Meet Kelsy Young | Small wedding, Family and branding photographer

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

Hi Kelsy, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
What am I inspired by? My kids. They remind me to look through my lens with wonder, awe, and excitement. They humble me to my core and help remind me that not every moment needs to be “picture perfect.” Those messy, crazy moments we tend to get frustrated with — are part of your beautiful story unfolding.

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.
I didn’t set out to become a photographer.

But in 2019, when I gave my life to Jesus, everything changed. My lens shifted — not just in what I captured, but in how I saw the world. Through the brokenness of my childhood, two brain surgeries, and years of trying to hold it all together, God was gently writing something redemptive. Something beautiful.

Photography became more than just a creative outlet. It became a gift — a way to slow down and see again. To hold onto the good, even when life felt messy. To witness grace show up in the everyday. To help others do the same.

Motherhood cracked my heart wide open. My two beautiful children remind me daily what childlike faith looks like — full of wonder, honesty, and unfiltered joy. My husband, steady and supportive, has walked with me through every high and low, always pointing me back to hope.

Over time, I began noticing the sacred in ordinary moments — a mama brushing hair out of her child’s face, a couple exchanging quiet glances on their wedding day, a business owner stepping boldly into her calling. I wanted to capture that: the unseen grace in the chaos, the holy in the honest.

So here I am — a wife, a mama, a believer, a storyteller — using this camera not just to document, but to reflect what God is already doing.

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?
For Nature & Scenery Lovers –

Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs) – Iconic red rock formations and mountain views, easy access

Maroon Bells (Aspen) – Probably the most photographed peaks in CO — and for good reason

Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park) – Wildlife, alpine lakes, and stunning hikes (Bear Lake Trailhead is a great start)

Crested Butte – Wildflowers in summer, golden aspens in fall, charming town always

Great Sand Dunes National Park – Surreal landscape, sandboarding, star-gazing at night

For Adventurous Souls –

Hanging Lake (Glenwood Canyon) – Short but steep hike to a turquoise waterfall-fed lake (permit required)

Sky Pond Trail (RMNP) – Challenging hike with unbeatable alpine lake views

Manitou Incline (Colorado Springs) – 2,700+ steps straight up — intense but bucket-list-worthy!

For Quaint Town Vibes –

Estes Park – Gateway to RMNP, cozy coffee shops, riverwalk

Buena Vista – Mountains, river rafting, hot springs nearby

Telluride – Historic mining town turned luxury escape, epic scenery

Leadville – Quirky and historic, highest elevation town in the U.S.

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?
My husband, kids, and my mom. I also want to thank, Jesus.

My husband constantly motivates me to pursue photography while giving me the space I need to connect with clients. He watches the kids and makes sure my cup is filled with creativity.

My kids inspire me.

My mom has always uplifted me and supported me in this area.

And Jesus, for helping me see the beauty in areas that people tend to overlook.

Website: https://www.kelsyshaffor.com

Instagram: @kelsyshafforphoto

Facebook: Kelsy Shaffor Photography