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

Hi Amelia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued my passion. I have always needed an outlet for my creative juices to flow. Once I started doing photography, I knew that this was going to be longer than just a phase. I fell in love with it very quickly, and realized that I wanted to expand the industry to include people of all shapes and sizes, backgrounds, cultures, and more! As I matured in my craft, I realized that there is a need for photographers who display people of all walks of life in their portfolios. I strive to keep my portfolio, diverse and inclusive.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe that every body is beautiful. I believe that all bodies should be documented and all bodies are art. We are all so unique and society has told us that our uniqueness is not beautiful. My goal is to change this narrative. As a plus size woman, I have noticed that photographers don’t often include plus size people in their portfolios. I am excited that I can be a part of this change in the industry. This road has not been easy. The industry is so saturated with lots of amazing photographers. So I have to really look for the people who need an inclusive experience.

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 would take them to the mountains in the fall and we would go dirtbike riding through the mountains while the leaves are changing. Then we would take a day to walk around Manitou Springs and window shop. I would probably take them to the Royal Gorge Bridge and take the train into the canyon. We would also take a day to enjoy the Garden of the Gods and I would take them up to the top of Pikes Peak!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my parents for gifting me my first camera when I was 16, my sibling Elliot for always being my model, and my best friend Emma for being my first model and for sparking something inside me that would create Amelia Marie Photography.

Website: Photographybyameliamarie.com

Instagram: Amelia.marie.photography

Facebook: Amelia Marie Photography

Image Credits
All credit to Amelia Marie 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.