Photographer Feature: Kelly Garsee

Today we have Kelly Garsee with us to talk photography and show us her AMAZING work. Kelly grew up in a small town outside of Buffalo, New York but she now calls Texas home. Kelly services the entire Dallas Fort Worth area, and is willing to travel to wherever you let her. Kelly is intrigued by human interactions, having studied behavioral science for three and a half years before pursuing her passion for photography. Kelly believes life is beautiful and people are fantastically unique. Her job is to express that while telling your story through her images. Check out more of Kelly’s work at www.kellygarseephoto.com!

1. What initially got you interested in photography?

I have been drawn to it for as long as I can remember. I love the idea of freezing a moment in time and being able to capture raw emotion and make it (somewhat) tangible.

2. Do you have formal training? Self taught? Mixture of both?

I grew up self taught, playing with different settings and different cameras and "wasting" a whole lot of film. In 2008 I decided to go to the Art Institute of Dallas and pursue a degree.

3. What gear do you have in your camera bag? What equipment do you favor most?

I currently carry an original 5D and a 5D Mark II pretty much everywhere I go. I have a couple trusty lenses and love to rent the ones I can't afford to buy.

4. What are your favorite sessions/subjects to shoot?

I'd say my favorite sessions right now are bridals. There is something magical about a woman in a wedding dress.

5. Describe your style in 3 words. How has your style evolved over your time as a photographer?

I think I am still discovering my "style"... I am always learning which keeps me evolving as an artist. I am trying focus less on the technical aspects and just capturing the beauty in every moment.

6. What’s your most memorable or funniest “on the job” moment?

Gah… there are SOOOOOO MANY! I recently photographed an adorable newborn with a Dr Suess themed nursery. We had a rough start to the session but he finally fell asleep and I got to work. He was naked and I wanted to pose him with one of Mom's favorite Dr Suess books… he peed all inside of it!!!!! I couldn't stop chuckling. Of course he woke up with Mom trying to clean him up. So we piled everyone up on the bed for a few relaxed family photos and he peed AGAIN!!!!! :D

7. Where do you draw your inspiration from?

EVERYWHERE! There are so many fantastic photographers out there and social media allows me to keep up with new work from around the globe. I love to find and try new techniques. I talk to people and read magazines and look at blog posts. And I am pretty sure Pinterest is my biggest addiction right now.

8. Best editing tip?

Outsource the tedious stuff ;)

9. How has photography helped shape how you see the world?

Being in this industry has really enabled me to see the beauty in all the little daily things. From my daughter riding her bicycle to the dogs sleeping in her bed to the way a couple walking in front of me is holding hands. Life is so short and goes by way to fast. Slow down, admire the beauty and appreciate what you have.

10. Give us your best photography related tip!

Please don't compare yourself to others. There will always be someone out there better than you. Admire their work, learn from them, try new things, and strive to better yourself and your work. We all learn at different paces and we all come from different beginnings. Be patient with yourself and love what you do!

Thank you Kelly for talking with us and showing us your beautiful work! Stop on by www.KellyGarseephoto.com to see the rest!