Kelsey Swanson
Vernon Rockville,CT
Summary
Creative photographer with a record of accomplishment in producing strong imagery of various subjects. Experienced in diverse shooting environments, including studio, on-location, and event photography. Strong technical skills highlight ability to utilize both digital and film cameras, along with proficiency in post-production editing software. Energetic and passionate individual providing high-quality experience to all clients and their storytelling needs.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Photographer
Premier Portraits Studio
, CT
04.2025 - Current
- Photographed professional portraits of individual school students on location at their school.
- Manage and set up equipment for a photoshoot consisting of a Nikon camera, tripods, backdrop, and lighting.
- Instructed posing to complete a standard portrait, or a pose that best suited the child.
- Monitored light levels and camera settings during photoshoots to ensure optimal results.
- Utilize a sorting system to match a student's name and photo through a QR code.
Photographer/Videographer
Elite Dance Challenge
01.2023 - Current
- Photograph with and manage Canon equipment and software.
- Continuously adjust settings based on lighting, staging, and dancer speed.
- Photographed up to 600 dance routines during three-day competition.
- Established tethered shooting setup with filing program and live monitor.
- Coordinated photo and video platform connections with the emcee, tabulation, judges, and live TVs.
- Loaded travel truck with company equipment for each competition weekend.
Freelance Photographer
KMS Photography
08.2015 - Current
- Photographed travel, landscape and lifestyle series for prints and commercial use.
- Worked closely with clients and collaborators to deliver project requirements, develop solutions and meet deadlines.
- Defined image requirements and planned photographic styling through shooting and editing.
- Photographing products, portraits, events, weddings, and shows.
Lead Infant Teacher
Child Care Plus Learning Center
Coventry, RI
06.2017 - 01.2025
- Sparked creativity and imagination by helping children discover new things each day.
- Taught children foundational skills in mental, physical, and learning abilities.
- Instructed and assisted children in eating, changing, learning, and resting to help develop healthy personal habits at the start of life.
- Participated in professional development opportunities related to early childhood education.
- Conducted regular assessments of each infant's skills in order to record progress throughout the year.
- Assisted parents in providing appropriate care at home by offering guidance on nutrition, hygiene, safety practices.
Private Photography Teacher
Self Employed
Providence, RI
07.2022 - 09.2022
- Conducted weekly one-on-one photography lessons for middle school student.
- Instructed on all camera settings and Canon manual camera operation in order to enhance photographic skills.
- Introduced creativity methods through various photo assignments and practices.
- Covered composition techniques, styling, lighting, and subject focus.
- Facilitated on-location practice to apply learned photography techniques.
Darkroom Technician
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI
09.2017 - 05.2020
- Completed daily checklists to maximize the efficiency of the photo department's operations.
- Assisted students with executing projects that would be completed in the photo lab.
- Kept reports and documentation detailing daily lab visitors and chemical usage for the supervisor.
- Operated and maintained film photography darkroom equipment, and processed film into photographic prints.
- Measured and mixed chemicals to prepare solutions for processing, adhering to formulas.
Freelance Photographer
Rhode Island College Newspaper
Providence, RI
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Reported news stories of the college's events, productions, administration, and popular topics.
- Set up lighting equipment and adjust camera settings to capture desired images.
- Deliver quality products within deadlines established by clientele.
- Set up camera control equipment, stands, and tripods for shoots.
- Conducted on-location photography sessions, adapting to various environments and lighting conditions.
Portrait Photographer
Lifetouch
, RI
08.2015 - 06.2017
- Photographed professional portraits of individual school students on location at their school.
- Manage and set up equipment for a photoshoot consisting of a Canon camera, tripods, backdrop, reflector, and lighting.
- Instructed posing to complete a standard portrait, or a pose that best suited the child.
- Monitored light levels and camera settings during photoshoots to ensure optimal results.
- Utilized a filing system that matches each student's picture and name through a scanning system.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Photography
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI 05.2020
Skills
- Photography (digital and film)
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Photo retouching
- Collaboration and networking
- Location scouting
- Organizational skills
- Client communication
- Equipment maintenance
- Lighting setup
- Creative direction
- Instructional skills
- Multitasking
- Travel photography
- Retouching and color correction
- Action Photography
- Commercial photography
Publications
Rhode Island College Newspaper - 2017
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - 2018
Social Shutterfli Magazine
Fervent Focus Magazine
Shutter Up Magazine
Fantastical Lens Magazine
Stellar Exposure Magazine
Landscape Photography Magazine
Color Shot Magazine
Prestige Models Magazine
Memorable Moments Magazine
Photography & More Magazine
Chasing Light Magazine
Snap'd Magazine
Legendary model Magazine
Accomplishments
Mirrors and Windows - RIC group show at Hope Artiste Village — May 9, 2019
Art is in the Square - Lorenzo de' Medici Institute group show in Florence Italy — May 12, 2018
All About the Light - Cape Cod Art Center (online) — Spring 2021
Light & Shadow - Cape Cod Art Center (online) — Spring 2022
Spring Open - Cape Cod Art Center — May 16-June 11, 2022
All New England - Cape Cod Art Center — October 17-November 12, 2022
Out of Balance - Cape Cod Art Center (online) — May 12, 2023
Coast to Coast - Cape Cod Art Center — May 15-June 10, 2023
Annual Juried Members Exhibition - RI Center for Photographic Arts — January 18-February 9, 2024
Total Eclipse of the Art - SEABA April 5 - June 30, 2024
Scapes - Bristol Art Museum July 22-September 11, 2024
Solo Show - The Cooked Goose Winter 2025
Timeline
Freelance Photographer
Premier Portraits Studio
04.2025 - Current
Photographer/Videographer
Elite Dance Challenge
01.2023 - Current
Private Photography Teacher
Self Employed
07.2022 - 09.2022
Darkroom Technician
Rhode Island College
09.2017 - 05.2020
Lead Infant Teacher
Child Care Plus Learning Center
06.2017 - 01.2025
Freelance Photographer
Rhode Island College Newspaper
01.2017 - 12.2017
Freelance Photographer
KMS Photography
08.2015 - Current
Portrait Photographer
Lifetouch
08.2015 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Photography
Rhode Island College
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