Through the Looking Glass...

What did you dream of becoming as a kid?  For me, it varied - from Fighter Pilot (thanks, Top Gun) to owning my own computer repair shop.  Heck, I still have dreams of being a rock star or an actor and what not. But one of my core passions - photography - is at the forefront of what I want to do with my life.  Even as just a hobby, it has allowed me to create connections and friendships that will last many years, and as I strive to make that career a reality, I have no doubt that it will be a vehicle to allow  me to pursue my many other passions. So Thank you all - those who have helped me to get where I am now, and those who are helping me toward realizing my dream - for being there and caring. Please, feel free to share your dreams - both as a kid, and now. #denverportraitphotography #denverphotographer #coloradophotography #denverportraits #jkbphotography #denverheadshots #denversmallbusiness #coloradoentrepeneur #glamour #denver #colorado #portraitphotography #denverfashion #stylizedportraits #liveyourdreams #passion #gratitude #BTS #behindthescenes #mylife #thankyou #friendsforlife #iwantitall #breakfree #nomore9to5 #followyourdreams #beyourownboss #fulllife #shareyourdreams #idowhatiwant (at Thornton, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/By0sxKzgisj/?igshid=8m034uss3fgt

What did you dream of becoming as a kid?  For me, it varied - from Fighter Pilot (thanks, Top Gun) to owning my own computer repair shop.  Heck, I still have dreams of being a rock star or an actor and what not. But one of my core passions - photography - is at the forefront of what I want to do with my life.  Even as just a hobby, it has allowed me to create connections and friendships that will last many years, and as I strive to make that career a reality, I have no doubt that it will be a vehicle to allow  me to pursue my many other passions. So Thank you all - those who have helped me to get where I am now, and those who are helping me toward realizing my dream - for being there and caring. Please, feel free to share your dreams - both as a kid, and now. #denverportraitphotography #denverphotographer #coloradophotography #denverportraits #jkbphotography #denverheadshots #denversmallbusiness #coloradoentrepeneur #glamour #denver #colorado #portraitphotography #denverfashion #stylizedportraits #liveyourdreams #passion #gratitude #BTS #behindthescenes #mylife #thankyou #friendsforlife #iwantitall #breakfree #nomore9to5 #followyourdreams #beyourownboss #fulllife #shareyourdreams #bigkidforlife #idowhatiwant (at Thornton, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/By0sxKzgisj/?igshid=c6zvlmhig70i

I know, I know - this is a HORRENDOUS composite.... 😂😂😂 But, it's all in good fun! The amped-up posts lately have been due to an IG challenge I've been participating in, and the mastermind behind the challenge is this guy - @jonathantilleydotcom . One thing I took away from this challenge is how powerful Instagram can really be - just posting the occasional photo with a few hashtags doesn't even begin to scratch the surface! The challenge was definitely a bit of a challenge - some days easier to post than others, but also it forced me to open up a bit and be a tad more vulnerable. I think going forward IG will help me be successful with any business venture I try - be it photography, personal training, or hell...even selling unicycles! - as long as I apply the principles I've learned here, and keep learning and growing. . . . #jtigc5 #denverportraitphotographer #instagramchallenge #businessgrowth #coloradosmallbusiness #allinfun #keeplearning #denverheadshots #colorado #business #itsimportanttohavefun #sillyselfies #coloradophotographer #denverphotographer #denverphotography #onlocation #bts #ireallyneedtoupmyphotoshopgame #fiveminutecomposite #takenfromavideocapture #alwayslearning #newtricks #frontrangephotographer #coloradoglamourphotographer #coloradoboudoirphotographer #butthatsmyotherbrand #businessishard #needtohustle #nomore9to5 #businesscanberewarding (at Thornton, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp-dUXbn05v/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=hqdjmeryjzwr

Real talk - Trying to get a business going is hard. Some of the things I'm struggling with the most is figuring out who I am and what unique qualities I can offer potential clients, as well as figuring out who those clients are exactly. But I continue on. I'm confident that once I figure out those two pieces of the puzzle, just about everything else will fall into place. In the meantime, here's a kinda artsy shot of the workbook from one of my courses. 😁😂 . . . #denverportraitphotographer #denver #coloradobusiness #smallbusiness #denverportraitstudio #denverheadshots #businessishard #atleastinitially #JTIGC4 #askingthehardquestions #whoami #whatcanioffer #idealclient #brandingishard #whycantthisbeeasier #atleastthereisaprettypicture #creativelive #business #coloradophotography #thestruggleisreal #allaboardthestrugglebus #coloradosmallbusiness #jonathantillymademecry #oknotreally #helpmerhonda #helpmeobiwan #positiveoutlook #icandothis #nomore9to5 #freedom (at Thornton, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp85QWIg3kX/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=153zh29fl4cd5

One of my absolute favorite things in the world is the Martial Arts. I started as a kid and trained in a few different disciplines for a while, but had to stop for various reasons - I got back into it 8-1/2 years ago and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's been the one constant in my adult life that has kept me anchored and sane, and at this point I don't know what I'd do if I ever had to stop. . What's something you're passionate about, or what one thing helps define you? Let me know below! . . . #JTIGC3 #denverphotographer #coloradophotography #martialarts #martialartslife #photographerswhokickass #martialartsphotographer #selfdiscipline #keepyourcenter #denverheadshotphotographer #denverglamourphotographer #denverportraitphotographer #everybodywaskungfufighting #threesectionstaff #kempo #kenpo #kenpokarate #shaolinkempo #zultimate #zusd #selfdefense #denver #colorado #photographer #portraitphotography #martialartsweapons #badass #photographersofinstagram #ninja #ninjawarrior (at Thornton, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp6HPQsAJCZ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1wdgc29ch867f

This is one of my favorite headshots, taken during a portfolio shoot back in 2016. I was going through a bit of a rough patch at the time, and I remember having a lot of fun with this shoot - the atmosphere was relaxed and the conversation flowed; we definitely had some great chemistry and produced some fantastic shots from this session! Establishing a connection and developing good chemistry with a client is important, especially with a photo shoot - it allows for things to be more relaxed, and you end up with better images overall. Do you have someone you have great chemistry with - whether personal or professional? Let me know down in the comments! #JTIGC2 #denverportraitphotographer #denverheadshots #coloradophotography #connection #muse #thoseeyes (at Denver, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp3faOoAyQO/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=u5fp9v3huap5

FINALLY got my gear back from @sigmaphoto today - one repaired lens and two shiny new ones to replace the outdated ones I had...time to go wreck some stuff - who wants to help me break in the new lenses? 🤘😎 #denverportraitphotographer #sigmalenses #sigmaartlens #excited #coloradophotographer #makingmagic (at Thornton, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp26HL5AAPN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10ulx56ycue4p

Hi, I'm Justin and I'm a photographer. I help my clients feel great about themselves through portraiture. One thing I love about what I did is the connection I make with the client during the shoot. What's one thing YOU love about what you do? Let me know in the comments below. #JTIGC1 (at Thornton, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp1FZOwA8h0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dq0eytergyyy

Gearing up for a couple portfolio sessions tonight and tomorrow for my boudoir brand I'm building. Stay tuned! #winterpark #colorado #mountainresort #denverportraitphotographer #coloradomodel (at Winter Park, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpTBXa_AL2M/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=sdddmy4ge2fc

I've been shooting again lately, knocking the proverbial rust off and getting back into the swing of things. I love how this shot turned out of Lubava Kazaeva during the @clicks_club group shoot down at Washington Park last week. #denverportraitphotographer #denverphotography #magmod #denvermodel #backinthesaddle #coloradosky (at Washington Park Boat House) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bobf6wbgTzp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ffd2mz41cfwm

Back from #shutterfest2018, and as usual had a great time! While I was there, got to meet the Headshot King himself, @peter_hurley; and of course no #shutterfest is complete without the obligatory #salfie with @salcincotta! (at St. Louis Union Station Hotel)

BTS - Getting our shoot on in Jeff & Christine Tonkin's stylized shooting class. #shutterfest #projectlunacy #digismiles #bayphotolab #teambayphoto #bhphoto #profoto #spiderholster @digismilesphotography @bayphotolab @bhphoto @profotousa @spiderholster (at The Linq)

About to head out to the El Dorado dry lake bed with @salcincotta for some #shenanigans. Thanks to @canonusa for letting me rent the drool-worthy 11-24mm and a 5DmkIV to play with.  #shutterfest #lunacy #epicshit #lasvegas #bouldercity #eldoradodrylakebed #photography #fuckyeah (at El Dorado Dry Lake Bed)

Catching up on sleep and life in general, wanted to thank @sarah_tierney and @teekole for being awesome to work with during @roberto_photo's lighting workshop at the Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, AZ. The image came out awesome! Printed on @hahnemuehle paper using the Prograf 1000 printer by @canonusa. Thank you again, everyone involved! #robertoworkshops #tanqueverderanch #hahnemühlepaper #canonusa #canonprograf1000 #fineartprints #pictureperfectlighting (at Tanque Verde Ranch)