Meet Kenzie Phelps | Portrait & Small Wedding Photographer || Barista

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

Hi Kenzie, why did you pursue a creative career?
Well, I hate to sound cliche, but, it’s in my blood! My parents are both artist of their own and always supported me with the arts and music even if it didn’t “pay the bills.” Not that it couldn’t, but it made them happy and it made US happy. I am so grateful that lyrics, locations and art all trigger memories of me with my family. It gives me the chills and even has made me cry tears a joy while living across the country as a song comes on the radio. I’ve had a camera in my hand since high school and the best free marketing one could have; their family and their community.

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.
Let’s be real, it’s 2022, having multiple jobs in kind of a normal thing. I have been a barista almost as long as I’ve been a photographer. I love coffee and I LOVE having conversations with my community in safe spaces. I am not joking when I say I have got at least 60% of my clients from MY DAY JOB. I love talking to people, and did you know, people love to chat when they have their morning coffee? I wouldn’t have thrived with photography in the many places I lived shortly without those barista day jobs. After already creating a relationship with a person, they then find out I do photography, and more often then not they feel even more comfortable to schedule that mostly “uncomfortable” experience people THINIK they will have getting portraits. I am great with people, that’s why I stick with photographing them. I try to enjoy nature and action sports with my own eyes, because we all know time flies.

My story is changing as fast as yours, it has not been easy trying to be a full time photographer on the go. I simply don’t over think it. I try to stick with day jobs that support creative outlets and flexible schedules so I can pursue photo opportunities as I try to settle in one place to be come full time.

My brand is real life flexible, my brand supports real life income, my brand knows that sometimes short notice is better than long, my brand wouldn’t be what it is today with out the real life people and real life multiple day jobs… LOL

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.
Honestly, I haven’t lived in A city for a LONG TIME. Not to mention I’ve only been back in colorful Colorado for less than a year.

Currently we are deep in the woods of Park County, Colorado. If my best friend was visiting we would definitely hit the Arkansa River for a some floating and fishing. On the way home, we’d hit the local brewery for a six pack, hopefully find a grocery store somewhere along the way and make a feast at home! Because when you live 3 miles up a washboard you truly try to enjoy your time at home. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such majestic beauty and nature but it’s been a humbling experience making sure one is prepared for any challenge thrown your way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and partner for always supporting my crazy adventures. Every single community I have lived briefly in or longer for giving me several unforgettable experiences and knowledge.

And my former/always teacher Matt Lit for supporting, sharing wisdom, and experiences with me from across the country even a decade after taking his classes.

Website: https://www.kenziephelpsphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenziephelpsphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenziephelpsphotography