Kelsey Martin
Artist
Can you share your journey into the work you do? What experiences, moments, or values led you here?
I’ve experienced a lot in my time here on Earth including moments of joy, loss, change, and growth that have shaped the way I see people and the world around me. Those experiences taught me early on to value people and memories deeply, to pay attention to what often goes unnoticed, and to hold space for stories that deserve to be remembered.
I didn’t begin photography with any intention of making it a career—it was a part of my college curriculum. But as time went on, the camera became more than a tool. The more people I met and the more stories I heard, the more I gravitated towards documenting them. I found myself inspired by conversations, by lived experiences, by fleeting moments that carried meaning far beyond what could be said out loud. That shaped me into being a portrait photographer.
That inspiration slowly turned into purpose, and I realized I wasn’t just taking photos. I was telling stories, making memories, and creating something that allowed people to see themselves reflected honestly and intentionally. Art became my way of honoring those moments, with photography as the medium that felt most natural to me.
Over the past 12 years of shooting, I’ve learned to fully throw myself into my work. I show up with my whole self; especially when I’m feeling deeply, grieving quietly, experiencing change, or reflecting on the past. Photography has become a space where I process life, where emotion meets intention, and where memory becomes something tangible. Through my work, I aim to create images that don’t just capture how things looked, but how they felt.
Who or what has most influenced your leadership and commitment to this work? This could include mentors, community, lived experience, books, faith, or movements.
I’ve had many mentors who have invested in me and shared their wisdom, and I’m indebted to them every day. My true friends, family, and community are the ones who have cheered me on and encouraged me to stay committed to my work. When it’s hard for me to see my own progress, growth, and change, they help me see what they see in me.
More recently, lived experiences have deepened that commitment. I lost my mom and my aunt in early October, and for a moment, I almost walked away from everything I had worked so hard to build. But I know they wouldn’t want that for me. Instead, I now move through life with a new lens and a deeper awareness of the world around me. Their passing has pushed me into new creative avenues I hadn’t previously considered. Genres like grief-centered and documentary-style photography; allowing me to honor their memory while continuing to evolve as an artist.
For those who feel called to doing this work, where would you suggest they begin? Is there a book, organization, practice, or resource that helped shape you?
Crazy as it may sound, social media has inspired me in the right ways. Having healthy habits around it is important…trust me, I know. But the creatives I’ve connected with, built alongside, and drawn inspiration from have played a major role in shaping my journey.
I grew up in a generation that experienced life both with and without social media, and I’ve seen it work in my favor as well as against me. What matters most is how you use it. Get connected to communities that share your mindset, drive, and values. Surround yourself with people who understand the bigger picture; that it’s not just about the betterment of ourselves, but the betterment of everyone.
Through social media, I’ve connected with people who have pushed me to evolve, shaping my style, refining my techniques, redefining my image, and even shifting my perspective on life.
What wisdom or encouragement would you offer to the next generation of Black women leaders entering this space?
Block out the noise and thrive in your true, authentic self. I’ve accomplished so much simply by being Kelsey or, as my community knows me as, OG. Yes, we often have to work three times as hard while carrying the weight of the world. We are mothers, wives, caregivers, and so much more, and too often we forget that we are human too.
Take care of yourself, your physical and mental health.
Art is subjective and can be whatever you set your mind to create. Whether you’re a nail tech, painter, photographer, content creator, or something else entirely…fully immerse yourself in your craft. Knowledge is power and will get you into doors that those who do not have it won’t.
Be self-aware. Set boundaries. And most importantly, truly enjoy what you do.
How can people stay connected to and support your work? Please share your website, social media, current campaigns, or other ways to get involved.
I’m currently in the process of rebranding my website, but for now you can view selected work at ogkillakels.pixieset.com. To keep up with me and my latest projects, follow me on Instagram and TikTok: ogkillakels. If you’d like to connect, chat, or book a shoot, my inbox is always open at ogkillakels@gmail.com. I’d genuinely love to grab coffee and talk.