Kay Elle Photography

Kris discovered her love for photography in 2009 when a high school elective introduced her to analog photography and darkroom processes. She pursued her passion at the Community College of Baltimore County, earning an A.F.A. in 2014. There, she built a strong foundation in composition, lighting, and camera techniques. After a gap year, Kris continued her education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she deepened her understanding of photography as an art form, graduating with a B.F.A. in 2017. It was there that she learned the importance of shooting with intention.

While studying, Kris began photographing local bands in Baltimore and capturing behind-the-scenes moments for various film productions. This sparked a fascination with the creative process—how a project evolves from concept to final product—something that continues to inspire her work today.

A high-energy, music-loving creative, Kris comes from a family that encouraged artistic expression in all forms, from dance and theater to modeling. She even fronted a rock band in Baltimore for a few years, performing throughout the city (with some cringe-worthy YouTube evidence to prove it). After spending three years in Los Angeles as a full-time portrait photographer, she returned to Baltimore, where she now works as an educator and photo lab assistant, helping the next generation of photographers develop their skills and artistic voices.