Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Logsdon.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My journey as a full-time photographer was unexpected. I graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science: emphasis in Pre-Allied Health and Rehabilitation Services. I was accepted into the Texas Women’s University Doctor of Physical Therapy program located in the medical district and began in August 2017. I took an elective Intro to Photography course my last semester just for fun because I’ve always been creative and loved photos. But, it was on to PT school after graduation!
A lot of major change/events happened very quickly in my life for the first half of 2017, and then immediately after starting graduate school, I started having serious anxiety. I had multiple panic attacks a day, feeling like I could barely breathe, bad headaches, spinning thoughts, nauseous, no appetite, gagging involuntarily, couldn’t sleep, and felt so weak that my husband would hold me up from collapsing. I felt like I didn’t have control over my body and my brain. I was diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder. I had never understood mental illness so much until then.
I was trying to stick it out and do everything I could to help these symptoms. I went to counseling at the school immediately, went to a psychiatrist to get medication, tried all the techniques to try to get control over it. It just kept getting worse, and I kept spiraling further and further. After six weeks of misery, I talked with my advisor and the director of the program and they said I could take a Medical Withdrawal/leave of absence and have the choice to come back next year in August 2018.
I had a year to decide if Physical Therapy was really what I wanted to do or not. I finally started healing after several long months and took a big step by picking my camera back up. I loved it and decided I wanted to start my own photography business instead of pursuing to be a doctor. Yes, a big shift in careers haha. I officially launched Kelsey Lanae Photography in October of 2018!
Please tell us about your art.
I am a wedding + portrait photographer. I create timeless, authentic, and joyful photographs by being detailed, meaningful, and fun! I hope people can truly re-live their special day or phase in their life when they instantly view their photos. I hope as they share their photos, their family and friends can truly see them as their personality shines through the image.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I define success as making a living, creating what you love to support living a life you love.
I feel having healthy boundaries in place (that you actually follow) is essential to allow yourself to enjoy whatever your priorities are. I know for me, it’s easy to get caught up in working so much that I never take a day off. To avoid burnout, I’ve got to take a step back and remember my definition of success includes actually LIVING a life I love.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can see my work by following along on Instagram, Facebook, and my *coming soon* blog on my website! Others can support my work by engaging with me on social media so I can get to know you, word-of-mouth referrals, and of course, booking your own session with me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kelseylanaephotography.com/
- Email: kelseylanaephotography@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseylanaephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelseylanaephotography/
Image Credit:
Kelsey Logsdon
Image credits on the personal photo of me is: Hazel and Haze Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
