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

Hi Kenzie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk has been a huge part of my photography journey. I spent years with a camera in my hand as a hobbyist, so desperately wanting to commit to being in a professional role, but I was too terrified to take the risk.
Looking back now, I am so thankful that I convinced myself to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there. I wish I would have done it years ago.
I still take risks everyday, down to small things as simple as making a post on socials. You will never know the result if you do not try. If you set yourself up for success the risk is so worth the reward!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
What sets you apart from others?

I love photographing storytelling style. Whether it be happiness from the kids playing in the field, love from the newlyweds on their wedding day or those simple little details that you don’t ever think about getting, I want for you to be able to feel the emotion through the photo.
With that being said, I do love a challenge. I like to step outside of my comfort zone, I like to explore, experiment and just have fun with it! I don’t want to photograph just one niche. I want to be able to do it all!

Also, I’m very personable and laidback! I strive to make my clients feel they can trust me and be completely comfortable throughout the session. I want them to leave with the confidence that they had a wonderful session while also having a good time!

What are you most proud of or excited about?

I’m really proud of the relationships that I’ve been able to form with my clients. I love the fact that we can show up at a session as strangers and within an hour or two, we can leave feeling like friends.
Also to say that, it is very exciting that clients let me into their lives. I can go from meeting a client at their senior session to photographing their engagement, wedding, newborn and eventually family photos and that just really makes me proud that the client is able to trust me to photograph all of their big life milestones.

How did you get to where you are today professionally?

I have been taking pictures since I was a kid, but the fire really sparked when my husband bought me my first DSLR for Christmas back in 2013. Ever since I have poured countless hours into practice and education and it’s just taken off from there and has been the greatest blessing!

Was it easy? How did you overcome it if it’s not?
As an introvert, it definitely wasn’t easy. It took me about seven years of being a hobbyist before I was able to take the risk and convince myself to get out of my comfort zone and get into professional photography. I’m so glad I did!
I had help to overcome the fear, thankfully, from the support of my friends and family and other photographers who I knew who convinced me to try it out.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Imposter syndrome is real thing. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Give yourself grace and love. Everyone is on their own journey. Just focus on you & you will be successful!

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand?
My goal is capture all those perfect and imperfect moments. While I am a professional, I am also human. I want you to know you have a safe place with me, with no judgement. A place where you can be yourself and comfortable.

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.
First, we are starting in Ouray. One of my favorite places on this earth! We will spend a couple of days exploring the area. All of the shops in town are great. Goldbelt is my favorite restaurant there. We will head up to the lookout in the evening for pictures of course. Most of the time will be spent on the trails, either jeeping or hiking to beautiful areas, such as going up Yankee Boy pass and seeing all the beautiful waterfalls or taking Imogene Pass over to Telluride for the day.

Secondly, we will head on over to the Buena Vista area to stay. One of my most favorite stores there is Rock + Paper + Scissors. Of course, we have to eat at The Lariat and stay the evening to watch live bands!
St Elmo is a ghost town nearby. I could sit and feed the chipmunks all day. Lets not forget the wonderful owners of the General Store there. I love to go in and buy t-shirts and things while I am there.

Last but definitely not least for me, Glenwood Springs! Hotel Colorado is AMAZING and rich with history. Smoke Modern BBQ for dinner & then head over to Sundae for ice cream. While we are there, im taking them to check out the Doc Holliday museum. Then we can spend the last couple days at the hot springs pool and the amusement park on top of the mountain!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to 1- my photographer friends who have taken me in, answered any questions, allowed me to shadow & who have worked for me and next to me! Its all about community over competition for me & I have genuinely found some amazing people!
2-photographers who have shared their knowledge with the world, whether it be on Facebook groups/pages, Youtube, Tiktok, etc! You guys are awesome!
3-my family and friends! I truly am blessed to have a group of people in my life who are always supporting me.

Most importantly,
My husband, Jamie and our two boys. I would not be where I am without them in my life. They always have my back, are always encouraging me, taking time out of their lives to humor my crazy ideas, help move all my props or help me on shoots, etc. I am so blessed and thankful for them. LOVE YOU THREE!

Website: www.kenzieschrockphotography.com

Instagram: @kenzieschrockphotography

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kenzieschrockphotography

Other: tiktok – @kenzieschrockphotography

Image Credits
Kenzie Schrock Photography

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