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

Hi Kaysyn, how do you think about risk?
I have always been one to take risks – it actually doesn’t scare me at all. Picking up a camera for the first time in October of 2021 then being asked to photograph an engagement session just a week later, most folks would have been mortified, intimidated and would have said “absolutely not.” Me, I took it as a challenge. I am always willing to try and do new things and I’m not afraid to fail at all. Do I like to fail? Of course not, but I am willing to accept and acknowledge I then have to take the proper steps to not allow it happen again and make it a learning experience.

In my experience with risk taking, not only in my life but also in my career, I have revealed that it allows you to grow and succeed at a hire rate than those who are not willing to take risks. In fact, because of my risk taking mentality it pushed me into record setting placement while playing college basketball. I was known to be on a full on fast break, pull up at the three point line with, zero fear, and drain a three pointer several times throughout a game.

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.
While capturing memories and moments in time from behind my camera I would love to say what sets me apart from other photographers is the session and the quality of time spent. I love engaging with my clients and making them feel as confident and beautiful as I possibly can. I also want them to reflect on the session and grin from ear to ear when the think about the time we spent together. Getting to this point wasn’t as hard as I thought. I am naturally a people pleaser and my favorite thing in this whole world is to see people smile; whether it’s from me cracking a silly mom joke to complimenting them until I see rosey red cheeks.

I started Kaysyn Krystal Photography in the fall of 2021 with an entry level, amateur camera. With two young babies money was limited, so I sold a majority of my clothes so I could purchase my FujiFilm mirrorless camera. From there my business took off with no other thanks than to this wonderful community of Meeker. They knew I was trying to provide for my family and make a name for myself and here I am, putting a roof over our head, food on the table and savings for our future all with the shutter of my lens. One picture at a time.

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.
Where do I start!? For such a small town, Meeker has so many fun things to do:

Tuesday – we would hike on the Ute Trail System, just west of town, at first light to reach the top to view Meeker from a bird view eye. After making our way back down I would suggest we dined at Little Bear Cafe on Market Street for some homemade doughnuts, biscuits and gravy. Later in the day we could relax by the White River and maybe cast a line to catch some Colorado native trout. Follow up the evening by dining out at the famous Meeker Cafe and finish off the evening with a tour of the historic Meeker Hotel.

Wednesday – this would be a day of adventure in the White River National Forest! Drop into Wendll’s for a breakfast burrito and hand crafted latte then take a walk next door to Giannetti Powersport Rentals to pickup a Polaris RZR for the day.

Thursday – a day of relaxation after a big day in the mountains. We would start off eating breakfast at Ma Famiglia then take a trip downtown to visit the White River Historical Museum. Swing by the Sweet Shop for an iced drink and sandwiches from Red Rooster to enjoy at the Downtown Square. For the afternoon we would visit all the local shops downtown; Homemade, Heritage by Ashleigh Christie’s, The Basics, and Bluebell Boutique. We would then finish off the evening by enjoying a drink and light dinner at Blanco Cellars on the patio.

Friday – let’s float the river! Grab your tube, kayak or paddle board, pack a cooler of your favorite beverage and some snacks, then jump in at the Green Cabins to float down to Circle Park. We would head home for the afternoon for some recuperation and to prepare for a night out on the town. Heading to the Smoking River Brewing Company for pizza, wings and some cold brews and finish off the evening at the local bar, Chippers.

Saturday – the last day in town, we can’t forget to make reservations at Trappers Lake Lodge for their famous Prime Rib Dinner and Elmo’s Margaritas. Before we dine, I would love to take a hike around Trappers Lake in the Flat Tops Wilderness. Afterwards we would hangout on the deck sipping margs waiting for the dinner reservations.

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?
Man oh man… where do I start on the people I want to thank for my success? I literally have a laundry list. I would have to say that my number one human has always been my momma, Becca Nielsen. She has been through all of it, thick and thin, dark and light. I can’t even put into words how grateful I am for this woman to be my mother.

Even though she is my top contender for this position, I have so many more:
Grandpa Terry
Grandma Carol
My sister and her husband, Denee & Levi Dinwiddie
My father, step mother, and step father , Greg & Roxie Chintala and Alan Nielsen
My two beautiful daughters, Everly & Bexley
Coach Landon Steele
My current boss and general manager, Lee Overton & Jason Miller

All these people have one thing in common… they believed in me when I didn’t. They saw all the potential I was made of and pushed to rise to the occasion. And they NEVER stopped loving me even when I thought I didn’t deserve it.

So thank you to all you wonderful people who never gave up on me.

Website: https://kaysynkrystal.photography

Instagram: kaysynkrystalphotography

Facebook: facebook.com/kaysynkrystalphotography

Youtube: mtnmademedia

Other: TikTok: kaysynkrystalphotography

Image Credits
Trappers Lake Lodge Art of the Cowgirl Hagerman Ranch

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