Keeley Morris is our Artist of the Month
BCAC – How long have you been photographing?
Keeley – I’ve always been the person with a camera in hand—whether it was a disposable, an old floppy-disk digital, or a point-and-shoot. About four years ago during COVID, I bought my first “real” camera, a Nikon D5100, from someone who needed rent money. (I really hoped it wasn’t stolen—I did my best to check!) That’s when the fun began. Since then, photography has been a way for me to capture moments, especially in nature and wildlife, and connect more deeply with the world around me. I am an amateur at best. Currently, I use a Panasonic Lumix, my first mirrorless camera! I am learning something new every day with it and look forward to always learning more! If anyone wants to take me under their wing and teach me I can pay you in amazing desserts etc!
BCAC – Please list an art organization you have belonged to and any leadership positions you have held with them.
Keeley – I haven’t yet been part of formal art organizations, but I’ve participated in local photography communities and online groups where I’ve shared my work, learned from others, and encouraged new photographers. I have often donated canvas prints to auction to help raise money toward charities I am involved in and or support.
BCAC – Please list any honors or awards you’ve received.
Keeley – No official awards yet, but my favorite “honors” are when someone tells me that my photo made them feel something—peace, nostalgia, curiosity etc. To me, that’s more meaningful than any ribbon or certificate. I take photos for me, it makes me happy. I wish more people did things that made them happy… more happiness in the world sounds great to me!
BCAC – What do you enjoy most about working as a photographer?
Keeley – The joy of noticing things that others might pass by—the way light falls on a tree or how no sunset is ever the same. Photography has trained me to slow down and actually see the world around me.
BCAC – How did you become interested in photography?
Keeley – It started with being “that person” who always had a disposable camera at gatherings, capturing photos of my family and friends. When I got my Nikon, I finally had the tools to experiment beyond snapshots. Once I started chasing wildlife and landscapes, I was hooked—there’s something magical about freezing a memorable moment and being able to revisit it forever. I have had some “you should have been there to believe it moments” and luckily I have the photo to back it up!
BCAC – What is your favorite aspect of creating art?
Keeley – I love that art can communicate without words. A photo can hold peace, chaos, humor, danger or sadness—and the viewer gets to make it their own. That exchange between myself and the viewer feels like a quiet conversation.
BCAC – Name some artists you admire or who have influenced you
Keeley – I admire photographers like Ansel Adams for his endless patience with landscapes—I’m still working on that level of zen myself. I’m also inspired by wildlife photographers who somehow manage to capture wild animals in these beautifully intimate ways. Art Wolfe, for example, has such an incredible eye for color and composition—his work feels both artistic and alive.
Outside of photography, music is a huge influence on me. I listen to just about everything—my playlists look like they were made by three completely different people. One of my favorite things to do is take my dog on hikes, camera in hand, music in one earbud (gotta stay safe from mountain lions and rogue squirrels), and just see what the day brings.
BCAC – What other influences affect your artistic work?
Keeley – Nature is my biggest influence—it doesn’t rush, it doesn’t apologize, it just is. How nice it would be to live life like this at all times…
BCAC – What are some creative challenges you face? And how do you overcome them?
Keeley – One challenge is not comparing my work to others (I’m still pretty new to this). It’s easy to feel like everyone else has better gear, better skills/technique, better access, or better timing. I overcome it by reminding myself that my unique perspective is my strength and photography makes me happy!
BCAC – What is your biggest success as an artist?
Keeley – Honestly, my biggest success is sticking with it. Four years ago, I didn’t know anything about aperture or shutter speed. Now, photography feels like an extension of myself. Each photo I take that resonates with someone else feels like a little success stacked on top of the last one.
BCAC – What do you see as your biggest failure?
Keeley – Probably the times I didn’t bring my camera because I thought, “Eh, there won’t be anything worth shooting.” I’ve missed some incredible skies and wildlife moments that way. Lesson learned: always bring the camera. Honestly, other than that I do not focus on failures!!! Even blurry or unfocused photos capture something!
BCAC – What type or style of art do you specialize in?
Keeley – I lean toward wildlife and nature photography, but I also enjoy candid moments—capturing the in-between expressions of people that feel real and unposed.
BCAC – If you could offer a younger you a piece of advice, what would it be?
Keeley – Don’t wait until you have the “perfect” gear. Just start shooting. Creativity doesn’t care what kind of camera you use—it cares that you show up.
BCAC – What emotions or ideas do you hope viewers take away from your work?
Keeley – I hope they feel a sense of connection and presence. That they pause, even for a second, and notice the beauty in small details or fleeting moments they might otherwise overlook.
BCAC – How has your artistic style evolved over time?
Keeley – In the beginning, I just clicked away at anything and everything. Now, I’m more intentional—I think about light, composition, and mood. But I still try to keep a sense of playfulness, because that’s what got me started.
BCAC – What role does imperfection play in your creative process?
Keeley – A big one. Nature doesn’t stand still, animals don’t pose, and lighting isn’t always perfect. Some of my favorite shots are the “imperfect” ones where something unexpected happened—that’s where the magic is.
BCAC – How do you handle creative blocks?
Keeley – I step away. Sometimes I’ll just take a walk without my camera and remind myself why I love observing the world. Inspiration usually sneaks back in when I’m not forcing it. Also, my spouse of almost 19 years is a great support and is very creative herself. When I am stuck, I love bouncing ideas off her or getting her input! She is always so helpful and empowering! She is my number one biggest fan (and I couldn’t be more thankful!)
BCAC – Other than art, what brings you joy?
Keeley – Spending time outdoors (hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, biking, rollerblading), my pets, music, sports (Soccer and Rugby are my favorites) and entertaining and cooking for friends and family. We love a good game night!