Meet Jas Kitterman | Photographer

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

Hi Jas, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I tried to work a standard corporate marketing job for the sake of “stability.” But I was incredibly unhappy with the mundane tasks of entry level content creation. I wanted a career that felt fulfilling, made an impact on my community, challenged me everyday, and allowed me to live a life outside the four walls of an office.

I am so grateful for the lifestyle and creative outlet that photography provides me.

What should our readers know about your business?
Jas K Productions, as a business, was created so I can keep up my side hustle at an elevated and more professional level. It was just me doing all of the work: photographing, editing, admin, social media, etc. However, at my current demand, to expand services, and not “burn out” constantly, my business has grown to house multiple associate photographers, and one full-time assistant.

Never did I think that my business would be where it’s at after only one year of pursuing it full-time. I moved to Denver at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and truly at only an intermediate level of skill. But I was fully determined to make my business work for me. I did a lot of unpaid/underpaid work, invested what little money I had, and took odd jobs. I just had to get my name out there! The number one habit I developed was to show up to work every morning with a positive attitude.

Along the way, I’ve learned that being my authentic self has been more valuable to my business than anything else. Diversity, inclusion, and social justice have always been at the forefront of my artistry and what I think sets me apart from other photographers. Anyone can take a good photo, but I take special pride in empowering others, creating meaningful art, and showcasing underrepresented communities. I am committed to making everyone feel welcome, beautiful, and like their stories are worthwhile! As a queer person of color, nothing is more important to me.

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.
As a photographer, my office changes daily and it feels like I’ve seen all of Denver, but then you find another hidden gem, and then another! This city has so much to offer and it brings me so much joy when clients/friends visit and let me make their itinerary. (And let me take all their pictures.)

You have to start your Denver tour in the city and the best way to see it is on foot or via electric scooter (be safe!) Some must-see picture-esque sights are Union Station, Millenium Bridge, RiNo Art District, Larimer Square, and Confluence Park. For some shopping, I love walking down Broadway and stopping in at all of the amazing local vintage shops. Celebrate your thrift haul at a local brewery. There’s so many, you can’t go wrong! Pace yourself, there’s so much to see!

After exploring the city, you have to spend some time in nature out at Red Rocks or Lookout Mountain in Golden. But my all time favorite views lie just a little deeper into Colorado! Rocky Mountain National Park, Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, and Sapphire Point in Breckenridge should definitely be on the road trip list.

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?
The road to being a full-time photographer has not been an easy one. There have been many people who doubted that I could make this my career or that I could create an inclusive brand. Luckily, the supporters outweigh the neigh-sayers tenfold and help me grow every day.

So here is a shoutout to my friends and family who have always supported me, been dragged out to model, interacted with posts, networked for me, and overall believed in my ability.

To everyone who works with the Jas K Productions team! You keep me sane and support my wildest dreams. Dionna and Gabriel, I am forever grateful that I can lean on you.

To all of my past and current clients that appreciate my artistry and trust me with some of the biggest moments of their lives.

And to all of the people I have yet to meet, who are supporting my dreams regardless.

Thank you.

Website: www.jaskproductions.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jaskproductions

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jasminekitterman

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaskproductions

Image Credits
Lauren Shoepfer Photography, Rogue Shutter Photography