Thao's Personal Branding Portraits - Denver Studio Photography

There is no higher honor than being trusted with portraits of a peer in your field of work, so when Thao approached me to capture updated photos for her new website, I was thrilled to help. We are both pro family photographers, moms of multiple little ones, and share a deep love of good food and good company. As believers in the importance of community over competition, Thao and I strive to build each other up, and this friendship only points our respective work to the next level. Thank you, Thao for tasking me with your personal branding! Let’s do this every year and sneak in creative moments along the way over some yummy eats. :)

If you’re interested in a personal branding session like this, please book today (select Personal Branding & Headshots)!

Childhood and Being Your Own Best Friend First

Some personal musings tonight. I am fortunate to have some inner reflection while watching my kids grow. I’m no longer a child, but many of my school-aged experiences stick with me to this day.

I shared the below message with personal friends/family on Facebook, and it resonated so well with fellow former-children that I thought I’d share a public version here on my blog. After all, I work with many families. I don’t have all the answers, but I do understand the struggles.

Image of my son, used with his permission.

I just sat down with my 8 and 5 year olds at the coffee shop this morning and had a candid conversation about being your own best friend first.

It's really hard for introverted (and extroverted) children to find "safe people" who are peers, and I thought back to little Stephie in 5th grade and 11th grade specifically, when it was easier to hide in the bathroom stall (or computer lab) than it was to be social.

Starting over every year with new classmates, changing schools, and moving on to new jobs, new cities, etc isn't easy. But we gather, retain and use tools every single time... and that part does get easier. And look at me now, ma… I’m doing OK.

Kids can and will have a crap year, and aren't aware that mayyyybe just around the corner will be the day they find their chosen people/person.

Love yourself first as you are, and anyone who matters will follow, my kids. It may not seem so now, but alone time will become precious instead of being scary. Be OK with eating that burrito you love near a sunny window all on your own. Treat yourself to a warm drink at a coffee shop with only the company of a good book. See the movie you want to see, even if you have tickets for one.

Finally, brush off peers who actively reject you, because they won't be around for long anyway.

We also enjoyed this conversation while eating macarons and croissants, so that was helpful.

A Super Groovy Round One of Mid Modern Holiday Photos at the Studio

OOOOOKAY, that was fun. If you’ve never been to the studio before, every season, a group of creatives come together to create a set that photographers and models/families can use. This time, Malena of BSPK Creative really knocked it out of the park with her Mid-Mod Holiday Set, and I was honored to photograph several families who wanted something a bit different this year. Take a look!

This specific set design has never been seen before and will likely never be seen again. To have your photo taken with this scene, book me anytime up until December 15, which is when the tear down happens. I have mini sessions available on Wednesday 11/23, and classic sessions are available at a time of your choice.