Meet Somer Mock | Photographer

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

Hi Somer, how do you think about risk?
I believe that taking risks throughout life is necessary for growth. You either succeed and learn, or you fail and learn even more. They say life begins outside of your comfort zone, and I couldn’t agree with that statement more! My journey with photography began when I was young. I enjoyed taking photos of flowers, the way the sun hit tiny pieces of grass or leaves, insects, animals, tall snowy mountains, long curvey roads, and whatever else I found interesting within my natural environment. In 2016 I had the opportunity to study biology in Tanzania, Africa. I had just recently purchased my first LEGIT camera, a Nikon D3300. Of course I took it with me! It was during my time in Africa that I fell in love with photography in a completely different way. This time I felt a purpose behind it all. This trip inspired me to see more of the world, and I was DETERMINED to do so. In 2018 I took a huge step out of my comfort zone and backpacked around Europe for 5 months on my own. Why by myself you ask? Well, originally I wanted to go with others, but when it came down to it no one was as serious and willing to take that risk as I was. Call me crazy but I wasn’t going to let that hold me back. Was I nervous? I sure as hell was, but the excitement and curiosity drove me even more! During those 5 months I traveled to 12 different countries, saw historic and iconic buildings and places that I only ever dreamed about, made friends from all over the world, ate some of the best food of my life, and photographed a journey of a lifetime. That trip was one of the best risks I’ve ever taken, and I’m so glad I did it. Don’t get me wrong, the trip had many learning lessons as well; missed busses, getting lost, walking miles through the Hungarian winter to reach my hostel, language barriers and more. But it has shaped me significantly into who I am today. I learned that when things don’t go as planned, to ride the ride. In my eyes that’s what taking a risk is all about, riding the ride of life and being prepared for any outcome.

Although my photography roots are grounded with nature, landscape, travel and culture. It wasn’t until the end of 2019 I took another step outside of my comfort zone and began working with people. Something I was so nervous about at first, ended up giving me a new outlook on photography, and I absolutely fell in love with it. It allowed me the freedom to create in so many more ways. That’s the thing, the possibilities are endless when you decide to take that jump. I believe as a business owner, to be successful I must take risks and learn to view things in a different way no matter what the outcome is. The risks I’ve taken throughout life, and throughout this business have not always been easy, but they have always been worth it. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for the risks I was willing to take to get here.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art stems mostly from emotion. I don’t want to be just your photographer. I want to be your friend. I want to learn about you, I want to take long car rides with you to high peaks. I want to wake up at 4am with you to hike to the perfect spot for those sunrise photos you’ve always dreamed of. I want to laugh over a couple of beers with you as we chat about the perfect itinerary for your big day. I want to be more than your photographer, I want to know the real, raw you. I’m a very personable person, I enjoy intimate friendships and meaningful conversation. To be able to connect with my clients is a way I can connect with my art. I love seeing emotion through the lens, and I strive to capture genuine feelings and moments with every person or group I work with.

I’m really excited to start taking on more personal projects, where I can really let my ideas flow freely into reality. I’ll be transitioning to part time at my job at the end of January so I can focus more energy and time towards my photography. I cannot wait to have more free time to dedicate towards creative projects! In addition, I’m simply excited to continue learning and growing as a photographer, and person. Getting here was hasn’t been entirely “easy”, heck it still ain’t easy! But it has been rewarding. There’s been many late nights watching youtube tutorials, building my website, editing photos, preparing contracts and questionaries, etc; sometimes until 2am. Then waking up at 6:30am for my 8 hour work day. Many mistakes made and lessons learned throughout the journey, and I’m sure there will be more. Running a business is hard work! I’m a one women show, but I’m so thankful for my clients, friends, family, and boyfriend who continue to support me through it all. At the end it all comes down to self discipline. I’ve over come many challenges along the way by having the mindset of wanting to be better, and knowing that it takes hard work and failure to be successful.

Somertime Visuals is a brand with a vision for female empowerment, LGBTQ support, mental health awareness, authentic relationships, environmental justice, and cultural differences. Eventually I want my work to showcase a lot of important issues our world and community face every day. On my personal IG page, @somertimephoto you can see a lot more environmental and cultural work here, the dream that started it all. I aim to work with others who are adventurous, and passionate so that I can work towards incorporating my couples, boudoir clients, and portraits into this same theme. I’m not quite where I want to be yet, but every day I’m going to continue working hard to get there.

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.
Cuba Cuba in Castle Rock Great Divide brewery in Castle Rock
Meow Wolfe in Denver
Fika Coffe house in Parker
Just Be Kitchen in Denver
Wide Open Saloon in Sedelia
Rampart Range in Sedelia
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs
Manitou Springs
The Loop Mexican Restaurant in Manitou
Boulder / boulder flatirons
Castle Wood Canyon in Castle Rock
Dairy Block in Denver
Loveland Pass
Breckenridge
Blue Lakes in Breck
Downstairs at Erics in Breck
Red Rocks
54thirty rooftop bar in Denver
Cheesman Park / yoga at cheesman park
Georgetown Lake
Lake Dillon

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My boyfriend Gustavo Gray for being my #1 supporter Jeffery Grounds Photography for mentoring me in the beginning
Kristina Hugate Photography for being an amazing friend and teacher.

Website: www.somertimevisuals.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somertime.visuals/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Somertime.Visuals

Other: Prints – https://somertimevisuals.client-gallery.com/gallery/prints Landscape + Travel Photography – https://www.instagram.com/somertimephoto/

Image Credits
Jessica Cooke Photography Somertime Visuals Jesse Silva