Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kalen Acquisto. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kalen, appreciate you joining us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

When I think about my journey, I can’t help but feel a huge sense of gratitude for the unwavering support from my parents. It’s something I treasure deeply and never take for granted. Every day, I count my lucky stars for them.

Unlike some friends of mine, I was never pushed into activities I didn’t want to do. Instead, it was me who was insatiably curious and eager to try everything. Picture this: after school, I’d dash from band practice to soccer, then would rip off my sweaty shin guards and change into a leotard in the car for dance, and finally wrap up the evening with hours of gymnastics and studying. Yes, all in one day! My parents never complained, even when it meant waking up at 4am to drive me to swim practice.

Their secret? They encouraged me without a hint of pressure and there was a shared mutual respect. They let me explore my interests freely and always believed in my potential. Because of them, I grew up knowing that I could do anything I set my mind to, try anything that piqued my curiosity, and find a balance in what truly mattered to me. Their support was my springboard, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been driven by the desire to build connections and create community. My career began in philanthropic community impact work within the foundation world, but it wasn’t long before I felt the magnetic pull of entrepreneurship. My first big leap was running a business in New Zealand under a large brewery. I was completely captivated by the innovation, creativity, and boundless possibilities that come with being an entrepreneur. I thrive when I can operate outside the box. It was in New Zealand where I also launched my own photography business, blending my passion for visual storytelling with my entrepreneurial spirit.

When I moved back to the States, I dove headfirst into directing entrepreneurship initiatives for the Downtown Denver Partnership. It was an exhilarating experience, connecting entrepreneurs to the resources they needed and collectively helping tens of thousands of them start and grow their businesses. The space, programs, and community we built together were like a launchpad for so many dreams. And after years of inspiring others to take the leap, I decided it was time to follow my own advice. I launched Kalen Jesse Photography Co. full-time nearly four years ago, and I haven’t looked back since. I simultaneously am a Principal of Denver Angels Investment Fund to remain connected to the entrepreneurial work I still care so much about.

Photography, for me, is about capturing life’s fleeting nature. While I can nail the posed, smiling shots, I truly thrive on capturing those raw, emotional, spontaneous moments—the ones that tell a story and evoke real feelings. I believe that it’s the messy, unexpected moments that form the most meaningful memories. My goal is to create authentic photos that capture subjects in their unique element and environment, making each image and story one-of-a-kind.

Today, I dedicate my days to documenting precious moments at weddings, events, and family gatherings internationally. I also work with entrepreneurs, helping them strategically brand themselves through custom visual stock photos. My style is timeless and authentic, focusing on those fleeting moments that often go unnoticed but are cherished for years to come. From indescribable emotions to the tiniest details, my team and I thrive on preserving the authentic, spontaneous, and messy moments that make up life’s most meaningful memories.

I’ve grown a team that includes an inclusive group of talented photographers and videographers. We pride ourselves on being attentive and understanding, providing excellent customer service, meticulous attention to detail, and a safe, welcoming space for all our clients. We have a home base in Denver and DC, but also travel nationally and internationally wherever the work takes us!

What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and connection. We don’t just take pictures; we tell stories. And we do it with heart, passion, and a deep appreciation for the unique beauty of every moment. So whether you’re looking to capture the magic of a wedding day, the joy of a family gathering, or the essence of your brand, we’re here to make those moments last forever.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What has truly helped me build my reputation within the market is the emphasis on relationships and personalized service. The majority of my business comes from referrals, a testament to the trust and satisfaction of my clients. I’ve stayed true to my brand, which places relationships first and fosters an environment where clients can be themselves at every shoot.

At our core, I am more than a photographer – I’m your right-hand support. For example, I take the time to connect with each couple or business owner, understanding their values and vision during a full-hour consultation. We collectively craft a detailed timeline and shoot day plan, complete with shot lists and seamless coordination with any vendors.

My team’s secret sauce is meticulous organization, ensuring your focus stays on what truly matters. Regular check-ins, thoughtful questions, and a personalized game plan set us apart, going beyond the typical photographer’s role. This commitment to a holistic and supportive approach allows clients to experience the magic of their wedding day or brand session without worrying about the details, and it’s this dedication that has built our strong reputation in the market. Ultimately, I am a producer!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn is the idea that asking for help is a sign of weakness. It took time, but I eventually realized that seeking assistance is actually a strength and a crucial tool for growth and learning. This realization has made a significant difference in both my personal and professional life.
Running a business means wearing many hats—I’m the CPA, CEO, manager, producer, director, editor, customer service agent, and more. It’s a lot to juggle. Over the years, I’ve come to rely heavily on my community to navigate the complexities of my business. From solving tricky tax questions to overcoming unexpected obstacles, it truly takes a village. I am so grateful for all the photo mentorship I have received from New Zealand back to the States. Shoutout to my family, friends and partner, Adam, who has been nothing but supportive and encouraging since day one. Embracing the support of others has been a game-changer, helping me tackle challenges that would have been insurmountable on my own. The entrepreneurial community is so collaborative in Denver and I am grateful to be part of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kalenjesse.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalenjessephotography_co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kalenjesse
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kalen-jesse-photography/?viewAsMember=true | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalenacquisto/

Image Credits

Kalen Jesse Photography Co. + Jon Fleming Photography + Jess Barry + Kate Ivy Photography