Meet Kate Schwindt | Photographer & Teen Mentor

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

Hi Kate, what principle do you value most?
At our studio, Kate Schwindt Photography, and through the KSP Dream Team, our teen mentorship program, our mission goes far beyond capturing beautiful images. We care deeply about the mental health of the young adults in our communities. We are certified with Youth Mental Health First Aide in Colorado to help keep us up-to-date and educated on how we can continue to help lift up a young person through every experience we have with them.

In a world saturated with unrealistic online ideals, the young adults in our communities often struggle to look in the mirror without judgment or distortion. We’re here to help young people see their true worth. Through empowering photography experiences and intentional mentorship, we focus on building confidence, promoting body image positivity, and supporting mental health.

For us at Kate Schwindt Photography, it is so much more than just taking someones picture. Because when our clients and the teens we mentor, begin to see themselves clearly, they can truly believe in their resilience and value —and that changes everything.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Kate Schwindt Photography, we specialize in true-to-you portraits of local high school seniors, teens, and families. More than just a photographer, we pride ourselves on being a thoughtful listener—building trust and compassion with each client. As we listen to our clients, we learn about the meaningful moments and milestones that shape their family’s story.

We believe in transparency and ease from the start. Our session pricing is clearly outlined on our website, along with a step-by-step timeline of what to expect throughout your portrait experience with us. Before you even book with us, prospective clients receive a comprehensive product menu featuring beautifully designed items with images, descriptions, and pricing. Through a personalized client portal, you’ll also find access to our exclusive style guide, as well as skincare, hair, and makeup tips to ensure you feel confident and photo-ready on the day of your portraits.

As an artist, we work to thoughtfully pose and communicate with our clients during their session. We carefully chose locations that make each person feel both natural and uniquely beautiful. We partner with a local hair and makeup company called, Blush Now, for those clients who want to take the guesswork out of how to do their hair and what makeup will look best in photos.

All of this is to help each person we photograph feel seen, heard and worthy.

After their session, we guide our clients through the creative process like an interior designer, helping them imagine where their portraits will live—whether displayed as a statement piece on the wall, carefully designed into a handcrafted album, or gifted as a cherished keepsake for grandparents.

At every step, our goal is to provide an experience that feels personal, professional, and deeply meaningful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever I have friends or family come into town, I first consider who they are and their personality. If they are outdoorsy, I love packing a light lunch and going on a beautiful but easy hike at Lair O’ the Bear in Idledale, CO. If my friend is into all things British and wants a little fancy high tea experience, I will take them to Babe’s Tea Room in Denver (or to their new location in Golden, CO.) They have a phenomenal selections of tea, a delicious and creative menu for high tea AND are gluten-free and vegan friendly! If they want a more urban food experience I take them to Denver Central Market. A variety of restaurants all under one roof, right in the heart of RiNo. The Denver Central Market is also surrounded by cute shops and one business in particular I absolutely love called Be A Good Person (their downtown store is located in the alley directly behind Denver Central Market!)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First off, I’d love to give a shout out to my friend, fellow photographer and suite mate at my studio, Sunshine Lump of Silver Sparrow Photography. Together, we epitomize the definition of “community over competition” in every way. We are in similar photography specialties and yet we work together to help each other in so many ways. We discuss trends, education tips, products and services etc. So many times if we need help, we reach out to each other and are supported and lifted up like no other. I’m so grateful for Sunshine both professionally, and as a friend.

With regards to a book, I want to share an invaluable book I am finishing up, called The Unicorn, by Karinda Kinsler. This is a book for photographers written by a successful (but not intimidating) professional photographer and business coach. Karinda is remarkable on the topic of mastering your mindset and money and I HIGHLY recommend her book to photographers at ANY stage in their careers. You can learn more about the book and order it here: https://masteryourmindmoney.com/the-unicorn/.

Website: https://kateschwindtphoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k8schwindtphoto/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-schwindt-240862b4/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/k8schwindtphoto/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kateschwindt8567

Image Credits
Kate Schwindt Photography