A Day in New York City with Photographer Kelsey Cherry

Kelsey Cherry is a food and fashion photographer with over ten years of experience. She creates connection, spreads joy, and tells her client’s stories through her work. Her photos have been featured in The New York Times, ELLE, Harpers Bazaar US, Vogue.com, and Essence. Kelsey is based in Brooklyn, NY. Her typical day involves bubble baths, developing film photography, 4pm Cortados, and some chlorophyll water to end the day with.

Kelsey on set with her assistant, Tyler.

5:00am: I am an early riser —yes, we are talking 5AM. I start my day with a bubble bath almost everyday if I can. Then followed by a green smoothie.

9:00am: I am normally on set with my assistant Tyler by this time. We spend the first hour setting up lighting and making sure we have all of our gear essentials ready for the photoshoot. Since today is just a half-day shoot, I am finished by 2pm.

2:00pm: I head to The Color House in SoHo to drop my film for it to be scanned. This is my favorite part about shooting photos. Film is timeless and elevates everything.

3:00pm: Now time to work on my mental and physical health. I spend about an hour working out and stretching, normally starting with the Peloton.

4:00pm: I very much believe in a 4pm Cortado to get through the rest of the day. I visit my pals at High Low. This is in my neighborhood and owned by some close friends. Going there feels like a little piece of home.

4:30pm: Then it's time to get organized — I check my emails, upload photos from the shoot day, and work on my calendar for the rest of the week. While I love my job I also really believe in being a good pal and not forgetting other things I love to do with my time — for example, in the summer you can catch me at the Rockaways or laying in the sun somewhere.

6:00pm: By six, I am normally meeting up with Trevor — my very sweet boyfriend. We love food and finding new spots in the city to try. Our current favorites are Gordo’s, WenWen, & Cozy Royale which all happen to be in Brooklyn.

I am also currently doing an introduction to Sommelier course that stemmed from an interest in learning more about wine and the industry. I often feel like I am way too in over my head but I am loving it so far.

10:00pm: Just like how I happen to be an early riser, I love getting those seven — or more — hours of beauty rest in. I get that eight-step skincare routine flowing, turn on my noise machine, drink some chlorophyll water, kiss my boyfriend, and hit the pillow.