Meet Katrina Joseph | Adventure Elopement & Couples Photographer

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

Hi Katrina, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My whole life I actually wanted to be a doctor. I studied biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physics all my life, went to university as a pre-medical student, and even took the MCAT last year. Last summer, everything really changed for me when I realized I was just going through the motions. I was not enjoying any of it, and if I’m being honest with myself, I probably hadn’t been enjoying any of it for at least a few years. I got my first camera, a Canon Rebel T3i, when I was in high school. I used it to take pictures of everything in my life, but I never really seriously pursued photography until last year. In the summer of 2019, I went on my first two solo trips to Colorado and Wyoming. I ended up taking hundreds of landscape photos, some of which are still my favorite photos til this day. After that, I started taking photos of people too: models, couples, friends… you name it. And I loved it. That’s when I realized that this is what I’m meant to be doing. I decided to take my happiness into my own hands and pursue my passions. I’d rather do whatever it takes to chase my dreams and risk failing than settle for a life I’m only tolerating. I mean, that’s what life is all about, right? Find the things that make you happy and hold on to them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I found my passion photographing adventurous couples who are ready to stray from the traditional and create a unique experience for themselves. I’m so excited to keep on capturing authentic moments for couples and helping them elope, and I can’t wait to keep growing my business to serve even more couples in the future. There are so many things I’m proud of, especially the fact that I’ve come so far in such a small span of time. (I actually only photographed my first couple in the summer of 2020!) What I’m most proud of though is that I took a chance and moved to Colorado in July. I had just started seriously pursing photography, and I had a lot of fears about starting a couples & elopement photography business in a crazy saturated market like Colorado’s. However, I’m so glad I just took the leap. Yes, there are tons of photographers here, but that also means there’s plenty of opportunity. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been a lot of work and I still have a lot of work to put in, but it’s been worth it. All of the decisions that have brought me to where I am now have largely been leaps of faith. That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far: take the chance. If you believe in yourself and your skills, then put in the work and take a few risks. I have no idea where this journey will take me, but I do know that I’ll never have the chance to succeed if I don’t try.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To be honest, I haven’t had much of a chance to explore due to COVID. Most of the things I’ve done have been hiking and camping related. However, I do have a few favorite spots so far! 1) RMNP – No trip to Denver would be complete without a day-trip to the park. It’s iconic with so many great hikes and wildlife, and everyone should experience it at least once. 2) Roosevelt – This bar is SO cool. The drinks are so good & the walls are bookshelves! Plus, the music is great. 3) Rhein Haus Denver – Bottomless Mimosas. That’s all. (But also their breakfast potatoes are to die for) 4) Jewel of India Restaurant and Bar – This Indian restaurant is the best I’ve been to, and I’ve been to a lot. Tucked away in a little corner of Westminster, this place is a gem (or should I say jewel). The staff is so nice and welcoming, and I’m seriously obsessed with the food. So far, pretty much every place we’ve visited has been great. I’m excited to try out more new spots soon!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that have inspired me and supported me in this crazy new adventure of mine, most of all my mom and my boyfriend. I never would have had the courage to leave the path I had been on my entire life if it wasn’t for them believing in me (even when I didn’t) and supporting me when this wasn’t yet a full-fledged business. My mom deserves all the shoutouts because she has been my biggest supporter since day one. Even though hearing that you child wants to ditch medical school for a creative career is probably a top-10 nightmare, she told me to pursue my dreams. I’d never be where I am without you, so thank you.

Website: www.katrinasjoseph.com
Instagram: instagram.com/katrinasjphotos
Twitter: twitter.com/katrinasjphotos
Facebook: facebook.com/katrinasjphotos
Other: I have a print shop with tons of landscape and wildlife photos to decorate your home: shop.katrinasjoseph.com/prints