Tell us a little about yourself.

My names Kelsey Gray, I was called little Kelsey because of sharing a name with my dad until I outgrew him by almost a foot and about 80 lbs. Currently I am 26 years only and living probably the most modestly cheap life I could get away with in this country. I am writing a rock climbing guide for Alaska and putting all of my time and energy into that endeavor. Should I call it a job? I’m not sure but when I am hanging from a rope in the mountains with the beauty of Alaska staring me in the face I can’t help but think that work couldn’t get any better. When I sleep in something called a house its usually in Anchorage. It seems this summer the majority of my time is spent out of the back of my trusty 89 Jeep Cherokee named “HING MARIN” by the piece of wood I use as a back windshield. If you see it on the side of the road it’s either broke or I’m climbing nearby.

Rock climbing Hatcher Pass, Alaska

What is your background/training in photography?

I don’t have any actual training in Photography. I started out just taking a ton of pictures. Eventually I started to learn what I liked and what I didn’t. Personally I think the reason I have any pictures work looking at is because of the places I have put myself. I started photography with the thought of you want to get a good picture, take a bunch of them. Hooray for the digital revolution!

Ice Climbing Ptarmigan Peak, Chugach Range, Alaska

How long has photography been a passion for you? When, where and how did it start?

Photography started for me when I bought a Fuji F700. I started seeing some things which I wanted others to experience but it wasn’t always easy or possible to bring those people with me. So I took a camera. Eventually I wanted to help others see the world through my eyes and hopefully motivate everyone who has ever settled into a life of staying in one place to break that monotony. It’s been about 4 years now that I have been taking pictures.

Jungfrau , Switzerland

What equipment is in your camera bag? What piece of equipment will be added to the collection next?

Currently I am using the not so new 20d which I bought used and the kit lens it came with. I also have the 50mm 1.8 which I bought used. I think the camera bag I bought new, so something’s new there. There is also a copy of a book called the ABC’s of Enlightenment (which has nothing to do with photography but is phenomenal none the less.) Then I have a lens cap that doesn’t fit any of me lenses and a lens pen. I would love to build up my lens and equipment stash but I can’t seem to stop buying plane tickets long enough to purchase gear! Next is probably a lens that is above 50mm so I don’t have to get so close all the time.

Shasta Miller on Es Pontas, Mallorca, Spain

What are your favorite places/subjects to photograph? Why?

My favorite place is anywhere in nature. Foreign countries are definitely a bonus especially if I am outside for them. I love photographing rock climbing but I think mountains are my true passion. Every peak speaks a different language and they are amazing just to see.

John Borland on Ancient Art, Moab,Utah

Who are your biggest photographic influences? Why? What about their work influences your work?

I haven’t really had many photographic influences. Possibly Bradford Washburn, or Corey Rich simply because they took pictures of the outdoors and any climbing photographer who has found out how to make a living that way. They are definitely my influences! I love how you can take something and mix it with something else amazing to make money. Oddly enough my biggest photographic influences don’t yield a camera. They are my parents and the loyal band of their friends who have constantly commented on my photo’s over the years. Know one has been as great an influence as the commentary that they have given me. Although those to come closest are the dgrin family!

Boats in Krabi, Thailand

How long have you been Smug with your photographs? What features do you most enjoy with your SmugMug account?

I have been a smugger since I was roaming Europe in the summer of 2007 and my internet accounts went down. My favorite smugmug feature is the easy from upload to thumbnail. It always seems as though everything is super easy to use. I think beyond everything though are the incredible people at Smugmug and Dgrin. They have made it the absolute best experience I could ever have hoped for in a photography site. Oh and the smugmug strap is great too, thanks to the strap I no longer have an uncomfortable red burn across my neck!

Colusseum Rome, Italy

If you had do sum up in 50 words or less the impact SmugMug has made on your photography/photography business, those 50 words would be...

Smugmug is the reason I have even gone through with the process of selling my photo’s. If it wasn’t for them I am not sure I would even have continued to post my photo’s like I do.

Baby Monkeys in Guatemala

If you had to give one piece of advice to those wanting to pursue photography, what would you tell them?

Follow the rules that way you know how to thoroughly break them. It is never too early or to late to get out and start finding the world. There are so many amazing things to photograph and the only thing holding you back is yourself. And lastly don’t be afraid to sell your stuff there’s someone out there as crazy as you who will buy your crazy picture, you just have to put it out there for some crazy to see it.

Shasta Miller in El Potrero Chico, Mexico