#tribemikecon

I need to introduce you all to Katy Lute!!! Tomorrow’s her birthday, and it’s rare that I get a chance to have a blog ready to go on someone’s birthday however this one is definitely special to me, so it had to happen! Katy Lute is definitely someone who needs to have her, “fitness journey” story told. I met Katy via social media, and we started talking about doing a photo shoot together, and I saw that she too is a fellow photographer, and actually lived a few streets away from me in Castle Rock, CO. After a few weeks of not hearing back from Katy, I looked on her Facebook and lo and behold, tragedy struck in her family. Immediately, I reached out to Katy to check up on her and to see how her family was doing. We ended up working out a deal and did an amazing photo shoot together along with one of my all-time favorite Makeup Artists, and friend Savannah Appel (IG - @SavageBeautyCO).

It took my breath away when Katy wrote me these kind words in an email: ”Mike,

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I feel like I cannot express in words the gratitude I have to you. It makes me so emotional just thinking of what you have done for me. I was a stranger and you can so much compassion for me and my daughter. I am truly floored by what you have done for us. It reminded me of the good Samaritan story, how you did such amazing and kind things to help a me, a stranger, in a time of need. Thank you again for your heart of compassion and generosity. I will treasure these photos for the rest of my life. Your act of kindness is something in my life that will never be forgotten.

Thank you again!

Katy Lute”

Here’s Katy’s story…so please…pay attention!:

Were you athletic in your youth?

I was not active in my youth. I always felt conscious of my body and felt “chubby” growing up. The first time I ever even remember attempting some kind of physical exercise, it was running a distance longer than 1 mile running was at age 17! So, you could say that I found exercise at age 17. It started with simple morning jogs to try to “stay skinny” as my 17 year old brain thought. Over the years, I became more and more interested in fitness, and ended up majoring in Health and Fitness in college. For many years, I was a runner. I ran 13 half marathon races over the course of many years. This was the fitness lifestyle I lived until 2016, when I threw in the towel on the cardio lifestyle and switched to a strength training lifestyle complete with protein, heavy weights and muscle.

Describe your life before you started training.

As a young person and as a child, I was out of shape and didn’t like how exercise felt in my body. It felt uncomfortable, so I just avoided exercise altogether. I later became a runner for the beginning of my adult life. After becoming a mom of two kids, I felt like running was not helping me achieve my ideal physique goals anymore. One day, I decided to completely overhaul my fitness approach and took my emphasis away from cardio and tried weight lifting. Weight training has helped my body transform from overweight to lean and mean with muscle definition. Weight training has completely changed my life. I will never turn back. I have been weight training for 3.5 years.

Was there a pivotal moment that motivated you to start training? If so, what was it?

When I was about 8 months postpartum with my second baby, my body felt and looked awful. I was so uncomfortable. I hated the way I felt. It’s hard to admit this: but because my body felt so uncomfortable, I felt like my self esteem was low and that it negatively affected my ability to be a good mom and a good wife. How I felt in my body sadly affected everything in my life. At that time in 2016, I had just trained for, and ran, 2 half marathon races back to back, but yet I still hadn’t achieved my goal weight, size or shape. This was a pivotal point for me to stop what I was doing and completely overhaul and try a new approach to fitness. Enter weight training. BAM, life change!

What were some of your athletic accomplishments?

-I ran 13 half marathons before finding weight training.

-I can deadlift 225 pounds.

-I can squat 185 lbs.

-I can bench 95 lbs.

(I expect all of those PRs (personal records) to increase in weight with time.)

When did you start working out and what inspired you to do so?

My current fitness journey began at age 30. I was 8 months postpartum with my second child and my body felt awful. I hated living in that body. It felt terrible and it affected how I felt in life. I decided to try lifting weights. The approach I started with was found in the Body For Life book I found stashed in an old box from college. That first 12 weeks of following Bill Phillips’ plan completely changed my body. I have never looked back from weight training and tracking my diet. While I no longer following the exact Body For Life plan, I still attribute so much of my successes to that book.

Who is your role model? Why?

My husband is my role model. It may sound cheesy to choose him, but he inspires me to be and live better every day. He is such a loving person, a stand-up dad, and a hard worker.

Are you more of a cardio woman or a weights gal? Why?

I am a whole hearted weights gal! The cardio bunny days are over. I am all about lifting heavy weights and sculpting a beautiful physique with muscle.

What is your favorite cheat food? How often do you indulge?

My favorite cheat food is ice cream and pizza. I eat ice cream regularly as part of my balanced lifestyle. As long as the calories fit, I can eat it. Pizza is something I eat less frequently, probably two times a month.

What is your favorite non-cheat food?

Fruits! I love the taste of all fruits. Strawberries, blueberries & cherries top the charts.

What is your favorite training move? Why?

Sumo deadlifts are my favorite exercise. I enjoy the movement as well as I feel that deadlifts are the #1 exercise that has transformed my entire physique. 

What is your workout plan like?

I train 6 days per week. Three leg days: 1 heavy squats day, 1 heavy deadlifts day, 1 high volume day. I train upper body three days a week: 1 shoulder focused day, 1 back focused day, and 1 general upper body day. My cardio looks like: 10 min easy warmup before lifting legs. On upper days, I do 15-20 minutes HIIT cardio, which is usually sprint intervals on the treadmill.

What time of day do you workout and why?

I generally workout mid morning, as it works best for my schedule as a mom, as well as that time of day I have the most energy to put towards my training. Early morning workouts are too hard for me as I am not yet awake enough. Evening workouts are also hard because I’m so full of food at that point. Mid morning is best for me!

What celebrity are you told you most look like (if applicable)?

I have always been told I resemble actress Kate Bosworth (from the movie Blue Crush).

What do you love most about living in the U.S.?

I love living in the U.S. because I have so many freedoms to live as I please. I love Colorado because it’s a beautiful and sunshine-filled state.

Where in the world would you like to travel to the most?

I would love to travel anywhere that has a beach and a cabana for me to lie under.

Where do you work out (home, gym, studio, community center, etc.)?

I train in the gym. I need a lot of access to free weights, specifically barbells & weight plates.

Do you prefer training alone or with a buddy and why?

I prefer training solo. My workout it my alone time to zone out and work hard. Training with a buddy throws me off. I do find that working out in the presence of others who are also training hard is very stimulating to me. It pushes me to see others hitting it hard.

What's your favorite type of cardio?

I don’t really “like” cardio, but if I had to choose, I enjoy interval sprints. 

What's your best fitness tip (this could be related to training, nutrition, personal attitude, fitness gear, etc.)?

My best fitness tip is to find your “WHY” first. Without a true reason or a “why”, you will likely always give up. The “why” keeps you going.

What gets you pumped up the most right before a workout?

Preworkout! I like PEScience High Volume, as it’s a caffeine free preworkout that gives good pumps.

How do you balance career/school/family and fitness?

As a mom of two kids, it is a battle to juggle a schedule that actually includes time for myself. As a mom, you definitely have to put your own name on the list of priorities. I make the gym and my nutrition a priority, so the gym happens early in the day before life gets too chaotic later in the day. Thank goodness for kids club at the gym!

Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you and why? 

Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous.”

Have you ever competed and if so, how long have you been competing? 

Competing just isn’t for me! I admire those who do compete. For me, I enjoy the lifestyle approach.

What would you like to see change in the health and fitness industry?

I think it’s already shifting this way: but I’d love to continue seeing women empowered to train hard and with heavy weights. No more fear of “getting bulky” and just going for that strong and muscular lifestyle! Muscles and booty’s are in!

What do you wish you had known when you were 16?

Stop caring what other people think, and just do what makes you happy!

How do you relax when you’re not working out?

Netflix.

Do you have any hobbies?

Before I became a mom, I used to ski obsessively! Now, it’s a time or two each season.

What do you always take with you to the gym (list 1–3 items)?

Headphones & music

Hip thrust sponge pad

Weight belt 

What is your favorite book and why?

The Bible. It’s God’s word and has changed and transformed my life from the inside out.

What is the last movie you saw?

Frozen II at the theater with my two daughters.

What is your best beauty secret?

Stay out of the sun! Sunless tanner is your friend.

What music do you listen to when you work out? Why?

It varies from worship music (Red Rocks Worship, Elevation Worship, etc) to the Top 40 pop to 80’s rock ballads.

What piece of advice would you give to a newbie in the gym?

Stop prioritizing cardio and get in the weight room. Lifting weights + proper diet will CHANGE your body!

What is your favorite physical feature and why?

I like my smile.

What is your least favorite physical feature and why?

I don’t believe it is good to pick apart our flaws! Flaws are what make us unique in our beauty.

Who has supported you the most throughout your fitness journey?

My husband, Eric. When I decided to first make this huge lifestyle change, I humbly asked him to join me for the first 12 weeks. Once we had both reached that 12 week mark, we realized there was no looking back for us. He has continually been my cheerleader, supporter, as well as motivator throughout the years. He himself has transformed his own body and has gained so much strength and muscle. I admire his own fire and dedication!

What are your big plans for the future?

Continue being a mom and wife. Continue training hard. Keep growing the glutes!

On that last set that is so tough that you just want to quit, what is the image or voice that drives you to push yourself one step further?

The image that drives me to push further is the visual of how my body looked and felt right before I started lifting weights. I was so uncomfortable with how I looked and felt. That image of that girl drives me to push harder. I never want to feel like that again.

Is there anything else you want to let us know about? Tell us!

I am just a regular girl, with normal husband and normal kids, just an everyday mom who could have just easily accepted my unfit and overweight body. But I didn’t. I did it! I made changes and I changed my situation. I changed my body and made myself proud. It was HARD to initially make those big changes, but I DID IT! I do not have the best genetics, or the most motivation in the world. I took things one day at a time and I gave it my best effort. If I can do it, anyone can do it. I hope to inspire the other “every day normal moms” to stop cutting yourself short in life. You CAN do it, and I am your proof!

Please list your social media and how people can find and follow you: Instagram: @KatyLuteFit

Thank you Katy for sharing your inspiring and motivating words. Have a very happy birthday and stay blessed my friend! I’ll definitely be making my own fitness journey soon enough, so thank you!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all of these wonderful ladies that could make it to my Mother's Day photo shoot.  It definitely was awesome to see all of my clients come out and get a photo shoot done for them and their families. 

Thank you ladies for doing all that you do for your families!  Every shoot there was nothing but positive vibes and I loved it!  

I'm not going to say anything more....I'll just let the work speak for itself!  

Semper Fi!

Here I sit thinking about how when I first began photography that I wanted to be the "Jerry Maguire" type of photographer with my clients.  I wanted to understand their needs and find out what makes them all "unique", or "beautiful".  For me,  one's character is EVERYTHING!  I've lost so many people that I was acquainted with just because their character was seriously flawed.  Hell, they still keep on with their petty nonsense...whining isn't winning! 

Eventually, all of that pettiness got old, and I had to grow into a better "Jerry Maguire" for myself.  I had to start focusing in on the good people.  I tuned all the outside noise out and opened myself up to my clients to allow them to know that we're in this together....win or lose!  

Here's one of my winners...  Ms. Alicia Copeland...

 ...I met Alicia Copeland on 10 December 2014 at a studio when I was just beginning to learn studio photography.  We were going to do a year-long project called, "Black Barbie" because we wanted to inspire young black girls that Barbie can be strong, intelligent, fashionable, and most of all....BEAUTIFUL!  We ended up not doing the entire shoot because of conflicting schedules (mainly my own from travel), and we both just kept on as great friends.  In 2016, Alicia contacted me to do a photo shoot with her and her Fiance Jeremiah. 

We met up at Washington Park in Denver and the three of us really just "clicked".  They were so fun to work with, and we talked about them and their future plans.  The one thing that Alicia told me that made me tear up was that she wanted to do this photoshoot because she was diagnosed with cancer and she wanted something to feel good about before she lost her hair to chemotherapy.   Throughout this entire time, I continued to keep in contact with Alicia to ensure that she's doing okay.  

I want to make sure before I let Alicia speak, I'm going to give a huge shout out to her Fiance Jeremiah Daniels.  This guy has been so supportive like a good man should!  A lot of guys wouldn't know how to handle this at a young age, but this man has stood there like a champion and I'm proud to call him a friend!

Now here's Alicia's story...  

"It started one night while I was bowling, and I felt a horrible pain under my left arm that I never felt before.  I texted my sister and she made me promise I would go get it checked out. I knew something wasn’t right because I knew my body.  The pain went away before I saw a doctor, and I was told because of my age it was probably some fibrous tissue so I accepted that and moved on.  Months went by and it seemed as though my “fibrous tissue” was getting bigger.  Life allowed me to keep pushing it aside and saying I would deal with it later.  Finally, the day came when I figured I would get it checked out...again.  The next doctor insisted I have an x-ray done.  My results came back suspicious so I was sent to another facility for an ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy.  My nurse told me that it could either be fibrous tissue or cancer.  In my head, I thought, 'there is no way it could be cancer...I’m too young'.  I was sent off to have a CT and Bone scan done just in case it was cancer so that the oncologist would have all the information she needed.  As I was sitting in the hospital waiting room to have my scans done I got a phone call. It was my nurse...I couldn’t tell by her voice what my results were but she sounded upbeat so I was a little hopeful.  I went upstairs as fast as I could to see her. She broke the news to me...I had breast cancer. It was at least stage 2, 3, or 4 because it was in my lymph nodes.  She told me the typical treatment plan...chemo, surgery, and radiation. I didn’t cry and just smiled at her and told her I was okay. I went back downstairs to finish my scans, and I looked around at everyone around me. I didn’t belong there.  I was “healthy”.  I lifted heavy weights 5-6 days week and bowled several days a week.  I’m a nanny and massage therapist so I’m constantly on the go and moving.  Daily I looked up new healthy recipes to cook.  The most I’ve ever had in life was the chicken pox as a child and the common cold, not even the Flu!  Cancer doesn’t just affect the “sick”. Next, I saw an alternative doctor who gave me a better understanding of cancer.  We ALL have cancer cells in our body.  Mine just went rogue and needed to be controlled.  I left his office ready to take back my body. A few days later, I met my oncologist, who told me that statistics show that black women are more likely to get diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age versus other races. This was quite shocking to hear because when I thought of breast cancer I always thought of older white women.  At least that’s what is shown mainly during Breast Cancer Awareness. I was informed that I was stage 4 because they saw something suspicious in my sternum.  She explained all of her recommendations from chemo, mastectomy, radiation, and hormone treatments.  I accepted it all until she said she didn’t want me to ever give birth. That was the one thing I couldn’t accept... I put off starting chemo as long as I could.  I was supposed to be planning my wedding and my future with the love of my life.  This was supposed to be my Golden Year, 28 years old, excited about the future ahead not preparing for the biggest change my body/life had ever seen. I completed 5 of 8 rounds of chemo.  I stopped early due to certain side effects that my body couldn’t tolerate.  I opted for only a unilateral mastectomy and refused radiation.  I made my OWN decisions.  I didn’t let the doctors push me into doing everything just because it was standard protocol.  This is my body and I have choices. I never questioned the Lord and asked why is this happening to me.  My purpose in life is to help others and be a light for those that don’t know Him.  I decided to find the good in my situation. I built a stronger relationship with God and my family.  The Lord opened my eyes to what was really important in life.  He has blessed me in more ways than I can count. There have been so many times this past year that my bills shouldn’t have been paid or my body shouldn’t have been moving, but He always made a way. I have continued to workout and work throughout my journey.  They tell you to be careful around people and germs (and you should).  Needless to say, though I’m a bit of a rule breaker. My fiancé Jeremiah kept me motivated in the gym and giving massages was some of the best calming escapes.  When I’m giving a massage my job is to relax and/or help my client with a particular issue.  However, at the same time, I receive the exact same benefits and more because I was able to help someone. The worst part of this journey has been others reactions to my diagnosis.  I typically get the “I’m so sorry you are dying face”.  Please don’t feel sorry for me because I don’t feel sorry for myself. Some days are harder than others but every day I get up and thank the Lord for my life. I may not know what the future holds for me but I do know that the Lord continues to open doors for me so I know I have a purpose.  I am here right now to touch people’s lives figuratively and literally. I have learned throughout this journey to be present.  Present in my relationships, my job, and in Him. I needed to slow down and Breathe. I still struggle at times and fall back into my old fast-paced routine.  Every now and then, I hear a little voice whisper, “slow down and enjoy this moment right here”.  Many times we are so focused on the future and past that we forget the Present. Below are the dates of how things went in my journey: August 2016: Diagnosed September 2016: Started chemo January 31: Mastectomy July 31: 2nd Surgery November 14: 3rd Surgery"

A lot of people really believe that being a photographer isn't work, and that it's all "glamour and glitz", and that's probably because they've fallen for that popular myth that all you need is a camera and anyone can do it.  Well, I'm here to tell you....NO!!!  There's a lot involved in producing a great photo shoot, but that's already been written a few thousand times, and all I want is for people to have my best.  

For my third time I drove 8 hours one way to Kansas City, MO, and did 3 fitness model photo shoots, then 1 high school senior shoot, and then drove 2 hours one way to do 2 equestrian shoots, .  I really had a great time in Missouri and gave it hell.  I'm truly blessed that my makeup artist Tessi was there to assist me for each of these shoots.

This is my first time in Missouri during the summer to do photo shoots.  Normally, I'm here during the spring and having to battle the wind and rain.  The funny thing about Missouri that is unlike Colorado is that it's SUPER EASY to shoot in natural light there.  I shot with strobe lights on occasion, however, if I didn't bring any, I know that I'd still be just fine working with a reflector, or nothing at all.  That's the thing about me, I always know one of my top rules....ensure the lighting is proper because it's EVERYTHING!  To the untrained eye, or the novice, you'd always go to the image that's overexposed vice under.  For me it's about proper exposure every single time for each different lighting scenario.  "Miss the beat, you lose the rhythm." - Van Halen "Right Now".  To me that quote is important in lighting because if you miss the proper exposure, don't try chasing it by raising your ISO to a super high number (yes, I know that DSLR's are meant to do that), but you'll have too much noise and miss the best details of the image hidden in the photo.  My rule is don't be afraid of slightly under exposing, and stay away from over exposing.  

As most of my closest friends know....I LOVE winter, and when I say, "LOVE", I mean that with the deepest respect.  There are many reasons I love the cold, but the biggest reason is there are no bugs!  I can't stand bugs biting and stinging me, however, I must admit, I'm a sucker for amazing summer time shots.  

Today's the official second day of summer and I'm already trying my best to heat things up for my clients.  I do my best to ensure that my photography is as close to the image that's "Straight Out Of Camera".  I keep wondering why a majority of folks rely on filters to make their work look cooler.  As I stated on my "About me" section of this website, "It's ALL ABOUT THE LIGHTING!".  Lighting is the essential gift to photographers everywhere.  Most of us study it by the hour and everywhere we go to ensure that we fully understand it.  So to all of my peers and potential clients; get out there and shoot!  Give this summer your absolute best because I truly enjoy pushing my limits on my own work.

Here's an image from the set I recently did with Alex Paine who is my absolute favorite redhead and fitness model.  She is the owner of "Xela's Customs" LLC and made this custom bikini for our photo shoot.   

Welcome to my updated blog site for MikeCon Photography!

Here is where I'll share some of my inner most thoughts and creative views on photography and the industry I'm in.  If you'd like to know a bit about me...well take a small gaze at my "About me" section of my website: .  There it tells about how the name came of my business came to be and a bit about my origins.

Why am I blogging?  Well, as a photographer, there's times where I feel I need to share things about who I am, what I'm about  and let my audience get to know me.

What do I like to photograph?  Well, that's pretty broad...considering I live in Castle Rock, Colorado, and it's not a metropolitan area.  It's more like a suburban-metro area; located right between Denver and Colorado Springs.  So for me I photograph almost everything.  I do fitness, glamour, fashion, seniors, families and engagements.  My "niche" is portraiture photography.  I like "classy" photos.  Things look like they'll last throughout time and things that look like they belong in a magazine, or poster.  Below, I've included a small video (which you may have skipped on the introduction of my website.  In this video, I've included a lot of my past photo shoots, so I hope you make the time and enjoy the show!

If you'd like to contact me for booking a photo shoot, please feel free to go to the  "contact me" tab and leave me a message with your information, so we can communicate and facilitate!