Meet Emily Kent | Photographer

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

Hi Emily, what matters most to you?
When I see sunlight illuminating the leaves on a tree to bring about that glowing translucent green, or the giant full moon cresting above the mountainous horizon, I’m overcome with an inner calm and quiet astonishment. The incredible natural beauty that surrounds us cannot defend nor protect itself, which is in part what has long drawn me to nature photography and my own interpretation of the artistry I see in our natural surroundings. I am passionate about the care and preservation of our outdoor spaces and wild places, and it has become an inherent driver behind my work. Our future generations are the ones to inherit this Earth, which makes it imperative that we care for it now, so that they will in turn be able to thrive and live well, and work to do the same for generations to come.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I first picked up a camera years ago it opened my eyes in a way that encouraged me to slow down and see my daily surroundings in a new light. As I started to steadily fall in love with the artistry that I saw in nature, I knew I wanted to convey what I was seeing in a way that brought attention to the beauty in our natural environments, and the importance of caring for our outdoor spaces and wild places. So I began self teaching.

I enjoy working with nature networks and organizations doing good things for the community and for the environment. I love to be able to share the artistry that I see in our natural surroundings and my hope is that if nothing else, some of what I see might help to foster a connection for the viewer as well. I think we can cultivate new approaches to our ingrained modes of thought when we stay open to viewing our environments from different angles, in various lights, and from others’ perspectives.

I grew up in the state of Minnesota where I worked for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, in Psychology and Education. After college, my husband and I, along with our two daughters moved around the country during our family’s 16 years in the U.S. Air Force. We transitioned to the mountains of Colorado in summer of 2019, and I am incredibly grateful to be able to do what I love in such a breathtaking place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were playing tour guide here for anyone up for a little tase of local sights and sounds, I would kick off the first morning at Loaded Joe’s in Avon with a delectable Spanish Coffee and breakfast burrito out on the patio. Following, we would head east to Piney Lake located just 12 miles north of Vail to hike the breathtaking Upper Piney Falls trail where you can take in the wildlife and Mount Powell in the distance. For a little live music we’d head to the Gerald Ford Amphitheater for food and drinks on the lawn while taking in one of the shows during the Amp Summer Concert Series. The remainder of time could easily be spent rafting, fishing and camping along the Colorado River. The local area seems to give renewed meaning to the notion of an Endless Summer!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends have been incredibly and unfailingly supportive of my career from the moment I picked up a DSLR camera for the first time. My husband has unfailingly been my sounding board, continually championing new ideas along with what’s working. We have two young daughters and together we work to make time and space for our passions, recognizing the importance of pursuing those passions as part of a healthy life balance. The consistent enthusiasm and encouragement from both my mother and mother-in-law is a gift to me, and it has been such a rewarding connector as I hear from friends old and new, as well as those who I meet for the first time. I am grateful to my core to be so surrounded by such tangible support.

Website: www.emilykentphotography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/emilyelizabeth.115

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-kent-b2a446b5/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyelizabeth115

Other: https://www.artfinder.com/artist/emily-kent-photography