Meet Kelly Bonnez | Photographer

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

Hi Kelly, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was laid off from my job and then shortly after I discovered I was pregnant in June 2022. Once we had our daughter in the Bay Area we decided to move to Boulder in November 2023 and then that following January I started to job hunt again. After spending many months of job searching and feeling like I wasn’t getting a good return on my investment of time and energy I started thinking about how I could spend my time doing something that I had a bit more control over as opposed to send my job applications into a seemingly black hole. I did some soul searching about what I could do with my time that would actually yield more guaranteed results and my mind kept coming back to my biggest passion – photography. I have been shooting since high school and I have so many memories of sitting in the computer library in college getting lost in photographer’s blogs when I was supposed to be writing a paper. Though I was super interested in the career, I was always so averse to starting a photography business because the business side was intimidating to me. However, after a lot of soul-searching this year, I opened up to the idea. I started learning a lot about how to launch a business and I was quickly lit up with excitement because for the first time in awhile I was getting something out of the time I was spending. It’s been a lot of fun and very rewarding to spend my time doing something I’m in love with.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I strive to provide a relaxed atmosphere, allowing clients’ authentic selves to shine through. Every photoshoot is a unique, fun, and enjoyable experience. Whether it’s the excitement of an engagement, the glow of maternity, the tenderness of newborn moments, or the love within a family, I aim to connect with my clients to make our time together special.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, funny you should ask because my best friend is coming this weekend and I am in the process of planning our itinerary. We plan on taking an overnight trip near Rocky Mountain National Park and then spending the day in the park to hike and explore all the beautiful vistas and nature. We will definitely be strolling Pearl St. and enjoying the bustling energy of all the people on the mall. My favorite nature-y spot in Boulder is Chautauqua Park; I have yet to get over the Flatirons. I plan on taking her on my favorite local hike: Anne U. White trail and enjoying the shaded and peaceful vibe of the water running through. We will be going to Lucky’s Bakery to grab some treats in the morning and we will likely go to the upstairs area of the Kitchen at night for some cocktails in a moody setting. My family’s favorite restaurant is Postino because of their ambiance and great kid’s menu. I also really love their non-alcoholic sparkling rose! It’s so refreshing in the summer.

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?
I have so many people that I really dedicate and owe this photography journey to. From my parents who bought me my first camera, to my family friend, Millard, who opened up my eyes to the technical and artistic side of photography when I was in high school. I have a few friends in particular: Marina, Danielle, Stephanie, Dena and Thisie who for years would periodically harp on me about getting into the business side of photography. However, my budding business would absolutely not exist if it wasn’t for the incredible and overwhelming support of my husband, Colby. Not only has he been steadfast in his strong encouragement for years that I should start a business, but he has been instrumental in me finding my footing. He does so much behind the scenes for me – sitting next to me at my computer as I registered for an LLC, researching insurance, permits, and equipment, elevating the design on my website, and doing many clerical tasks for me without asking. He’s been my partner in scouting new locations and my model as I try new setting combinations in different lighting. He’s had dinner warm and plated waiting for me after getting home from shoots that he’s prepared all while taking care of our toddler. He’s the most wonderful husband and cheerleader of mine that I have so much gratitude for!

Website: https://www.kellybonnezphotography.com/

Instagram: @kellybonnezphotography

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Image Credits
Erin Jeanne Photography