We recently had the chance to connect with Kelsey Fugere and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Kelsey, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day starts with some movement and fresh air—I take my dogs for a walk in the Altadena foothills, which helps me clear my head before diving into the day. I usually carve out time for the gym and sauna, and I’m intentional about fueling myself with healthy meals. Afternoons are when I really get into work mode. That might mean shooting products from my home studio, connecting with clients about upcoming projects, or reviewing and receiving files from my retouching team. Every day looks a little different, but I love that balance of grounding rituals in the morning and creative, business-focused flow in the afternoon. The end of my days usually mirrors how they begin: walking my dogs in the evening, this time under the colors of the sunset.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an image maker based in Los Angeles with over a decade of experience working across beauty, product, and lifestyle imagery. Right now, a big focus for me is finding the humanness in photography. In the age of AI, where so much feels manufactured, I want to refine my business to lean even more into real connection—making images with real people and capturing authentic moments, whether that’s portraits, maternity sessions, or even pets. To me, what makes photography special is its ability to preserve emotion and memory in a way that feels alive, and that’s what I’m always working toward in my practice. I also love photographing food and ingredients in a way that highlights their natural beauty—showcasing real textures, colors, and the care that goes into preparing them. For me, it’s all about celebrating authenticity, whether that’s through people, pets, or the meals that bring us together. One of my most memorable projects was creating all the imagery for William Siff’s book The Plant Medicine Protocol. That project was so special because it was a true collaboration, and each image was made with so much love, passion, and attention to highlighting the beauty of the ingredients.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One that stands out vividly for me was a family trip to Europe when I was younger. I had my camera in hand the entire time, but I quickly realized that photographing the landmarks felt a little cliché. Instead, I found it deeply fulfilling to capture the shadow play against centuries-old architecture, fleeting expressions between strangers, and scenes that felt like unrepeatable moments in time. That was the first time I understood that my perspective was unique—that I could take something others might overlook and reveal its beauty through my lens. It shaped not only the way I see the world, but also how I approach photography today: with curiosity, reverence, and a desire to preserve the poetry in the everyday.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to stay true to her creativity and trust her intuition. Those inner nudges are there for a reason—they’re guiding you toward what feels most authentic and alive. Even when the path feels uncertain, your creativity will always be your compass, so don’t doubt it. Honor it, follow it, and let it lead the way.
What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to continuing to photograph real people in a world that’s constantly changing and becoming more technologically driven. No matter how advanced AI or digital tools become, I believe there will always be something irreplaceable about the authenticity of human connection. For me, photography isn’t just about creating an image—it’s about preserving emotion, memory, and the nuances of real life. That commitment to truth and humanness in my work is something I’ll never compromise, no matter how long it takes.
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I feel very strongly that I’m doing what I was born to do. Photography has always aligned so naturally with the way I see the world and express my creativity. My path with it has felt relatively “easy,” not because there weren’t challenges, but because it resonates so deeply with who I am. I’ve always loved the opportunity to document people and objects in their best light—literally and figuratively. It feels less like something I chose, and more like something that chose me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kelseyfugere.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyfugere/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseyfugere/
Image Credits
Model fur coat: Cameron Patterson for Sofia Kaman Jewelry MUA by Sparkle Tafao
Man in car: Brock Morse Portrait Session
Model with gloss: Jordyn Renee for Good Weird
Girl with camera: Sydnie Miller Creative Direction: Morgan McDonnell
portrait with red: Mike Asafu for Lumin
Tomatoes: no credits
Spices: shot for The Plant Medicine Protocol by William Siff Prop Styling: Monika Bukowska
Health Shots: shot for The Plant Medicine Protocol by William Siff Prop Styling: Monika Bukowska
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