Meet Christopher Hartzell | Photographer and Journeyman Electrician

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

Hi Christopher, why did you pursue a creative career?
Actually…..my photography business is not my fulltime career. I do consider myself a professional photographer, although I’m a licensed journeyman electrician. I chose to start a photography business almost a year. After being laid off I decided to take time for myself and really master my camera. I’ve been taking photographs for nearly 16 years now. I decided to pursue my artistic side career as an outlet to showcase my photography. In my early years I was heavily involved with snowboard/action photography then took a long break due to where I thought photography was going at that time. Maybe not the best decision. My business does focus on people/portrait, but I like to challenge myself by taking photos of anything I can. I feel that everything deserves to be photographed to display anything from beauty to simplicity. I believe we all need creative outlets to pursue whether it’s as a career or passion.

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.
What sets me apart from others is a tough question. Digital photography was grown in abundance the past years. It’s pretty neat! When it comes to my portrait photograph business, I offer a wide range of photography styles and influences including landscapes, cityscapes, astrophotography, action, wildlife, travel, macro, product, and street. Plus, lots of great Colorado locations to choose from!! I truly get excited about using my cameras as often as I can. Although I own a portrait business, I love to get take photos on my own terms and pace.

I have two Instagram accounts @milehigh_portraitphotography and @thruthewindowphotos. I like to think of it as mullet Mile High is the business and Thru The Window is the party!! Yew!

Let’s go back to when…..I received DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera for a college graduation gift from my parents. From the moment I received my camera to today I was hooked with the occasional break. My photography journey has been a long process during the last 16 years with highs and lows. Being creative, owning a business, or everyday life for that matter isn’t always sunshine and lollipops. If everything was easy that would take the fun and learning out of it.

A way I like to overcome challenges is to keep trying, put yourself out there, and practice, practice, practice. With a ton of patients. With lesson/challenges I tend to forget is that nothing happens overnight, be yourself, don’t get caught up in social media, and enjoy ‘your’ journey.

Come checkout my social media especially my “Party Account” I tend to post more and showcase a variety of photographs there more often. I tend to stick to single shot photography with Light Room editing. I pay for the Photo Shop too and should learn how to use it! LOL! I know that the Denver Metro area has some amazing photographs including the state, that all deserves likes and follows. So many stunning pictures!

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 like to keep it simple. From City Park to Sprouts!! In all honesty we would go with the flow with a few plans. Checkout what’s new, maybe some music, sporting event. or walking around partaking in street photography. When it comes to Denver and photography…..oh yeah, I got some great spots! I enjoy the ones that are hidden in plain sight. You know that same spot you drive by everyday 24/7 365 days a year then one day it just hits different. Maybe it was the lighting or time of year, but the spot simply shines.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Hmmm let’s see…. First will always be my family and friend! Second would be new photography friends I’ve met the past 12 months!

Website: https://www.milehighportraitphotography.com

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

Facebook: Mile High Portrait Photography

Other: https://www.instagram.com/milehigh_portraitphotography/