for things I can chose and control, like what subjects and spots i’ll photograph. The rest is all up to the moment I’m actually shooting.

Kelsey Swanson

2. How does travel impact your creative process, especially your experience studying abroad in Florence?

I’m consistently challenged when photographing my travels in the physical process, the subjects I come across, the lighting and weather, the composition, and technical aspects. The situation is different every time I point my camera, even if I were in a location I’ve been to multiple times. Travel encourages me to have some planning done ahead for things I can choose and control, like what subjects and spots I’ll photograph. The rest is all up to the moment I’m shooting. Studying abroad opened my eyes to this kind of process on a big level because Europe is so different than the United States, I was far away from home and had more limitations for what I could bring with me on school trips. Everything there was even more new to me, and the only expectation I could have was my own photographic ability, which I was also pushing since I had the opportunity to be in Europe for a period of time and wanted to get all that I could out of it.

3.  You’ve worked in various photography styles, from portraits to dance competitions. How do you approach each one, and which challenges you the most?

I approach each photography shoot by starting with what tools I need to complete it, collaborating with who I’m working with, and figuring out what the final photos will look like. During the shoot, I adjusted the environmental or subject variables throughout. Business headshots are typically quick and to the point with a simple setup; the dance competition I work with also consists of assisting with the overall set up, and not every photo may have a dancer’s eyes open, but I get the perfect moment of an airborne pose, photographing travel may be rained on, or plans changed. The whole day feels like a success when everything comes together in a photograph to make it successful. Travel photography gives me the most challenges in the setup process, the weather, and creative thinking.

4. You’ve exhibited your work in galleries and sold prints. What’s the significance of displaying your photography in physical spaces, and what do you hope viewers take away from it?

The significance of having my photographs in someone’s personal space is connecting through a shared appreciation and interest. Similarly, having my pictures in a public setting brings a sense of community to me. Each person is drawn to a photograph for a different reason, and it may be enough for someone to keep it close to them or remember it. Being a photographer who combines interests, inspiration, and memories to connect people to a location or other people is so special and unique.

Being the photographer that combines interests, inspiration, and memories that connects people to a location or to other people is so special and unique.

Kelsey Swanson

5. what’s been the most rewarding part of teaching as a private photography teacher, and has it changed how you approach your work?

The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing a student create something successful that demonstrates the components of your teaching. Teaching photography forces me to be creative in thinking and return to the basics of photography. I typically work alongside a student and use examples, which pushes my thought process and creativity.

6. You balance freelance work with volunteering for causes like the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. How do these experiences influence your vision and creative drive?

Volunteering and working with events that support people allow me to be documented with the range of people in a community that directly support important causes. My photos will be used to visually spread the word about a subject and directly speak to others.

Kelsey’s photography celebrates the world’s beauty and diversity, from vibrant travel landscapes to intimate moments captured in portraits. Through her lens, she invites viewers to experience different cultures, emotions, and memories as part of her journey. To learn more about Kelsey, click the following links to visit her profile.

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