Today we’d like to introduce you to Paityn Kelley
Paityn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The first time I picked up a camera at 16, I knew I had found something special. There was just something magical about freezing a moment in time, turning memories into something tangible. From that moment on, I was hooked. For the past decade, I’ve been the one behind the lens, capturing stories, emotions, and the little in-between moments that mean the most.
I jumped at every opportunity to grow – volunteering at events, offering free sessions for friends and family, and saying “yes” any time I could get my hands on my camera. Deep down, I always dreamed of making photography more than just a passion, but for the longest time, I couldn’t quite see how it could be a real career.
So, I followed a different path and earned my Bachelor’s degree in English Writing from the University of Colorado – all while continuing to refine my craft. Life took me on a beautiful journey: I got married to my middle school sweetheart, became a mom to two incredible little girls, and embraced the homestead and homeschool lifestyle for our growing family. Through it all, photography never left my heart.
Then one day, it hit me: why not take the leap? Why not turn this passion into something real? More than anything, I wanted to show my daughters that you can chase your dreams while being a mother, that you don’t have to choose between passion and family – you can have both. So, I did it. I started my own photography company – Wild Oak Collective. This journey has been nothing short of incredible, and now, I get to share my story in hopes of inspiring other women and mothers to take the leap, trust their passion, and believe in themselves. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you are capable of more than you ever imagined.
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?
No journey is ever smooth sailing – there are always a few bumps along the way! Starting a business, especially in photography, comes with its fair share of challenges and risks. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t spend time questioning whether I should take the leap. Imposter syndrome? Oh yeah, it hit me hard. But every time doubt crept in, I reminded myself why I started – because of my love for photography. Because I want to share this passion with the world. Because deep down, I knew this was something I was meant to do.
One of the biggest shifts? Learning to be my own biggest advocate – putting myself out there, promoting my work, and truly owning my craft. And let’s not forget the never-ending juggling act – motherhood, homeschooling, and running a business. It’s a balancing act I never could have imagined! But through it all, I’ve been incredibly lucky to have the unwavering support of my friends, family, and my amazing husband. They’ve made every challenge, every late-night edit session, and every moment of self-doubt so worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in lifestyle and portrait photography—seniors, families, engagements, businesses – you name it! At the heart of everything I do is one simple but powerful belief: capturing life’s most precious moments. Tiny newborn feet and gap-toothed grins. The excitement of stepping into the world as a new graduate. The passion behind a small business owner’s craft. These are the moments that make life beautiful, and my greatest joy is freezing them in time so they can be cherished forever.
My approach to photography is all about authenticity. I want to capture you—the real, raw, beautifully imperfect moments that tell your story. With a creative eye and deep attention to detail, I strive to create images that aren’t just beautiful, but deeply personal and meaningful. Because one day, when the moments we live in now have passed, photographs are what remain – and being able to preserve them brings me so much joy.
What truly sets me apart? My passion. This isn’t just a job to me; it’s what sets my soul on fire. Photography isn’t just about snapping pictures – it’s about storytelling, emotion, and connection. It’s about capturing the love, the laughter, the little in-between moments that make life so special. And I would be honored to tell your story.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Honestly, social media has been an absolute game-changer for me! The connections I’ve made with fellow creatives through Instagram, TikTok, and beyond have completely blown me away. I never expected to find such an incredible community of photographers online – from right here in Colorado to people thousands of miles away. The support, inspiration, and genuine friendships I’ve built mean the world to me. We share knowledge, cheer each other on, and lift each other up in ways I never imagined. Being able to learn, grow, and collaborate with like-minded creatives has been the most valuable part of my journey, and I’m so grateful for the amazing people I’ve met along the way! Community over competition always!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildoakcollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wild.oak.collective
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570048740631
Image Credits
All mine – Paityn Kelley | Wild Oak Collective
