We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendra Lee Wiebke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kendra Lee, what makes you happy? Why?
Exploring nature with a camera in hand. It makes me happy because that’s when I’m the most at peace. My mind quiets down and the anxieties and worries of life melt away and all that matters is the beauty around me and seeing the big and small details.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Landscape photography is my art, with some travel thrown in. I love seeing new places and capturing the image of a place in a way that brings it alive for others. I love creating images that make someone feel as if they’re standing where I was standing, in a realistic way. I want the viewer to be inspired to stand there and then when they do, they aren’t surprised by what they see. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve arrived at a location after seeing so many photos of it and being a bit let down by the reality. I still want you to see the beauty and the uniqueness of a place but also perhaps how crowded it might be or the actual scale.

One thing I’ve learned along the way is the fluidity of art. Often I love photos that took some effort to get (climbing over rocks, sitting on the edge of a cliff, walking through a small opening in a rock face, etc) but there’s also something to be said for the photos taken on a whim or those photos that are a little imperfect but add a certain vibe that speaks to the location. So don’t focus solely on the effort needed because sometimes that’s not where the beauty lies.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d take them up to Rocky Mountain National Park, for sure. Drive over to Grand Lake via Trail Ridge Road (if it’s summer/fall). Then drive down to Crested Butte, stopping in Buena Vista or Salida for lunch. Explore Crested Butte for a couple days, being sure to include a hike or 2 in Kebler Pass. Drive back to Denver stopping in Kenosha Pass or going into Colorado Springs to visit Garden of the Gods.

I think there are some lovely mountain drives in Colorado and it can be an amazing way to see the state. Of course with hikes done along the way!

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?
Oh, so many.

Firstly, my dad, for giving me my first camera. My mom, who first told me I should do more with my photography.

My friend Michael Hollender, and every photographer I interacted with at B&H Photo, who encouraged me, taught me new techniques, and went out taking photos with me.

The Socality community that introduced me to some amazing photographers and people. And for bringing me along on one of the best trips I’ve ever taken.

And to all my hiking and travel buddies who wait for me while I stop every few feet to take a photo. Thank you for waiting.

Website: www.seekoutexplore.com

Instagram: @kendraventures

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendraleewiebke/

Image Credits
Kendra Lee Wiebke

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