Krissy Saleh is a 24-year-old photographer based out of Los Angeles who goes beyond mundane photography and alternatively seeks to evoke nostalgia while building heartfelt connections with her models. The photographs she has taken throughout her career truly exemplify the saying “the heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.” We were able to chat about how she’s come to master the art of encapsulating timeless moments behind a lens.
How would you describe your signature style, and how did you develop it?
Krissy: I love capturing candid moments that feel like memories, especially on film. I love shooting moments when girls are genuinely comfortable and having fun. Capturing them in these moments is especially important because when they look back at the pictures, they’ll feel the nostalgia that was meant to be photographed and the memories we made while shooting.
What was the defining moment that made you realize your passion for photography?
Krissy: When I was younger, I became fascinated with technology. I would code various profiles for websites, and then I discovered Photoshop and really got into the niche of editing. One Christmas, I asked for a point-and-shoot camera and a Photoshop program. If I remember correctly, I had a Nikon DSLR 5000. When I first began taking pictures of my friends I loved seeing the way they lit up. I immediately knew that I loved photography and the way it made others feel.
How did you get started? What opportunities helped get you to where you are now?
Krissy: I interned as a wedding photographer at the end of my senior year. I was then introduced to Instragam as a way to network and expose my photography. I started tagging Brandy Melville in my posts, and they reached out to me and asked me to shoot for them in Santa Monica. Being from Irvine, this was my first connection to the fashion industry. It was a super fun shoot, and it made me realize I wanted to be a fashion photographer over everything. In 2014 I became the first social media photographer for Pacsun and was photographer of the year in Seventeen Magazine. I also did an interview with Teen Vogue and have now photographed for Brandy Melville for six years. I’m grateful to do photography as a living and have met some life long friends. krissy photographer
What are your current pursuits?
Krissy: I’m currently working with girls worldwide on a project that I hope spreads empowerment. Due to the rise and expansion of social media, many feel the need to find validation through this outlet. In reality, people should love themselves for what they can contribute to the world. The promotion of beauty standards and the push to look a certain way or dress a certain way is damaging to the youth. With this project, I hope to redefine beauty standards and help others feel validated by who they are. I hope to spread the message of self-love.
From your point of view, what makes a good shot?
Krissy: Besides technicalities like lighting and location, I think the most vital element is having a good connection with your model. I view photography as a gift and a form of empowerment. Photos are so telling of the energy you have with someone, and you never know how you could possibly be impacting someone else’s life. Making someone feel loved is so important. Above creativity and perspective, what makes a good shot is empowering the model and making them feel beautiful.
What’s a run down of a shoot day? krissy photographer
Krissy: If I’m shooting with Brandy Melville, I’ll start my day by waking up early, working out, and getting coffee before I drive to Los Angeles. When I get to Brandy Melville, I pick out clothes for the shoot and meet with the models. What I really love about shoots is going beyond just being a photographer. Photography is truly such a gift and as the photographer I hold the models trust and especially their confidence When I’m with a model, it’s like I’m with a friend, and I want them to feel the same, like they’ve made a new friend they can count on. We genuinely have a lot of fun on shoots and it gets their mind off of modeling. We usually hangout and get dinner after we’re done shooting. However, if it’s a production photoshoot and not with Brandy, call time is usually at 8 a.m. Which means I wake up at 5 a.m. and get coffee before I drive to the location. We do the photoshoot on set, then get lunch. It’s not as personal as it is photographing for Brandy, but it’s still a lot of fun.
What’s the wildest shoot you’ve experienced?
Krissy: A crazy opportunity I had was when I photographed and hosted a campaign for Forever 21 and Kodak. There were three other photographers there, but I was the only female. I got to create and direct the whole shoot. I rented this space that had really cool lighting, a smoke machine, and vintage cars. Making a vision come to life that I’m in control of is something I’m incredibly passionate about. Everything aligned how I wanted it to, and the billboard was displayed at Times Square in New York. Having my friends and family fly out to see my billboard and to support me was amazing. I feel like my parents were finally able to wrap their heads around the idea that I’m a photographer, and this is my reality. They were so happy.
Do you have any current photographer influences or inspiration?
Krissy: Definitely Petra Collins, I love the way she captures moods and visions. I want to live in her brain for a day. She’s so creative, and I love the set designs she comes up with. I really admire her feminine eye and the softness in her film. Her creativity pushes me to think outside of the box. Zoey Grossman is another inspiration. She’s such a cool girl and shoots for amazing magazines, her photography emphasizes that less is more.
Any final words so we don’t leave anything unsaid?
Krissy: A message to the youth would be to know your worth. Find your beauty within and don’t hold yourself to unrealistic standards or to the standards on social media. To photographers, you hold so much power with your camera. Love others and what you’re doing instead of where your photography can take you. You have the ability to make or break someone else, and we should use our gift to build others up.
Follow Krissy on Instagram to see the world through her eyes. krissy photographer
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Check out Brent Mckeever, another notable photographer with interesting photos and a huge Instagram following.
