Meet Michelynn Hollister

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

Hi Michelynn, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Here’s a vivid and personal glimpse into why I embarked on a creative career.

From my early childhood, I was immersed in a world of creativity, tracing horse pictures onto paper and diving into a kaleidoscope of mediums, from pencils and charcoal to mesmerizing shadow patterns, inks, watercolors, oil and acrylic painting, and even the captivating realm of fluid painting. In the past 10-14 years, I ventured into a new realm of creative exploration as I delved into crafting intricate-themed cake and cupcake decorations – transforming cake into a canvas of wonder!

Despite my love for science, music, and nature, there was an undeniable pull back to the world of creativity. In college, I stumbled upon a 35mm Pentax camera, and that’s when it all clicked – pun intended! Capturing moments in time, freezing emotions, and telling stories through the lens ignited a fiery passion within me. I realized that with my camera, I could create artistic images in a fraction of the time it took to paint or draw a piece, especially in the era before digital cameras and editing software. It was a revelation that set my heart ablaze.

Despite the demands of higher education, a thriving career, and a bustling family life, I sought solace, peace, and freedom in a creative medium. It became my sanctuary, the place where I found balance in the whirlwind of life.

Throughout my creative journey, I toyed with various business ventures to showcase and sell my art. Then, after retiring from a 32+ year career as a Regulatory and Permit Compliance Specialist, where I led a Project Support Program and a team of Project Environmental Leads, I found myself at a crossroads. I realized that I was now in a position to pour my energy into launching a photography business – a venture where my images could make an impressive impact in my clients’ residences and businesses, sparking conversations and evoking emotions.

So, why pursue a creative career, you ask? Because creating, whether it’s through painting, crafting, decorating, or photography, is like breathing for me. It’s my way of sharing a piece of my soul with the world, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s time to capture the world one frame at a time and weave stories that will be remembered for a lifetime.

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.
Step into the colorful mosaic of my career journey with all the zest and upbeat vibes!

What sets me apart from others? Imagine this: I hustled my way through night classes while working full-time to earn my Masters Degree in project management. My stint in managing a regulatory consulting program for a four-service municipality honed my knack for envisioning the big picture and breaking down goals into doable phases and steps. It was a whirlwind of creative vision and structured planning that paved the way for my leap into the world of photography.

Was it easy? Oh, absolutely not! It was a slow and sometimes fiery process, often leaving me feeling like a spicy disaster. But here’s the kicker – I’ve learned to embrace self-love, give myself grace, and allow room to progress at my own pace. It’s about measuring progress based on what I’ve accomplished in the last day, week, month, or year or two, rather than fixating on a vague line on the horizon that seems impossible to reach. My journey has been anything but linear, and that’s the magic of it.

One of the most challenging aspects? Breaking free from the constructs of who I’ve been, who I had to be, or what others think I should be. It’s about rewriting the script, embracing a different mindset, and crafting a new vision of myself to achieve the goals I’ve set. It’s an adventure of self-exploration, questioning, healing, and discovering a different perspective.

So, what am I most proud of or excited about? It’s the fusion of my creative, exploring mindset with the structured planning that has enabled me to develop and launch my photography business. It’s about seeing things from a different angle, perspective, or light and discovering what happens if… That’s the heart of my story and my brand – it’s about adventures, exploration, and the thrill of discovering the world through a unique lens.

In summary, my brand is a celebration of the journey, the unconventional, and the beauty of embracing change and growth. It’s an invitation to view the world through a different perspective and revel in the magic of exploration. So, here’s to capturing moments, weaving stories, and embarking on many more adventures!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh yeah, come on over, let’s dive into an adventure through the great western slope of Colorado together!

We start our day kayaking at Ridgway State Park, gliding over the sparkling waters and soaking in the stunning scenery that this little corner of paradise offers. But our journey doesn’t stop there! We’ll hike to the many waterfalls near Ouray and Telluride, where the roar and beauty of the falls are simply mesmerizing.

On another day, we head to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The sheer size and beauty of the canyon will leave us completely amazed, setting the tone for the incredible adventures ahead. For lunch, we’ll enjoy some amazingly delicious sandwiches from Heidi’s Deli.

After a three hour drive, we lace up our hiking boots and hit the lush green trails of Crested Butte. Here, we’re surrounded by a sea of wildflowers – vibrant colors and lovely scents that make each step feel like we’re walking through nature’s own masterpiece.

As night falls, we look up to the stars at Lost Lake Slough. The skies here during the new moon are the darkest I’ve ever seen, perfect for capturing the Milky Way in all its glory. It’s a photographer’s dream come true, with the cosmos putting on a show just for us.

As the day winds down, we’ll treat ourselves to a delicious dinner at the Camp Robber or enjoy some amazing pasta at Pahgre’s, a cozy Italian restaurant that feels like a hug for your taste buds.

And as the sun sets, we’ll take a peaceful evening stroll at River’s Bottom Park, walking along the Uncompahgre River. It’s the perfect moment of tranquility and reflection to end our day, surrounded by the natural wonders that make this place so special.

This journey is about exploration, wonder, and experiencing the world in all its beauty. It’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, grab your gear, and embrace the adventure that awaits us in the great western slope of Colorado!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, here’s a warm and appreciative shoutout to those who deserve recognition in your story: First and foremost, a heartfelt recognition goes out to my rock, my pillar of strength, and my biggest cheerleader – my husband, Doug. His unwavering support and encouragement have been the bedrock of this adventure, and I couldn’t have done it without him. My daughter, Elise, has been a source of inspiration and joy, always standing by my side and sharing in the wild adventures of capturing landscapes, waterfalls, wildlife, and the mesmerizing night skies.
A special mention goes to my best friend, Rose Stickler, whose endless support and enthusiasm have fueled my creative journey and added a sprinkle of magic and lots of encouragement to my life. Her presence has been a light in the darkest moments and a celebration in the brightest ones.
I’d also like to extend a resounding shoutout and recognition to my fellow photographer friends at the Professional Photographers Guild of Colorado Springs (PPGCS) and the Professional Photographers of Colorado (PPC). Their tireless efforts in organizing and providing an educational framework to become Certified Professional Photographers (CPP) through the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) have been invaluable. Their commitment to elevating the art of photography and fostering a community of passionate creatives has been a guiding light in my journey.
Last but not least, a special mention to Cas Altrich for her contributions and support. Her presence has added depth and color to the canvas of my creative endeavors, and for that, I am truly grateful.
To all of you, thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Your support, encouragement, and shared adventures have made this dream a reality. Here’s to capturing many more moments and weaving stories that will last a lifetime.

Website: www.michelynnhollisterphotography.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelynn-hollister-648a582b3/

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

Image Credits
Doug Hollister, Gail Conners