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

Hi Milana, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Even though the photography industry is pretty saturated, it has always felt like community over competition. From referrals and studio rentals to prop and session trades, the photographers in my area have been my greatest source of knowledge and inspiration. 

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.
Your photo session is so much more than the images I take. I want you to enjoy the entire experience from selecting the perfect outfits to beautiful galleries on your walls. Photography is not only a business for me, not only my way of providing for my self and my family but also my biggest form of healing.  My camera has taught me to see in a new way. To notice how darkness and light play with each other and create shadows and depth. To observe hair as it twirls in the wind. To freeze a sweet moment and to tell a story. It’s my way of slowing down and truly seeing others.

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.

I am so lucky to live in a quaint little town many choose for vacation and I love visitors. Palmer Lake is nestled in the mountains, just north of Colorado Springs. We could stay here the entire week and never have to leave. In the morning, we could visit the local coffee shop (the SpeedTrap) for their amazing crepes and espressos. We may even come back in the evening for live music and fancy drinks. During the day, we could go paddle boarding at the lake (or ice skating if it’s winter time), relax and grab some buffalo wings at OMalley’s pub. The next day we can go mountain biking or hiking through some of my favorite trails nearby.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to thank my local photography group the Colorado Springs Photo Betties for all the encouragement, referrals, friendships made and support through the past 7+ years I have been in business.

Website: www.photographybymilana.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/photography.by.milana
Facebook: www.facebook.com/photographybymilana

Image Credits
Photo of me taken by the lovely Wandering Willow Photography and all other images are mine.

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