As a small business owner, I know just how competitive things have become! 

The old idea 'if you build it, they will come' is no longer enough. I've been chatting with some of my colleagues and contacts, fellow small business owners, and hear these same things over and over. 

Real Estate agents are finding that competition for listings is fierce, even in hot markets full of potential sales.

Creatives are finding that their 'dream job' is so much more than designing websites while wearing PJ's at home. 

Independent boutiques are finding that it's not enough to simply open a storefront, they also must find a way to connect with their community in an authentic and unique way. 

I get it. As a wedding & portrait photographer, I've been through all of this myself. Hey, us small business owners have to stick together!

Today, we're talking about setting your work apart, and the importance of presenting yourself both personably and professionally as the face of your business. 

I have had so many wonderful senior photo sessions this year! Ana's was definitely one of them! I enjoyed getting to know her and loved that she was referred by her friend Landrey (check out his senior session here). 

When I sent over a few location choices I was thrilled when she chose Hudson Gardens. It's a great location with a variety of backdrops including colorful flowers and green grass. I knew it would work perfectly! We couldn't have asked for a better afternoon...it was perfect weather, gorgeous sunlight and we practically had the place to ourselves! ​

Check out more of my favorite photos from her senior session and learn more about Ana below....

There is nothing better than having repeat clients! When Kaylie's mother reached out to me for her senior portraits I was thrilled to be able to work with them again! I photographed her older brother Christian two years ago in downtown Littleton and it was so much fun getting to know the family. 

Kaylie wanted a nature location for her senior pictures and I knew this spot would be perfect! She brought a couple different wardrobe options and after going through everything I knew these two outfits would be the best. The floral dress was perfect for this mountain location and the blue blouse went so well with Kaylie's piercing blue eyes. We had great weather, an awesome location and beautiful light....doesn't get any better than that!

Read more about Kaylie, her senior portrait experience and check out some of our favorite pictures .... 

​This years senior season was kicked off with Landrey at this colorful urban graffiti location in Denver. I can't think of a better way to start the summer! He brought some fantastic wardrobe choices that went well with the backgrounds. We wandered all over the RiNo Arts District finding amazing street art and chatting about what he loves and his future plans. He is an incredibly talented DJ and hosts parties in his home,  complete with professional lighting and his entire set-up! His mother showed me some videos of of everything and it looks so awesome!! 

The street art is always changing in Denver so we got to discover the new works of art together, including some fun Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Aztec art, Crazy Colorful Eyes and walls of beautiful vibrant color. I highly recommend taking a stroll through the area!

Check out some of my favorite photos from his session and learn more about Landrey....

I have known Kate for awhile now and when she said she wanted to do one of these portrait sessions with me I was beyond thrilled! I loved collaborating and seeing this whole other side to her. 

We go to trivia together every week, go shopping and hiking together and she has assisted me on several photo sessions and weddings. She has become one of my best friends and to be able to do a This Is Me session with her meant the world to me!  

The day of the session we started at the studio with hair and make-up. We decided to do the entire This Is Me session in studio to keep with the glam look Kate was wanting. She brought several outfits, including two new dresses that fit her look perfectly! After she was pampered with hair and make-up we started in her favorite new, black and gold dress and went from there. It was a lot of goofing off, laughing and tons of fun! 

When she came in to view her photos she was thrilled with how they came out and we had a hard time narrowing them down to fit into an album! Check out her favorites and learn a little more about who she is and why she did these glamorous portraits....

I have known Katie for years. Typically we work together on her branding and headshot photos for her social media posts, blogging and website.  We always have SO MUCH FUN!!! We laugh and catch up and it usually ends with us grabbing lunch in downtown Littleton. I really enjoy our sessions....so when I approached her about this new line of portraits I wanted to launch she immediately jumped on board and we started brainstorming ideas right away! She wanted something bad ass, empowering and fierce.  Which is so far from our normal sessions, but I knew we could do it. 

The day of the session we started at my studio with hair and make-up. We decided to do the entire session inside the studio based on her inspiration board and the ideas I presented to her. She brought two outfits that totally fit the theme and we spent the afternoon shooting, laughing and attempting to keep straight faces

Here's a little more about Katie....

Who is the everyday you? Happily engaged to  the man of my dreams. Proud animal Mom of 2 dogs, Vinny and Theo and Greg, the cat. Professionally, sales and communication strategist for entrepreneurs. Side hustle, DJ! 

What inspired the theme/style of your This Is Me session? BADASSERY! Rock and roll, channeling my favorite musician, Prince. Sexy and fierce! 

Why was this important to you? Why did you do a "This Is Me Project"portrait session? 
I am always "on" as bubbly and outgoing, constantly laughing and smiling. I wanted to show the sexy, sassy vibe that is also within me. I wanted to see what fuels me from the inside, reflected on the outside! 

What was your favorite part of the whole process?
Um... favorite PART? The WHOLE THING. From the make-up and hair, choosing my outfits and having the session that was truly just for me! 

Las Vegas is one of my favorite places to visit so when I heard that Sal Cincotta was hosting a 3 day photography workshop there called Project Lunacy, it was a no-brainer. Workshop tickets, flights booked and hotel secured within an hour! One thing I strongly believe in is continued education. No matter what industry, career path or life you lead...NEVER STOP LEARNING!! For me, photography is something I cannot get enough of and is a true passion. I can't envision my life without a camera in hand.  I attend one to two, out-of-state, full photography conferences or workshops per year and consider it a vacation.  Throughout the year I take local classes in Denver and online courses to keep my skills and education sharp as well. 

Project Lunacy was the best investment in myself I have ever made! I cannot say enough positive things about the people I had the pleasure of meeting, the people I was able to reconnect with and the things I learned. The epic photos were just an added bonus!

This first set of photos are from Jeff and Christine Tonkin's of DigiSmiles class on styled senior photography and were taken on the rooftop of The LINQ Hotel. We started during the middle of the day when the desert sun was right above and bright as ever. We got to work with a variety of models and lighting equipment to learn how to overpower the mid-day sun. As the sun set we practiced some really cool techniques to create some fun night photos. 

Doing family portraits in the fall and winter is so beautiful! The light is different, almost more saturated,  during this time of year and I just can't get enough of it! 

This session was all about family. They wanted updated portraits for their home and wanted something outdoors. I sent them a ton of beautiful locations to choose from and they picked this local park in Highlands Ranch Colorado. This is one of my favorite spots for morning sessions! 

We met bright and early and got started right away. These two girls have such great energy and they get along so well. I really enjoyed getting to know them! Anytime we did photos of just the daughters they didn't hesitate to snuggle up.  I love seeing siblings getting along! 

Here are some of their favorites from the session. Enjoy!

This year was a complete whirlwind! I feel like I blinked in April then it was suddenly the holidays! The summer flew by which is no surprise based on the amount of senior portrait sessions we did this year!! Senior portraits have quickly become one of my favorite types of photography and I am definitely looking forward to 2018. 

I love getting to know every senior and their family. Seniors have a special energy that can't be replicated. They are excited and nervous and optimistic about the future....and they should be! So much unknown...and unlimited possibilities!! 

During their session it's all about them. I get to know each student and base their poses, locations and style on who they are right now. I get to hear where they want to go to college and what they want to do with their lives...and let me tell you, the world better watch out for the class of 2018 because their are some serious game changers graduating this year!

Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday.....and what better way to celebrate than with adorable kids in cute Christmas pj's?! I am so excited to announce the first annual, Limited Edition Christmas mini sessions! These will be held in our new studio on December 1st and there are only 10 spots available. We have 2 different sets to choose from and we are ready to have a ton of fun!! 

Every year since my son was little we make it down to Larkspur for the Colorado Renaissance Festival. It's our summer tradition and we have a ton of fun! This year we got to share the experience with two of my closest friends, Jo and Kate, who have never been. 

I usually look at the schedule in the spring and block off the Celtic weekend. We enjoy watching all of the live Celtic music throughout the day, especially Celtic Legacy. We have our yearly traditions and watching Celtic Legacy is one of them. Also, every year I buy a new coffee mug and some handmade soaps, my son and brother always gets a Steak on a Stake and run off to check out all the weapon booths and my dad stocks up on Garlic Festival spices. Every year I take a whole weekend off from photographing weddings to spend with my family, these are memories I cherish and wouldn't trade them for anything!

Today is Tommy and Krystal's wedding day! So I wanted to share their gorgeous winter engagement photo session we did in Littleton, Colorado earlier this year. I have loved getting to know these two and am very excited to photograph their wedding later today! 

I ask every couple a few questions to get to know them a bit better. When I heard how these two met I was nothing but smiles. It's such a sweet story! From the happy couple - We officially met our freshman year of high school in Mrs. Blaze's English class. After dating for a brief moment, we decided to just be friends. We had at least one class together each semester after that and stayed in the same friend group. After going onto college, we remained friends and grabbed lunch or coffee every time we were both back in town visiting family. Right before our senior year of college, we expressed our feelings for each other and have been dating ever since. ​