©Somer Kreisman
©Portfolio - Summer Kreisman
Somer Kreisman is a running photographer and physical therapist based in the Pacific Northwest. Her work captures movement with a rare intimacy—shaped by years spent both behind the lens and on the trails. With roots on Whidbey Island and a background in fine art photography, Somer brings a unique perspective to the stories she tells through images.
INTRODUCTIONS 47.9983° N, 122.4395° W
ᵃMy name is Somer Kreisman and I’m a running photographer and physical therapist. I’m also an identical twin and whippet mom.
ᵠWhere are you from and how has that influenced how you see the world? ᵃI grew up on Whidbey Island. Growing up in a beautiful place helped me develop a deep appreciation for nature and being outside. I had a darkroom in my garage, and spent most of my middle school and high school years either hiding behind a camera or in the photo classroom. Small town living has both pros and cons, but I think the best gift it gave me in my formative years was this sense that I had to earn my way out of it, whether it was through art, sports, academic achievement, or else I’d be stuck there forever. Whether real or all in my head, this mindset kept me hungry. I think I will always carry a bit of that within me.
©Q
How did this all start for you—running, shooting, storytelling? What was the entry point?
Before everything else, I was a photographer. I started running in my teen years - never competitively, always just for fun. After getting a BFA in photography in 2012 and badly burned out in this photo program I was in, I abruptly set the camera down to get a doctorate in physical therapy. I didn’t touch a camera again until 2020. I had evolved into more of a runner, joined a local club team, ran a lot of races. Then I met Ryan Thrower (pre-freetrail) in early 2020 who was shooting a lot of races, and he helped me find joy in shooting again (and taught me how to use Lightroom, test modeled on a million for-fun shoots, and helped with a million other things along the way— thanks Ryan!).
ON CREATING
Do you see yourself more as an artist who moves or an athlete who makes art?
It’s hard to untangle the two. I am a person who moves, and in this, it inspires the art I make. I often struggle with owning the identity of artist and claiming that title, which I think is a lot like the people who run but immediately clarify and say, “but I’m not a runner.”
©Q
How do you feel photography influences the way you see the world? How do you feel running influences the way you experience the world?
Photography forces me to pay attention to the details. To the small moments. To the way the light changes minute to minute. It makes me more aware and present.
©Q
When do you feel the most connected with what you’re doing or photographing?
This usually happens for me on scouting days. When time can move slower and I can really dig in and think about how I want to capture imagery in an environment. Oftentimes it’s a camera-less run or hike through a space, really processing the terrain and considering timing elements. In this, when it comes to the shoot day, I feel more locked in and in a flow with shooting, with less mental clutter. Also, in getting to run through the terrain that the athletes will be running through (whether for a race or product shoot), this helps me more accurately capture the experience.
Introducing
Does the act of making photos give you energy? Also, how do you slow down and create space to chill?
Y E S. I feel most myself and alive when I’m creating. I’m still learning how to slow down. I think there’s a lot to be said for momentum, and riding creative waves. I usually chill by going for trail runs (without a camera), or hanging out with my dog, who doesn’t care at all about any photo I’ve ever taken.
©Q
ᵠWho or what’s been inspiring you lately? ᵃLately, wildflowers. The world’s kinda nuts right now, and they’re adding some much needed softness to it right now. What’s next for you? What are you chasing — physically, creatively, or both?
ᵠWhat is next for you? ᵃ I want to keep growing as both a runner and a photographer. I’d like to race more than I’m currently able to, I’d also like to continue to grow my photo skills and meet other creators in this unique niche. More than anything, I want more time to do it all.
©Somer Kreisman
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