KELSA KAY

Originally from Milwaukee, I now find inspiration among the rolling bluffs and quiet streets of Winona, MN. For over a decade, I’ve been behind the lens, capturing life’s genuine moments through digital photography with Kay Collective. Along the way, I’ve come to appreciate not just the image itself, but the story it holds.

In recent years, I’ve fallen in love with the timeless craft of tintype photography. There’s something profoundly moving about a process that slows time, where every plate is made by hand and every image is singular. It demands presence, patience, and care. I’m drawn to the way tintypes transform transient moments into lasting keepsakes, creating portraits that are at once personal, intimate, and enduring.

My approach is simple: come as you are. I aim to capture people in their truest selves, without forcing poses or perfection. The result is a portrait that feels authentic, soulful, and imbued with a sense of history — images that you can hold, cherish, and pass down for generations.