The Free Public Library of Monroe Township has a new collection of photography on display in its lobby.
The works belong to Williamstown resident Kaylee McGrath, a 28-year-old photographer. Thirty pieces of McGrath’s work, part of her “Landscapes & Nature” collection, were unvieled on October 1, and they will remain up until December 30.
The library hosted a small reception for her gallery on October 22, and a second reception will be held on Thursday, November 19 at 6 p.m. At the October reception, McGrath said she also had about 20 of her photos printed on metal and acrylic blocks set on display in the main library room.
Williamstown photographer Kaylee McGrath
McGrath’s photography focuses on nature and relaxing landscapes. Originally from Barnegat in Ocean County (she moved to Williamstown in May 2025), McGrath is fond of the Jersey Shore, and it is showcased in much of her work. Other photos in her collection were shot at locations in town, Gloucester County, Newport, RI and Ireland.
McGrath initially got into photography when she studied at Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools and took classes on multimedia and technology. However, it was not until the pandemic that she really was reinspired to connect with photography and further pursue it.
“When everyone was in lockdown, I felt very isolated, so I started to take some photos of nature and the moon, and it started to help me as a therapeutic thing,” McGrath said. “After that, I continued with it, because I felt that it was a very good way to help me mentally.”
She established her photography business, Red Rose Kay Photography and Multimedia, in 2022. Since, she has continued to build up her portfolio. She also is continuing to expand her discipline and education.
“I’m mainly a nature and landscape photographer, but I’m trying to also get into doing portraiture work,” she said.
Additionally, she has been taking photography classes online with Rowan University to expand her skills and knowledge. She is working on her portraiture in these classes.
In addition to photography, McGrath advocates for people with disabilities. She is neurodivergent and on the autism spectrum herself, so she understands what it can be like to be underrepresented, as well as the challenges many neurodivergent people face, such as building relationships after high school or college.
Over the summer, McGrath started her organization Hidden No More, a social group start up for neurodivergent adults and adults with various disabilities to meet other people in safe, judgement free zones. Once her group gets more traction and social meetups begin, perhaps at local restaurants or cafe, McGrath hopes individuals will be able to build strong bonds with new friends.
For more information on McGrath and her work, go to www.redrosekayphoto-multimedia.com.
Some of Kaylee McGrath’s photography work on display during her gallery reception at the Free Public Library of Monroe Township on October 22.
