Paige
Molenkamp
I was the Photographer at Sea World in 5th Grade
Sports, events, and adrenaline on film
The moment I pressed the shutter for the first time, a spark lit inside me. What began as adrenaline quickly became clarity: photography wasn’t just a passion—it was going to be my career, my identity, and my way of connecting with the world.
My Values
I take pride in being a hardworking person. Whether it’s sports, school, or the things I’m passionate about, I always give 100% to the things that truly matter to me. One quote that really resonates with me is, “You arrive with nothing, spend your whole life chasing everything, and still leave with nothing. Make sure your soul gains more than your hands.”
At the end of the day, awards, money, and fame are great, but I believe the more important question is whether you actually made an impact on the people and community around you. Even if that impact is small, I believe in quality over quantity. I want to help my community, inspire others to be great, and leave people better than I found them.
I hold myself to very high standards and expect nothing less from myself. I also value strong communication because I don’t like wasting anyone’s time. I believe things get done efficiently when people communicate clearly, trust one another, and work toward the same goal.
I also believe that a successful business or organization should be a place where people genuinely enjoy showing up. When everyone is motivated, having fun, and feels like they belong, the entire team becomes stronger.
Most importantly, I value having a strong community of people in my corner. I believe the right community helps people thrive, and I want to bring that same positive energy, work ethic, and support to every community I become a part of.
My Story
Paige Molenkamp—an award-winning international photographer, videographer, marketing specialist, and travel content creator. My work blends the art of storytelling with the thrill of discovery.
My journey began in San Diego, California, where I was born and raised. At 10 years old, I got
the "job" as the photographer at SeaWorld, a highly competitive position at BizTown.
At the time, I didn't realize that this instinct to preserve moments would become the
foundation of my life. What started as adrenaline quickly became clarity: photography wasn't
just a passion, but a career, an identity, and my way of understanding the world.
Through photography, I learned that purpose and self-worth wasn't measured by test scores, but
by presence, connection, and the ability to make others feel seen. Every time I pick up a camera, I feel
that same rush of confirmation—that I am exactly where I am meant to be.
I started my undergraduate studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa before transferring to
Colorado State University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media
Communications. While at CSU, I studied abroad with CIEE, living in Spain, Ireland, and
Germany for six-week periods. In total, I traveled to 11 countries, immersing myself in diverse
cultures and environments—an experience that reshaped my worldview and sharpened my passion
for visual storytelling.
My professional experience includes covering major sporting events such as the NCAA Women’s
Volleyball Tournament, Men’s March Madness Tournament, the Mountain West Basketball
Championships, and Professional Bull Riding (PBR). Also shooting the Billabong Pipeline
Masters Surf Competition and Nitro Circus in Huntington Beach in my free time. I’ve produced
photography for publications including Best of CSU 2025 and 2026, Visit Fort Collins, Supporting
Transitions/Parent Guide, and Ram Life.
Along the way, I’ve received awards including 3rd Place and Honorable Mention in the International Photo Awards (IPA), the San Diego Art Mart Association Award at the San Diego County Fair in 2019, and two Study Abroad Photo Contest wins at CSU in 2024. I’ve also photographed FoCoMX, Colorado’s largest music festival, and interviewed athletes including 2022 PBR World Champion Daylon Swearingen and CSU pole vault school record holder Maria Kimpson.
From surf breaks in Hawai‘i to city streets in Europe, my experiences continue to shape a global perspective and a distinct visual voice. Along the way, I’ve collaborated with creative teams and built a reputation for bringing grit, curiosity, and vision to every project. At the heart of everything I do is passion, creativity, and the drive to make an impact. If you’re looking for someone who works hard, dreams big, and brings a fresh perspective.
"It's a full time job believing in yourself. No days off."
