Meet Liz Zorn

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

Hi Liz, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance has been something that I have honestly struggled with as I’ve gotten older. It was so easy for me to pour my soul into my photography business when I lived at home, didn’t have other responsibilities, and didn’t have to worry about bills or paying for things. That’s when my photography business first started. As I’ve grown up more, moved into my own apartment, had to start paying bills… it’s been harder to balance. At this point in time, as most of us know, it is very hard to live comfortably in this current economy. Things seems to be more expensive than they ever have been (rent, insurances, groceries, gas, etc.). I had to get a “day job” recently, simply to help me pay for the necessities I need to survive, because my photography business alone wasn’t doing it anymore as prices kept going up. At some point, I would love to be doing photography again full time, and not have to worry about having another day-job. But until living and life expenses lower, it’s all about finding that work life balance between my dream career, my current job, friends & family, my relationship, resting, other hobbies, etc., that can be so tough to figure out. For example, I try to make sure that I get at least one or two things that need to be done every day after work, and after 10pm I allow myself time to rest before bed. Having a social life during the work week is hard for me as I come home from work so tired, so doing things on the weekend when I don’t have client photoshoots scheduled has been best for me. It’s all about finding what works for you. I tend to like having a sort of routine as much as I can. Routine seems to help me schedule out my balance in ways that work best for me.

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.
I am a portrait and lifestyle photographer, although I love to shoot landscape and nature as well! I have been into photography since I got my first disposable camera at age 4, and my first digital point-and-shoot camera at age 10. Photography was always a fun hobby to me, and not something I ever really imagined myself trying to build a career out of. After experiencing the loss of my dad when I was only 19 years old, I realized that photos are one of the most valuable things that we can have in this life. They represent memories. While it seems dark, photo memories are permanent when other parts of life are not always so. I am so thankful for the photos I have of my dad, and will value them for the rest of my life. Of course it’s not always so dark, but this was the push for me to really put my life into photography, and creating memories for others to treasure forever, too. I mean, how fun is it to look at older photos of your family and reminisce, or your relationship when you had just started dating compared to now? Comparing the differences and remembering all the happiness and joy associated with those times in the past! “A picture can speak 1,000 words…” One part of my style that is unique is that my favorite types of photos are candid photos. I love to capture a genuine smile, or a natural loving glance at your partner or your kids… Life is not staged or posed, and while posed photos are still wonderful, I do believe the best images are the ones that show raw emotion and the most real version of you. Those are the special ones.

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.
While the city of Denver and it’s suburbs have always been home to me, I would try to spend most of their visit in the mountains, which in my opinion, is the best part of Colorado. One of my favorite places to eat recently has been the Blackbird Cafe in the small mountain town of Kittredge. About a 20 minute drive from the town of Morrison (Red Rocks amphitheater), this breakfast/lunch spot sits right on the bank of a beautiful creek and hillside of pine trees. Food is good, drinks are good, atmosphere is peaceful and wonderful. Although make note they don’t take reservations and it is usually pretty busy on the weekends.
If you are looking for a mountain town to visit and explore located within a few hours of Denver city, some of my favorites include Evergreen, Estes Park, Frisco, Idaho Springs, and Breckenridge.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Before putting most of my efforts into photography, I spent 7 or so years building a name for myself as a model in Denver. Throughout my modeling days, I met and learned from so many amazing photographers within the industry. As soon as I would mention I was also into photography, they were so eager and excited to teach me things about being behind the camera as well. They were always willing to share their experience and knowledge to help me grow. All of their different styles and visions have inspired me so much over the years, and have helped me to discover my own style as well. I am a collection of every photographer who mentored me over the years!

Instagram: @lizornphotography @lizorntravels