What does it mean to create a photography experience that’s not just about pretty pictures—but about presence, healing, and deep connection?
In this deeply moving episode of The Sundae Best, I sat down with Kelly Peterson Frazier of Kelly Photo and Design, a Colorado wedding and portrait photographer whose approach to photography is rooted in storytelling, soulful observation, and her own personal experiences with loss and transformation. Kelly brings us behind the scenes of what it means to create heirloom imagery with heart—photography that reflects the emotional complexity of life’s milestones and honors the stories that shape us.
MEET KELLY PETERSON FRAZIER: COLORADO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER & TEACHER
For over eight years, Kelly has served Colorado couples and families with an artistic, emotive approach that blends documentary storytelling with creative direction. She began photographing during college while also working as a high school English teacher. Her work is deeply influenced by her international/small-town upbringing, her connection to nature, and the loss of her dad—which taught her firsthand that photos are what we turn to when we lose someone we love.
Based in Colorado, with her high school sweetheart Zac and their dog Holly, Kelly brings warmth, intentionality, and an open heart to every client she serves. Her photography style is all about emotion, reflection, and getting to the heart of what matters most—especially when life’s milestones come with complicated backstories.
HOW GRIEF SHAPED HER WHY: THE POWER OF PHOTOGRAPHS TO HEAL
One of the most powerful parts of Kelly’s story is how losing her dad during her college years profoundly changed the way she sees photography. What began as a creative pursuit quickly became something much deeper.
During her father’s battle with cancer and passing in 2020, Kelly was still showing up for photo sessions and weddings—and feeling the strange contrast between personal loss and joy for life’s greatest moments. In fact, on the morning her father passed away, she drove to Estes Park to photograph a wedding. The couple never knew. But Kelly remembers the golden aspen trees and sunlight breaking through the leaves as a profound reminder: even in deep grief, life and love continue.
That moment cemented for her why photography matters. As she says in the episode: “This is the fabric of who I am.”
Now, every photo she takes is done with that understanding—that photos become all we have left of the people we love.
WHAT A HOLISTIC PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE
Kelly believes in crafting a holistic experience for her clients—one where all emotions are welcome, and nothing is just a checkbox on a list. She’s not afraid of tears, vulnerability, or the emotional weight that can come with a wedding day. In fact, she makes space for it.
From the first inquiry, Kelly asks couples what moments they’re most looking forward to and what feels important to them—not just in photos, but in life. This intentionality helps her create personalized galleries that reflect the story and spirit of her clients. She takes the time to hand-edit each photo, match the tone and emotion of the day, and advocate for her clients’ comfort and presence.
Whether that means stepping in to create space during emotional moments (like clearing the room for a bride to have a quiet moment with her mom) or capturing from a respectful distance, Kelly sees herself as a director and a photojournalist—equal parts attentive and unobtrusive.
FROM ENGLISH TEACHER TO FULL-TIME WEDDING AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER: THE TRANSITION
Kelly spent years balancing both photography and teaching full-time. But after many seasons of growth, reflection, and therapy, she realized that her priorities had shifted—and so had her dreams. She’s now officially part-time in the classroom, allowing more space to pursue photography with her full heart.
She shares how this decision didn’t come quickly or impulsively. As someone who values stability and structure, Kelly spent a full year (and many years before that) preparing—tightening her systems, refining her SEO strategy, and building out her branding and website.
She emphasizes that transitions don’t need to happen overnight. Trusting the process, asking for help (shoutout to her husband for all the dinners!), and focusing on small, consistent actions is what made the shift possible.
INSIGHTS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS NAVIGATING GRIEF, PURPOSE, OR A PIVOT
Throughout this episode, Kelly offers honest encouragement for any photographers walking through grief or wrestling with burnout. She reminds us that feeling deeply is not a weakness—it’s a superpower. And photography can be both a career and a form of healing.
She also encourages photographers to:
- Reflect on each client interaction: Are you really seeing and hearing them?
- Build breathing room into your workflow: it allows for creative thinking and longevity.
- Let go of the need for everything to be picture-perfect. Connection beats perfection.
- Ask yourself whether your photos reflect your clients’ souls—or just trends.
TOOLS, TIPS, & CLIENT EXPERIENCE PHILOSOPHY
- Kelly customizes her email templates for every client, offering a thoughtful tone from the start.
- She’s moved away from generic inquiry forms and instead focuses on connection-driven calls.
- She believes every couple deserves space to feel—not just perform.
- Her editing process is fully hand-done to honor skin tones, lighting, and emotion authentically.
GET A FREE EMAIL TEMPLATE FROM KELLY
Kelly is generously offering one free email template (portrait or wedding) that she sends her clients before the big day.
Send her a message at kellyphotoanddesign@gmail.com to request your free template!
Inquire to work with Kelly
View her work
MEET YOUR HOST OF THE SUNDAE BEST
LOGAN FERREE – COLORADO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER AND MENTOR
Hey there! I’m Logan Ferree, a Colorado-based wedding photographer, mentor, and host of The Sundae Best podcast. I’m passionate about helping fellow photographers grow successful businesses that attract their own dream clients and provide the freedom and flexibility we all crave.
After years of trial and error in my own business, I now share what works (and what doesn’t) to help you skip the struggle and fast-track your success. When I’m not photographing colorful, joy-filled weddings, you can find me mentoring photographers, recording podcast episodes, trying a new recipe, or exploring new places with my husband.
For more photography business resources:
- Follow me on Instagram: @the.sundae.best
- Explore 1:1 mentorships and tools at mrsferreephotography.com
- Browse more podcast episodes at the-sundae-best.com
New episodes drop on Sundays on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also sign up here to get them delivered straight to your inbox!
