Life and Work with Karen Mitchell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Mitchell.

Karen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my photography career, as many do, a hobby that organically unfolded into the beginnings of a business. I learned quickly that developing it into a photography career was a fast way to have a tremendous amount of travel paid for while paying the bills. Since the purchase of my first DSLR in 2008 to now, it’s led me across the map and has created countless opportunities to document people from all over the world. Because of Élan Photographie Studio, I have both worked with global companies building marketing assets and photographed wonderful things in people’s personal lives. I’ve nestled into Colorado Springs, calling it home since 2015. Turning ÉPS into a brick and mortar studio that is rentable on the main street of our sweet Downtown, it’s been exciting to explore growth in a different way. I have loved providing a space for others to utilize their skill at, all the while getting to invite my own clients in for their photo shoots. As the Studio has grown, I get to work alongside other photographers and I’ve really loved building that community. The road to building a business has not been easy but well worth the blood, sweat, and tears!

Has it been a smooth road?
It’s not been easy but very little worth having comes that way. There’s something to be said for blissfully and blindly beginning a business, however, I’ve learned that knowledge is power and anytime there is an opportunity to prepare well, I savor it. I’ve asked a lot of questions, thousands and even 10+ years in, I listen to others who are where I want to be, whether their new to the business and booming or they’re seasoned I want to know more from them. If they have the knack and they’re willing, I find wisdom there. Automate systems, learn what works best for you. Remember that freedom of schedule doesn’t mean not having one. Pay yourself. Don’t allow working for free to be your default, there is value in what you offer and know. You’re the pro- they’ve hired you for a reason. Be confident. Remember that everyone finds failure before they find success, it’s just how it works. Allow your inspiration to turn to motivation and that without discipline you won’t see the fruit of your labor.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Elan Photographie Studio – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Élan Photographie Studio has developed into a collective of photographers that work together as a team and work with their own clients. As a collective, we focus on family, engagement, boudoir and wedding photography. personally work with companies most often. I get to work in the spaces that makers work, photograph boutique fitness studios, develop content for marketing pieces and capture professionals doing whatever it is they do best. When documenting people, we focus on the candid moments and capturing the truest version of the story we’re presented with. We love that.

As for the physical photography studio in downtown Colorado Springs, it is rentable to all. Most often it is used by companies having product photographed or by photographers who are in need of a naturally lit, well-curated space to host photo shoots in.

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
My first encounter with real female leadership was in my first career. The CEO was a female and she was incredible. There were no limits talked about or heavily felt because she was a woman and there were no barriers set between us because I too am a female. While I have felt the female to a female power struggle at points in my life, I’ve been blessed with a really solid community where we strive to build one another up, help each other grow and learn from other’s experiences. Cheers to you ladies! There is so much good to focus on as a woman, I’m turning my gaze to these things.

Pricing:

• Branding Photography / Business storytelling is $350 per hour.
• Headshots are $425 for the first person and $125 for each after.
• Weddings start at $2100

Contact Info:

• Address: 708 S Tejon St., C/S, CO 80908
• Website: http://www.elanphotographiestudio.com/
• Phone: 6024232256
• Email: km@elanphotographiestudio.com
• Instagram: @elanphotographiestudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elanphotographiestudio/
• Other: @fortitudeandfinn on IG

Image Credit:
Karen Mitchell (example photos), Laura Klassen (image of me with my family)

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.