Meet Darcy Kiefel | Professional Photographer

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

Hi Darcy, how do you think about risk?
I feel I’ve taken risks since birth! I have always chosen the road less traveled (both personally and professionally). It has served me well and enriched my outlook on life and career in more ways than I could ever have imagined.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my career as a professional photographer in Europe. At the time, there were no women covering the men’s 10 month calendar of cycling. It was challenging and there were many days I would return to the hotel in tears. However, I would take a deep breath, shrug my shoulders, and carry on the next day like the men. My take? It’s the talent; not the gender! I really wasn’t taken seriously until I was hired as staff photographer for a Belgium magazine, Cyclisme Internationale. I sat on the back of a motorcycle approximately 25 days out of each month, covering races from the end of January through the end of October. That’s when my career took off. One interview called me the ‘pioneer’ woman photographer for cycling. I called it a relief. However, ten years of cycling was enough for me. I decided to focus on humanitarian efforts. I was incredibly fortunate to be in the right place at the right time when introduced to Heifer International. My first journey with Heifer was Peru to document a Giving of the Gift ceremony (alpacas) and the start of a beautiful relationship. My eight years as photojournalist with Heifer International impacted every aspect of my life and every journey inspiring me to the core. And the proudest moment in my career? A United Nations exhibit in New York of my work with Heifer for an unprecedented 6 week period. Since COVID, my humanitarian work has decreased but I have joy in photographing beautiful moments in time for families, events and celebrations. My style is ‘images in living color’ and do very little editing. I believe a photograph should reflect the photographer’s patience and talent. Perhaps it’s old school but I am just as busy today as I was 30 years ago and extremely grateful for that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am athletic, an outdoor fanatic, and extremely passionate about Mother Nature. Colorado and our surrounding states are rich in beauty with US National Parks we should all be proud of. I recently had a friend from France come to visit. We put a thousand miles on my Subaru with my two dogs and camping gear in tow; visiting sites in Colorado, Utah and the Royal Arches, and last of all New Mexico. Hot Springs, mountains, spiraling rocks, mountain biking, skiing, great foods. We had a great time!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I believe most of my inspiration comes from how I choose to live my life. I strive to remain positive and grounded when facing challenges both professionally and personally. I tend to stick by individuals who have inspired me with their courage and strengths. My sister, Jody, is one of them. She is my best friend and voice of reason when I just want to chase the rainbow. My two sons, Sergei and Kirill. One has been my gift; the other, my teacher. Last of all, (and they remain a profound influence in my life), those I have met, photographed and interviewed in my humanitarian journeys to nearly 100 countries, Extraordinary beings who have survived the unimaginable with courage, dignity and strength to move forward under the most horrific situations. They are the true heroes of our world. Many of them grace the walls of my home and are my every day reminder to live each day to the fullest and appreciate what we have been gifted.

Website: kiefelphotography.com

Instagram: @kiefelphotography

Linkedin: Darcy Kiefel

Facebook: Kiefel Photography