Check Out Kenzie Holmberg’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenzie Holmberg.

Hi Kenzie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I did not come from an ag family, but my parents supported me and helped me build connections with ag-industry professionals. Born & raised in Steamboat Springs, CO, I found a love for the agricultural lifestyle at a young age through the help of 4-H. In middle school, I started interning with a local cow horse trainer and, over the years, worked my way up to a ranch hand and eventually an assistant trainer.

I attended the University of Wyoming, where I graduated with a BS in Agricultural Communications with minors in Public Relations and Ranch Management. While still in college, I started learning graphic/web design/photography and began a side hustle to help pay the bills. Throughout college, I continued to train and show horses, was an ambassador for the College of Ag & Natural Resources, and interned with UW Marketing & the National Western Stock Show.

Post-college, I spent a summer living in Weatherford, TX, before moving to Billings, MT, to work for a large Stock Show & Rodeo as the Equine Programs & Communications Director. Although I enjoyed my time in the “corporate” world, I ultimately decided that I wasn’t happy in my job and wanted to pursue the business I had been continually building on the side. So at the end of 2019, I quit my job and began bartending a few nights a week while I worked on building my own business during the day.

As we all know, in early 2020, the COVID-19 Pandemic struck, and I was temporarily out of a bartending gig. I only had a few friends and no family in Billings and decided to move closer to my family, who was still living in CO, so I packed up and moved back to Laramie, WY. I continued to bartend, train/sell horses, help my clients with graphic/web design, and build my photography skills so that by the time 2021 rolled around, I was ready to take my photography business further.

2021 was an excellent year for my photography business, and I grew immensely. After a free online course on pricing, I decided I wasn’t charging enough, and I significantly raised my prices, and it was the best thing I could have done. Today, I have niched down to focus on brand photography and helping other photographers/models gain confidence and build their businesses. I’m always learning & growing, and I know I’m still going.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any entrepreneur will tell you, it has not been an easy road. Everyone deals with challenges, and I was not exempt from those. Just starting my business was a challenge. I was self-taught in photography, so I was learning how to use my equipment and run my business and juggling “imposter syndrome” as well. I lacked experience, and the only way to fix that was to “fake it until I made it.” And every new client came with a lesson. My contracts from when I started to today are almost an archive of the challenges I faced and how I learned how to combat those, and outside of the professional world, I still struggled with real-world struggles. But I don’t worry about these challenges anymore, as a lot of growth follows each new challenge.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Western Brand Photographer specializing in helping businesses authentically capture their products and the lifestyles of their customers, whether on the backs of their customers, covered in arena dirt, or under those neon lights. I am proud of how far my business has come in the last couple of years. I have been very fortunate to work with big-name brands such as Ariat International, Pendleton Whisky, Seratelli Hats, Dan Post Boots, Antler Rings, Outback Trading Co., and so many more. What sets me apart from others is that I have not only specialized in working with brands but also pride myself in the professionalism and quality of services we provide. I have built an amazing team of creatives who avoid industry drama and align with my company’s values.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I have loved being in the desert. Coming from the mountains was a big change, and there are perks to both areas. I have grown to love the ability to take photos all winter and have warm weather. I also love Arizona’s wild west history. There are so many great locations for me to go and capture the authentic wild west! It would be about how hot those summer days can get if I had to complain. But this means I must be creative with my summer schedule.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bonafidecowboy.com
• Instagram: @bonafidecowboy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonafidecowboymedia
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/bonafidecowboy/

Image Credits
Feature Photo Credit: Wild Sonora Photo All Other Images: BonaFide Cowboy