Meet Colton Newkirk | Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Colton, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Boundaries and time management are key! When I first started as a photographer, I felt as if I had to shoot everything and everyone I possibly could. I knew that experience is key and I wanted to get as much of it in as little time as possible. This lead to me blowing off friends, family and other parts of my life that are needed to maintain that healthy balance. Fast forward to today and I’ve gained some of that experience and I’m secure in my skill and style. I have more responsibilities and I don’t accept every job or project brought my way because I’ve learned that I don’t enjoy shooting some things. I think about the balance in two parts: availability and efficiency. Both of these require a good amount of preparation and communication, which in the end benefits my work and the client’s experience

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.
I am a portrait photographer who equally prides myself in my work and in the way I work with people. I’m the type of person who laughs inside when I go into a senior session and the parents aren’t sure if their senior will tolerate being photographed because I know that they’ll be sure once I deliver their photos. I am fortunate enough to have the ability to travel to photograph people, I know it’s something not everyone can do. Was it easy? Absolutely not. The more you know about a thing, the more you know what you don’t know and the more you realize that you have to navigate through so much misinformation, trends, opinions and gimmicks just to have the chance to show everyone the real you. I’ve found that to be true in both in my journey as a photographer and in life. It is totally worth it though because I get to show those parents that they were worried for no reason and I can show the world the beautiful you.

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.
The first thing that comes to mind is Ft. Worth; particularly places like Magnolia Motor Lounge, Landmark, Lola’s, These places are my jam, and not only because they have great live music! We can’t pass up Sundance Square and The Stockyards. We for sure have to hike Eagle Mountain Lake and then make a little trip to my beloved Denton with all of its quirkiness like the doughnuts served late-night through the back kitchen door at Queenies. Pearl St./AT&T arts district is a must and Bavarian Grill in Plano is what heaven tastes like!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Special thanks to my first mentor and muse, Simone Nicole, to my friend and mentor, Ryan Neiderheiser for all of those long nights at Bridgeway and to all of my clients and subjects for trusting me and for going on so many adventures with me. Cheers!

Website: https://www.coltonnewkirk.com/

Instagram: @coltonnewkirkphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColtonNewkirkPhotography