Meet Mianna Zentmeyer | Professional Photographer

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

Hi Mianna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As far fetched as it may seem, I actually used to be a race car driver. I was on the professional training route, training in an INDYCAR about to make my debut in IndyLights. I, unfortunately, got diagnosed with some serious health conditions thats took me out of the sport, however I am super grateful for everything I learned during my time in the sport because it’s what brought me to photography. As racing and training for that high of a circuit you need to be good, very good, at marketing and nowadays that also means being pretty good on social media and being brand-able. I found that the higher quality of photos I took and the better I edited them the better they did on media, the more professional I came across to potential sponsors and business partners, and the more interviews and opportunities I picked up. I didn’t want to keep paying for professional shoots practically weekly, and frankly, my family wasn’t all that wealthy so we had to be picky on where we spent our money. So, that left me learning how to become a very good photographer and editor on my own. It took many years and MANY times googling things, not to mention all the help and advice I got from those who actually knew what they were doing, but finally I got the hang of this thing called photography. After racing came to an end I already had such a following for how good my photos were it was an easy step into making it my profession opposed to just a hobby. To say the least, I have been very blessed with a good client base from the get go.

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.
Well I believe, as all good photographers, you have to have something special that makes you stand apart from the rest. You know, like your own little niche. I have found for myself that it is the perspective I have on the world and what angles and lighting my eye sees verses what the rest of the world sees. For instance, when there’s a group of people looking at a moment take place most everyone would be viewing it from the same perspective, same angle, be seeing the bright sun on people’s faces. However, for me, I’d step a few feet over, or get a little lower or higher. I’d try to maybe even view the moment from an unthought of angle. I wouldn’t see the brightness of the sun. I would see the shadows the sun was creating and the fade of color it caused. I believe this, my difference of perspective, is what sets my photos apart. This is definitely something that is natural and God-given to me, however it has taken me years of hard work to get it where it is today and I believe it only will get that much better as I keep honing into the way I see things. I think that has been so eye opening, not only as to how things work in the photography world, but also outside of photography. I’ve definitely learned so much about how perspectives and how a simple change can change pretty much everything you thought you once knew. It helps me understand others better and also not only accept them for their different perspective on life but become curious to also learn their perspective. I think this all ties into what my business is all about. I am ALL about people and learning about them and making them feel beautiful just how they are. With me getting to learn their perspectives and about their lives and passions helps me connect on a unique level which allows me to convey the beauty sometimes they don’t even know is hidden in their story. Making their moments shines is what makes my photos beautiful. It’s not just about me and my work rather it’s about taking what they have and what is so gorgeous about their story and making it pop.

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.
My friends have SUCH different personalities, which is what I love about each and every one of them, so I would tailor each trip more to their likings, but in general I would take them up to Grand Mesa. Wether its summer or winter, if they are more of the quiet-relaxing type or the adrenaline-sports type, the Mesa has something great for everyone. Powderhorn Ski/boarding resort or snowmobiling on the back paths for those sporty types in the winter and then there is always four wheeling in the summer. I’d make a stop at the Round Corral for my relaxed types for a nice picnic around some beautiful aspens or take them to the tip top of the Mesa and grab some hot chocolate from Powderhorn on the way back down. I also would make sure to stop by Fuel Coffee shop in Delta as they are my personal favorite local coffee shop, White Dahlia Designs to get some fresh flowers and delicious cookies, and then maybe finish their visit off with cruising down Main Street in Montrose (one of mine and my husband’s favorite activities to do).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my family. I have always been my biggest critic, but they are always there routing me on and trying to show me how valuable my work truly is. I would never have even started photography if it weren’t for my sister and I definitely would not have stuck with it if it weren’t for my husband, mom, and dad.

Instagram: @MiannaWickPhotography

Facebook: Mianna Wick Photography

Other: Email: MiannaWickPhotography@gmail.com

Image Credits
Personal photo by Csilla Leonard Fine Art Portraits. All other photos by Mianna Wick Photography (myself)