My name is Kelsey.
I was born and raised in Central New York. I love horses, and lots of doors have opened for me because of them. I've been a trail rider since I was a child, and I've tried all sorts of out-there equestrian sports like polo and endurance. I love a good hunter pace. I've had the unique opportunity of guiding trail rides in Iceland, and in 2019 I completed the world's longest horse race, the Mongol Derby.
I want to see more of this world and capture all the beauty it has to offer, but I also appreciate the rolling hills and deep gorges of the Finger Lakes, and for that reason I will always call Central New York home.
Originally I attended Tompkins Cortland Community College for graphic design, but shortly after earning my associates degree I realized that was not the path for me. I dabbled in this and that and forgot about art for a brief time before picking up a camera again in late 2019. Behind the lens I rediscovered a passion for art and photography.
My favorite things to photograph are horses, humans, and travel. Do you have something you want to commemorate that falls into one of those categories? Then let's get started.
Awards
The Independent Photo: People Award
December 2022 - 3rd Prize
"Reindeer Rider" - Northern Mongolia
A young man rides his reindeer across the broad river near his home after riding out to check on the wellbeing of the herd. He is one of the few remaining reindeer riders in the northern part of Mongolia. Orphaned at a young age, he was adopted by a neighbor and travels around the valley with their family.
Image captured in September of 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
How would you describe your style?
If I had to boil it down to one thing, I suppose I'd call it Lifestyle Photography. I like to capture people doing the things they love to do, and I like to do that in the most candid, authentic way possible. Don't get me wrong--I do love a good staged portrait now and again--but when people really get into the zone of what they're doing...that's when I feel like I get the best shots. I love images with a low depth of field and lots of layers.
What equipment do you use?
I have a Canon EOS 6D Mark II with a battery grip, which gives me extended battery life when I'm out exploring and don't have the opportunity to recharge or swap out batteries. I shoot almost exclusively with a 50mm prime lens. It's lightweight, versatile, and gives me that super low depth of field that I love. It also means I have to move around a lot more in order to capture things, but I like the extra challenge. For endurance rides, I have a 70-200mm lens which gives me more reach to capture the action.
Do you photograph weddings?
The short answer is yes, but the long answer is it depends. I prefer to shoot outdoors and more intimate sized events (think 50 guests or less). That being said--I'm flexible! If you love my work and want me to be there, let's talk. Click here to contact me!
What else do you photograph?
So many things! Take a look at the list below for a few of my favorite things.
- Equine events such as endurance rides, outdoor shows, or hunter paces
- Equine portraiture including black backgrounds and conformation photos
- Travel and landscapes
- Human portraits, both staged and candid
- Pet portraits, always candid, because that's the nature of pets
- Small events like parties, engagements, conferences, etc.
Didn't see what you were looking for on this list? Get in touch with me!