Meet Shyla Keesling | Researcher/Photographer/Life Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shyla Keesling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shyla, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“No one expected me. Everything awaited me.”-Pattie Smith

This quote resonated with me the first time I heard it. To me it means understanding that nobody will be waiting for you to take charge or move forward in your life. Some of the time the outcomes in life and how you choose to deal with them are completely up to you. This is an internal drive I think we all struggle with.

The possibilities are endless to achieve goals, build yourself up, and follow your dreams! Yes, you may have love and support during your journey, and yes, you may have to face a lot of adversity or traumas along the way. However; at the end of the day YOU are all you’ve got and that next low moment in your life and how you work through it can be up to you! Nobody is expecting you to show up. You have to want it. The world is waiting for you.
We all have power and this quote just reminds me of that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Originally, I went to college to be a sign language interpreter. I worked and went to school full time to only realize that I loved clinical research. I still utilize my sign language skills and I’m grateful to know the language. Maybe I will pick up interpreting again one day.

I currently work full time in clinical research. I have managed ophthalmology, hematology, pain management, metabolic diseases and oncology research trials. Sometimes this job can be very serious and it comes with a lot of pressure. Photography became an outlet for my creative side. It’s a “soul feeding” activity for me. I love to make people feel good and connect with themselves. To remind them of who they are and the confidence they hold. You can totally watch people “open” up when I take their photos. It’s like a flower blossoming. It’s such a beautiful thing to witness!

I realized a lot of my modeling experience transposed well when guiding clients during their photo sessions. I want people to feel comfortable and enjoy their experience. Photography allows me to connect with others and that is what brings me joy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Recently my husband and I moved to Salida, Colorado. I’ve explored most of the area and still have so much to go see and experience. My favorite part of Colorado is a lot of people here share the same love for the outdoors. It feels like I’ve found my people.
The Arkansas river runs right through the town so there is quite a bit of rafting, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Not to mention all of the hiking trails throughout the town. Everyone is so warm and friendly and the views are like a dream.
A few of my favorite local spots are Highside bar and grill. It’s right on the river and they always have live music. There is an eclectic restaurant in town, The Fritz. The owner is a wonderful chef and always has unique items on the menu. Downtown Salida has so many cafes, coffee shops and cute boutiques to shop at. I feel so grateful to live here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I picked up a camera while working as a model. The idea of being behind the camera gave me such an empowering curiosity.

I worked with a talented beauty photographer by the name of Kyoung Kim located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I fell in love with the essence of how he took photos and how he manipulated light. It was just incredible! I wanted in on the magic so I bought my first camera.

Website: www.shylakeeslingphoto.com

Instagram: Shotbyshy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shyla-keesling-63627264

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/shylakeeslingphoto

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=LBkA_eiArXNb5_YeIlNPAQ&utm_source=ishare

Image Credits
Modeling photos of myself- photographer Larry Renner