Humans of Hofstra: Brianna Kelsh

Photo Courtesy of Brianna Kelsh

“My goal is to photograph political and social movements one day. Back home, I photographed the Women’s March and Bernie [Sanders’] rallies. My dream project is something where I would be able to work with a very exclusive group of people. I like to celebrate different realms of diversity, and I like to capture that in my art. My dream job would probably be somewhere earthy. I don’t know if that makes sense. Somewhere where there is a big canopy of trees. I’m inspired by Greek goddess-era art – kind of where it looks dreamy, with light fabrics draped over the body and rocks, and covered in flowers. But I would want there to be people of different races, religions, sexualities and stuff. I think it would be really cool to put them in such a natural climate. I’m in the journalism and photography departments here. I think a lot of the professors are very experienced. I’ve learned a lot more about myself and my craft. I’d say coming into Hofstra, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do journalistically, I was just interested in the idea of journalism. Since I’ve been here, I’ve realized what I want to do. I’m very interested in social movements and that sort of thing. I have realized I can take the studies of journalist photography and my passion for social change and put that into my career. My political opinions have definitely developed more. Hofstra has made more aware of different races, religions, sexualities and just people in general. Where I came from was already pretty diverse; Denver, Colorado has a very diverse climate. Art is the most powerful tool we have [and] this might be a bold statement, but it’s so interpretive. It’s such a powerful tool to me.”