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

Hi Carina, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always loved photography but never thought I would be any good at it. Until we took a girls trip to Glenwood Springs and my friend had a brought her extra camera and I got to practice a bit more with them. Not too long after that I got my own and started working with friends to practice my skills. I was still working at my full time job in March 2022 when I started getting contacted for small sessions and I was able to get enough work to go full time October 2022.

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.
The wonderful thing about photography is that everyone has their own style. Even if styles are similar, each person still has something that sets them apart. I like to say my photos convey modern but timeless romanticism with some documentary style thrown in as well. Turning my hobby into a full-time career wasn’t easy. I would no longer go from working a 9-5 and edit for fun just for a little bit over the weekend but now essentially working 9-5 Mon-Sun. You learn self discipline and time management comes into play a lot more than being an employee for someone else. I needed to properly manage my time to get work done but also take time for myself so I don’t burn out. And now since I’ve had my daughter, managing my time with her is important.
I’ve come a long way in such a short amount of time and I want to thank all my clients I’ve worked with in the past, present, and future for allowing me to be the one to capture your special moments. I am to be the fly on the wall so you can focus on what matters in the moment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A few of my favorite places to bring friends and family that are visiting out of town would be:
Red Rocks Amphitheater
Evergreen Lake
A picnic and walk around Confluence Park
Little Man Ice Cream
Ruperts at the Edge for brunch and mimosas
Babe’s Tea Room for us girlies to have tea time
Rocky Mountain National Park is always a classic to spend a day visiting the park and see the house from the Shining in Estes Park

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom, best friend, and boyfriend have been my ‘die-hards’ since the beginning. I do have other friends and family who have shown their encouragement and love but these three hold a special place in my heart. My boyfriend would come along to some sessions and hold my bag and sometimes help me with demonstrating poses and my best friend was encouraging me to post my work more and always one of the first ones to like and comment on something I shared. Now my mom, my mom has always been the first one to encourage new hobbies and activities even at a young age. No matter what I set my mind to she was and is always there right behind me to help me get there. Truly the greatest mom.

Website: https://CarinaCPhotography.com

Instagram: @CarinaC.Photography

Facebook: Carina C Photography

 

Image Credits
Picture of Carina by Hailee Bee Photography
All other images of couples by me (Carina C Photography)

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