We had the good fortune of connecting with Mel King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mel, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am born and raised Colorado native. I was born to a family that was less-than normal. We were all creative in our own ways–I had a grandpa who was a country music singer, an aunt who became famous for her abstract art, and a dad who has become one of the best french-trained chefs in Denver. So needless to say, I was always around art, and the process of creating something beautiful. When I hit high school, I picked up a camera for the first time, and I was certain that it was going to be my personality for the rest of my life. I ventured away from photography for a long time and tried to be a painter, a sketch-artist, and a singer–none of which panned out. I went to college for Human Services and mental health, but as I continued in that career, I noticed that my soul was not fulfilled.
When my boyfriend purchased his Nikon D3400, I saw how much fun it was for him to capture moments he found inspiring when he was running around Denver on his days off. Finally after he got his next 2 cameras (on top of a slew of old film cameras), I finally got back into photography.
The creators around me from childhood to now have inspired me to look at the world in a way that reminds me of the beauty that this world holds. I picked up my own camera in April 2022, and have been able to find the creative spark that I always sought out as a child.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Though there are thousands of photographers here in Denver, I stand out in the crowd for a variety of reasons. I am motivated and don’t turn down any new learning opportunities. If someone asks me to be their photographer for something that is not in my wheelhouse, I will take the opportunity and charge forward with confidence–knowing that I will make mistakes that I can learn from.
I ensure that everyone I work with feels comfortable with me. I make a point to include my clients and models in the creative process. If I am taking photos of someone, they are welcomed and encouraged to provide me with feedback in the moment of what they are comfortable with, ideas they want to bring to life, and what they want to change about a specific shot.
None of my proces has been something I could call “easy”–everything comes with it’s challenges. I struggle with confidence and imposter syndrome just like the next person. However, I push through those self-doubts because I know in my heart, that I am doing what I love, and I don’t consider it work. I remind myself that no one else is going to speak up for me if I can’t speak up for myself, so why not say what needs to be said? Why not do what it takes to get what you want?

I want the world to know that I am a hard-working creator that will strive to make your experience the best you could have when you work with me. I love bringing a safe and fun space to people’s lives and I am down to adventure and explore! My brand ties into my story, and I want to capture moments that will last a lifetime, becase we never really know how long that is for anyone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First stop: Pie Hole. It doesn’t matter if it’s 11am or 11pm, it’s the best pizza I have ever had in Denver and I take everyone there!

Second: Kaladi coffee. They roast their own beans in house and make a delicious Americano! Besides, who can say no to a delicious coffee?

Third: Goddess Isis Metaphysical store. I would show them my favorite store to buy tarot, smudge sticks, incense, and herbs. It is one of my safe places here in the city and I always feel at peace when I walk in.

Fourth: The Denver Central Market. They have an alley that spans about 5 blocks that is covered in artistic murals and street art that is captivating and ever-changing. I love just walking around to people-watch and take photos of moments in time that will never happen again.

Fifth: Red Rocks–film on the rocks specifically. Have you ever seen The Big Lebowski on their big screen as you get rained on in a poncho, eating popcorn, drinking a beer? It’s life-changing.

Sixth: Garden of the Gods. I have only been there once, but it was memorable and I would love to spend an entire day just playing outside with big beautiful rocks!

Seventh: Twist & Shout. One of the coolest vinyl stores I have ever visited. It’s right next door to a Tattered Cover (which is also amazing) and then we would walk down Colfax a few blocks to grab some Voodoo donuts–because why not?!

Eighth: Black Sky Brewery. Not only do they have delicious beers, but they blast the best heavy metal and have trivia nights, and their pizza is absolutely amazing (it competes with Pie Hole).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to my boyfriend, James. He has been my rock and biggest inspiration since the day I met him. His passion for music and photography has made a huge and significant impact in how I will see the world for the rest of my time on this planet. He was the person who continued to motivate me on the days that I wanted to give up on my goals, and he was the one who helped me learn all of the basics with photography all over again after my 18 year hiatus. He was the person who sat next to me and helped me learn the basics of how to edit without ruining a photo, and how to see something beautiful in a space that may not appear that way to others. James has been the one who motivated me to start my own business and guide me to success with his words of affirmation, critical feedback, and words of praise.
James, I love you so much and cannot imagine what my journey would have looked like if you were never by my side. I am eternally grateful!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mermaidmoonchild94/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelKPhotos94

Image Credits
Photographer: Me (Mel K Photography LLC) Models: Red hair (Melissa Tye) Family (anonymous) Blonde hair (Liv) Long Brunette (Rebecca Ramirez) Vanity photo (Sam Craig) Male (Alex Lopez)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.