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

Hi Kaeden, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Creatives don’t usually get into the business for money or fame. They get into the art because of their love and passion for creating things that are beautiful or have meaning. If you are struggling with the thought of “Should I just give up?” or “How do I keep going”, you must always remember your “why”. Why did you start creating? It is also important to remember the impact that your creations have, even if it is just on you. One of my favorite photographs hangs in my house in a giant 20×30 frame. It is certainly not the best picture I have ever taken, but it holds such value in the memories created there and the time I spent on it. If you are to the point where money or fame are your main motivators and you feel your happiness start to clouded by stress or anxiety, it might be time to step away. At the same time, if you are still being driven by your love of creating, the money and fame won’t matter. Because you are doing what you love and you should never quit.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Today I work as a Recruiter at a tech company here in Phoenix. I began my career as a Human Resources Swiss-Army Knife and was exposed to many facets of the industry. When it came time to decide on a focus, it had to be in the area with the most influence. In recruiting I get to interact with everyone within the company, and with everyone outside the company. Being the ambassador of a company’s mission and values is a great responsibility that I don’t take for granted. As an ambassador for the company you must live the values each and every day, or your meetings with candidates and leaders won’t be genuine. Ultimately, my short career has taught me that being genuine is the most important characteristic that any professional, creative, and person should have. If you are not genuine, you are simply taking advantage of people.

When it comes to creativity, I have tried to build a brand of Outdoor Lifestyle. Promoting the outdoors in any way I can. Through landscape photography, adventure vlogs and videos, outdoor photoshoots, hunting content, and countless other ways. All for the purpose of inspiring people to step outside and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us each and every day. The world is full of manufactured happiness, but the outdoors is genuine and real. If we can appreciate what it has given us, perhaps it will appreciate us in return.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is no better outdoor adventure than the Grand Canyon. However, staying in the valley, Lost Dutchman State Park is a fantastic day trip that should be enjoyed by anyone who visits. With the scenery and majestic of the Superstition Mountains, you can enjoy a hike, a picnic, or simply a drive through the canyon. Don’t drive too fast though, because Goldfield Gold Mine will be on your left and you should stop in for a train ride and mine tour. History is a part of us and we should cherish it as much as we can.

Of course, throughout the valley there are parks and hills to explore. From South Mountain Park to Camelback Mountain, and from Santan Mountain to the Superstitions, the valley has plenty to offer. Don’t forget to stop in to The Hub – Bar and Grill for the Hub Mac & Cheese! Definitely a favorite.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There is no doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t be where I am today without my wife, Emily, and my daughter, Remington. They are my “why” and my drive. However, I would be amiss not to take this opportunity and shoutout the person who started my love for photography. My dad has been taking pictures my entire life. His love for the details found within flower and nature photography is inspiring. My love for capturing memories and the details in life come from his example in all he does.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaedenp_photography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaeden-peterson-a0100315a/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCQvjga6roBI9YUFpC0-1A

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.