Meet Katie Ulsh: Photographer and Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Ulsh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, why did you pursue a creative career?
From a very young age, I was drawn to the arts. I was lucky enough to have a Dad who minored in fine art in college, so he would have us do paintings together on the weekends. My parents were very supportive and would send me to art classes outside of school because I came from a very academically driven education system that did not emphasize the arts. As much as I enjoyed the finer arts it was not my calling. It was the end of middle school when I started to take photographs. I feel that typically photographers say they initially started by taking pictures of their everyday life, but I had a rather unusual entrance into the photography medium. Obviously, by being a product of 1999, I grew up with cameras and my parents photographing me and my life but, it was travel photography that enthralled me and drew me into the world of photography. I was lucky enough to go on a three weeklong trip to Europe in the summer of 2013 with a program for students. I took my Dad’s camera with me and captured the entire trip. Just like that, I was hooked. This newfound interest followed me back home however, I no longer had the countryside of Switzerland and the energy of Paris to be my muse. I then began to have “photoshoots” with my friends. From there my photography grew. I started doing freelance work for a local business while in high school and was lucky enough to return to Europe while in high school. However, on this journey, I would be attending a photo expedition with none other than National Geographic in London. At this point, I had become very invested in the craft of photography and knew it was what I wanted to study in college. My love for documentary and travel photography lead me to attend The Savannah College of Art and Design as a photography major with a focus in documentary. However, over my four years, I became very passionate about fashion photography and quickly changed my career path. I will now be graduating in mid-March with a B.F.A. in Photography with a focus in Commercial Photography and minors in Fashion Photography and Advertising Photography.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Bold, high key, bright, colorful, dynamic. These are descriptive words typically associated with my photography. As a fashion photographer, I strive to create images that capture my model and the garments as a cohesive piece. This idea of unity within my images creates a photograph that is full of movement while still being cohesive. The composition and crop of an image are important to my work and allows me to stand out as a creative. I like to make sure I am using my space purposefully whether that is with a tight crop, pushing the frame with the model’s body, or using negative space to lead the viewer’s eye to the subject. I think as creatives a big struggle for many of us is defining our style. There is this unspoken need to put labels on what type of creative we are. Not only by specifying our medium, but also within the medium what type of content we create. This is something I have personally struggled with. I see myself as a photographer, but also as a content creator. Photography is just a unique medium because it can be manipulated and used in so many ways that I do not want to limit my creative existence to just photography. I have learned so many important creative skills through photography that can apply to other creative fields such as art direction, advertising, and graphic arts. Changing the narrative is important to me, and I want to help inspire others to not limit their creative abilities with titles.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Right now, I am based in Savannah, GA. I was studying in Hong Kong for the past year, so I am still trying to find all the best spots in town. If my best friend was coming for a weekend, I think some major hot spots for us would be brunch at The Collins Quarter. Their location in Forsyth, the local park, is gorgeous and a perfect spot with outdoor seating. After a quick stroll through Forsyth, a drive out to Tybee Island would be a must! I love being so close to the beach. Even when it’s a little chilly outside, it’s so much fun to go and walk around. A mid-afternoon coffee from Henny Penny would get us through our afternoon drag. Walking around Starland District with a coffee in hand is a perfect afternoon activity! Stopping at all the local shops, you can find such cute and unique clothing and nick-nacks. While out in the Starland area, the next stop would be Starland Yard. With food trucks, local beers, and a DJ, it is the perfect spot to kick off the night with a drink! Dinner location is a hard choice. Savannah has so many amazing spots when it comes to food, so depending on budget and formality, there are so many great options. If we wanted a calmer night, I would definitely go to Bull St. Taco. They have such yummy street tacos and margaritas and can’t skip on the churros for dessert! If we wanted a more formal dinner, Local 11Ten is AMAZING! Such great shareable plates and entrees and of course top-notch cocktails and wine list. They also have a rooftop that immerses you into the Spanish moss while you sit in the old oak trees. There are so many amazing spots in Savannah, and I love whenever I find a new place to add to my list! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without my parents I would not be half the creative I am today. They have not only been supportive of my interest in the arts my entire life, but they have funded this interest. They are the reason I could actually consider going to art school and pursue a career in the creative industry. To this day I send my files to them so that they feel included in my creative process and see what all their support has allowed me to achieve.

Website: https://www.katieulsh.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieulsh/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieulsh/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kulshphoto

Image Credits
feature image- Coco Hubbeling work images- Katie Ulsh