Meet Kalei Kochevar | Photographer & Business Owner

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

Hi Kalei, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was, why not? Life is so short to not do the thing you love doing. During COVID, with all the spare time I had, it really helped me get to know myself more and the hobbies I enjoy. Photography has been around me since youth due to my father always having his camera around snapping pictures. This is what started my love for the camera and wanting to share that love with you all through starting a photography business. I was a bit scared, due to the thought of failing or not succeeding with my business. Though, I learned to take that risk and to jump in head first and make this business everything I have ever wanted it to be and more.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The art of capturing people through photos is truly a one of a kind feeling. Nothing beats making people gasp or smile uncontrollably after seeing photos of themselves. To be able to show people themselves through a different perspective and show them how beautiful they are is something quite special.

It was not easy to build my portfolio and become a professional photographer. You have to overcome the challenges from not others…but yourself. I needed to show up everyday and become better, take lessons, and put myself out there and meet new people. When business gets slow during certain seasons, you have to overcome the overthinking and fear. A lesson I learned was, I know it sounds cheesy and cliche but, to never give up. It’s true when running a business, especially a business that is meant to service others.

I want the world to know about myself and my brand is the love I have for my clients. Meeting all new people is truly such a beautiful experience and so exciting to see new perspectives and experiences. I am so grateful new clients and previous ones are giving me the opportunity to embrace them and capture their special occasions, moments, and most importantly, them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take her through the mountains into Denver. One of the first places I would take her is this amazing Chinese restaurant called, Fortune Wok to Table in Cherry Creek. Then after we would possibly walk around Cherry Creek and enjoy a fun part of Denver. Then we would move onto Meow Wolf, this is such a fun place to go and the people there are so fun and welcoming!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom and dad were my biggest supporters in my photography journey. They helped push me to be better and put myself out there, they helped me believe in myself. I truly don’t know where my photography business would be without them encouraging me to show others my work and love for it. Till this day my parents help me with my business and show me love when I need it the most. Owning a business is a lot and I am so grateful I am lucky enough to have such a great support system to help me up when I feel down.

Website: https://Kaleielizabethphotography.mypixieset.com

Instagram: Kaleielizabeth.photography