Today we’d like to introduce you to Amelia Yosten
Hi Amelia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Imagine taking a road less traveled, that’s the one that shaped my journey with photography. Thinking back on it now, I started pretty young. Back in middle school, way before smartphones, I was the one taking pictures for the yearbook and photos of things I love. Then what began as a hobby quickly grew into something more. By high school, I was recording and editing videos with the media team and getting more into the storytelling side of things. I kept building on those skills over the years and found myself in front of the camera as a local news host at a small startup in Denver. I would interview members of the community and get their take on hot topics then put together a segment for that. The role also transitioned to infomercial host, where I learned how to really engage people on camera.
Through all of this, I never stopped capturing moments for friends and family. Celebrations, family milestones, or just the beauty I’d find in nature. Photography became my way of holding onto those special moments. So, fast forward to December 2023, I decided to step out in faith and launch my own photography business, AYPlus Photography, in Aurora, Colorado. It’s been an exciting journey, and I will continue to capture life’s little moments to share with others!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road? Being an entrepreneur in today’s economy definitely comes with its challenges. But I’ve learned to navigate those hills and valleys by staying focused on growth and trusting that each obstacle is an opportunity to move forward and to become a better version of myself. My faith in God keeps me grounded and gives me the strength to continue no matter what challenges come my way. Have you ever heard or seen the acronym, ANSTAAFL? A college professor once taught me, “Ain’t no such thing as a free lunch,” meaning, success in business requires hard work, investment, and sometimes sacrifices. There’s always a cost involved. Could be time, money, or risk but the effort you put in, though challenging at times, builds character and brings blessings that make it all worthwhile in the end. I’ve learned valuable lessons and had the opportunity to improve my skills and relationships with others.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Thank you so much for your interest in my work! I’m a photographer with a real connection to partnering with local organizations to document their events, as well as capturing family moments and portraits. I truly believe in the value of community, which is why I’m involved to help tell their stories through my photography. I also navigate through life as a mother, spouse, life coach and mortgage professional. These different paths create a fulfilling life that I draw from to approach my work with creativity, empathy, and balance.
What I love most is building genuine connections with my clients. Learning about their personal stories and reflecting that in the photos I take. It’s not just about creating beautiful images, it’s about forming lasting relationships and creating meaningful memories together. I’m especially proud of the accomplishment and being able to do this work with the support of my family and an amazing network of friends, associates, local businesses, fellow artists, creatives, and other professionals. Shout out to you, VoyageDENVER for the interview! It makes the journey even more special as what sets me apart is my focus on community and documenting the authentic moments that make each person and event unique. You’ve given me the chance to share my own journey.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking risks isn’t something I typically embrace. I’m naturally analytical, and as a Libra, I value balance and consistency. I tend to carefully weigh all options before making decisions and prefer a sense of stability. However, stepping away from the corporate world and betting on myself was a significant leap.
The path of an independent creative is not always easy, and the economy doesn’t always support us in a way that feels sustainable or secure, but I truly believe that we, as creatives, hold immense value!
So leaving the stability of a corporate job was a huge risk, not only financially but in terms of the uncertainty it introduced into my life. I sacrificed the comfort of a steady paycheck and the traditional career trajectory to follow a path that felt more authentic and aligned with my values. I knew it would take time to build a foundation, but I was willing to make that investment in myself, even if it meant moments of doubt, and sacrifices.
But I will say the risk, while challenging, has been worth it. It’s not just about building a business it’s about creating a life that allows me to support my family and grow in ways I never imagined. I’ve learned that risk isn’t just about stepping into the unknown; it’s about trusting that, even in the face of adversity, I have what it takes to build something meaningful and sustainable. I’m putting in the work to make it happen, but I’m constantly grateful for the support of my family and the relationships I’ve built along the way.
Pricing:
- Standard photo sessions starting at $150
- Events $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ayplusphoto.com/
- Other: https://www.ayplusphoto.com/journal
Image Credits
Photo of the white cranes, the birds is an image from,
Ascentiate – 7/20 Memorial Foundation, Aurora, CO
And the bridge is Speer Boulevard Bridge, Denver, CO
