Meet Kara Hudzinski | Wedding, Elopement & Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Kara, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today without risk. It’s like they say, “no risk, no reward”. I didn’t really apply that to my life until a few years ago. I grew up following a path that seemed “normal”. There didn’t seem to be another path I could take. Sure, investing in a college education was a risk, and taking a job as a nurse in an intensive care unit was a risk. At the time, however, that just seemed like what I was supposed to do. And then day after day, I was forcing myself to go to a job that made me mentally miserable. When I made the decision to be a nurse at the age of 20, I didn’t know how much life would change, and I would grow in 10 years.

My mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, and she passed away six months later. She was the strongest, kindest, and hardest working human I knew. Close to the end of her life, she told me all she wanted for me was to be happy. When I lost one of my favorite humans, it really stopped me in my tracks. I continued in my normal routine, but I felt this major shift. It took me another year and a half to figure out that my nursing career was far from a source of happiness for me. So, I took a risk, and left a stable career in the middle of the pandemic. I took another risk, and decided that photography was the career I wanted and needed. Then, I decided I wanted to start my own photography business in Colorado, far away from anyone I knew, but in the mountains that are a source of peace and happiness for me. I owe my husband a lifetime of thank yous for supporting me, believing in me, and taking this huge risk with me.

So after a series of risks, here I am, the proud owner of Kara Hudzinski Photography, LLC in a state that I love. I strive to capture each unique person, family, and couple, with a backdrop that can give them calm and peace like it does me. I do my best every day to bring happiness and beautiful memories to my clients. I want them to see themselves in the beautiful way that I see them. I’d say risk plays a big role in my life and career in such an amazing way. My business is still a risk, especially in such a saturated and competitive industry, but it’s one that means everything to me. This risk is so worth it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a wedding, elopement, and portrait photographer. I capture the beautiful and unique relationships between people. In my work, I strive to help create moments and memories for my clients to look back on for years to come. I am drawn to all of the beauty that Colorado has to offer, so my sessions take place in the great outdoors with the warmth of natural light.

I get so excited to capture love in any form. All are welcome in my business. Creating a comfortable environment where people can be themselves is so important to me. Being in front of a camera can be intimidating, but with my unique prompts and laid back personality, I am able to help my clients be more relaxed and have a fun experience. It is an honor to help create and capture the vision that couples have for their wedding day and how they want to look back on that day, whether it’s just the the two of them or a whole party with family and friends.

Photography is my second career, and I am all in! I put so much effort and time into creating high quality photos to serve my clients. I truly LOVE what I do, and I think that reflects in my brand. My love for the mountains plays a huge role in my business as well. They bring me so much peace, and I love sharing some of my favorite places with people.

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 based in Colorado Springs, and we are so blessed with some of the most amazing places to visit! I love the diverse landscape here. I would absolutely take them to see Garden of the Gods, including some areas of the park that are much less crowded. One of my favorite things to do is just take a drive through the mountains. If it was winter, we would go skiing in Summit County. Lake Dillon is one of my favorite areas in Colorado. Of course Pike’s Peak is always on the list. We might also go play disc golf at one of the many courses near Denver, possibly Beaver Ranch. Before a day of exploring, I would take them to a local restaurant like Mountain Shadows in Old Colorado City, or grab a cup of coffee from Frankly Coffee or if I’m being honest- Dutch Bros. My Midwestern friends really miss out on that one. We would be sure to check out one of the many local breweries as well! Denver Biscuit Co. is another yummy spot. Oh, and I can’t forget to take them to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Feeding the giraffes is the best!

I have already done so much exploring since I moved here from St. Louis, Missouri a few months ago, but there is so much more to see!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my husband Josh. He has done so much for me to help me in starting my own photography business. From encouraging me to follow my dreams and make a huge career change, to changing jobs so we could move to my dream location of Colorado to open my business, it’s safe to say I owe him the biggest shoutout of all. He has endured countless hours of being my “muse” and tagging along to scout photoshoot locations with me. Words can’t express how thankful I am that he believes in me and supports my photography business.

Website: karahudzinskiphotography.com

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

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/karahudzinskiphotography/

Other: Example Client Galleries: https://karahudzinskiphotography.pixieset.com/

Image Credits
Kara Hudzinski Photography, LLC