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

Hi Alena, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’m not sure it was ever something of question for me – I was never the type to excel in math or science in school, I am still a very educated person, however my heart has always been drawn to taking art classes and learning how to do things in creative ways. When I don’t create I notice my mood changes, creativity has just always been installed inside of me, so pursuing a creative career only made sense.

As nice as money is, it really came down to me being a true fine art photographer.

I don’t do it for money, but I’m honestly just so thankful that I AM able to successfully enjoy what I do on a daily basis and have income from it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think the biggest thing I’ve incorporated into my art is being okay with not having “technically” perfect shots. That it’s okay to mis focus or have blur-motion and that, alone can be beautiful art in itself. Now Obviously I have to combat that with knowing not every shot should be that way, and that there’s definitely a specific way to make it work in a really beautiful “fine art” way, but perfection isn’t everything, and I think that putting ourselves in a box of perfection is the worst thing possible for creative people.

I think the biggest thing for me professionally is continuously being proud and excited about the work I’m putting out there. I just wouldn’t do it if I wasn’t putting my all into every session I go into.

I would say, even being six years in, I’m still not where I want to be professionally. I would love to be more picky with the work and the clients I take on, I know how silly that sounds, but if I could only do elopements and more intimate styled family/couple sessions that have a purpose or activity behind them, then that’s what I would do every day. But for now, I’m still loving and taking everything I can get 🙂

Being self employed isn’t linear income, we have busy seasons and slow seasons and It’s something I’m still trying to navigate while living in an area that’s cold a good chunk of the year!

I think becoming fully self employed has truly helped me be authentic to myself, I get to fully express who I am as a person, my clients get to know me for the person I actually am, and luckily they love me for that.

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?
honestly not a huge city person so I’m not sure how well I can answer this, but my personal dream day is plant stores, thrifting & hiking! There’s some really beautiful areas that I love to hike and explore at outside of boulder that I try to take all my friends to. Really makes for a lovely day

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly it’s my clients. The way they support me is unmatched. My clients truly turn into friends, because of who I am as a person. It’s so so important to me to have that relationship with my clients where they feel as if they can reach out to me for help, with timelines or ideas.

The way they trust my vision when it comes to creating is HUGE.

I 1000% would not have the success I have without the every day support I have from my clients, so h=thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

Website: www.alenamichellephotography.com

Instagram: @alenamichellephoto

Facebook: Alena Michelle Photography

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.