Meet Becky Sullivan | Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Becky Sullivan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Becky, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Talk to yourself like you would someone you love.”- Brene’ Brown

This quote hits home for me personally but, also professionally. Many people will speak kindly to their children, spouse, friends but, constantly speak meanly to themselves. Things like: I am not good enough, I can’t, I’m so fat, I hate the way I look. Would you say those words to your children? It’s hurtful and lowers self esteem. You do the same thing to your self esteem when you say these words to yourself.

This applies to my clients as well. You are not allowed negative self talk about yourself in my studio. Truly, so many people will come and say: I’m not photogenic, I hate my wrinkles, my nose etc. When you say it, you believe it. Start being truly kind to yourself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Let me start by quoting Lewis Hine: “If I could say it in words, then I wouldn’t need to photograph.” No truer words could be spoken in my case. I have been artistically inclined since I was a child. I used to love to draw and paint and yes, steal my mother’s camera from my earliest recollections. I also loved music and drama and still do! I took violin, flute, and guitar lessons throughout school. I always took art classes as well. Photography was what I was most drawn to. I was finally bought my first camera when I was thirteen by my grandmother. I have not put down one since. I am completely self taught. There is nothing that captures history and emotion like photography in my opinion. As they say; “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

It is not easy to become a photographer. Many people don’t know the depth of knowledge that is needed to succeed. The technology is constantly changing. You must learn about light and how to control it. Posing is essential to bring out the best in people, and understanding when and how to use photoshop is important. Like many art professions, people go into it for the love of the art. However, when you do art for a living you must understand it is a business and treat it that way if you want to do it as a career. Many people under charge for their work. Value yourself so that people will value you.

I do portrait photography. Under that umbrella are portraits like: family, headshots, engagements, Although I do all of these I do mostly high school seniors and boudoir. I find that teens and women are the hardest on themselves and how they look and feel about themselves. It is my goal to change that narrative. I have watched as my own children have struggled with self worth as I have as well. Unfortunately, suicide among teens in Colorado Springs is one of the highest in the nation. I want to show teens that they are beautiful inside and out and a portion of my profits from high school senior sessions go to a local non-profit, Bryson’s Chase, to help teens pay for their mental health needs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve had many friends come and visit me! We always go to Garden of the Gods. It is quintessential Colorado Springs in my opinion! I love taking people up Pikes Peak, for many it is a once in a lifetime experience. I also love taking people to Manitou Springs to take in the historic town and all the little shops. I love taking people to unique places to eat. The Cliffhouse and Briarhurst Manor in Manitou, The Roman Villa on Nevada, The Rabbit Hole downtown, Slice420 for great pizza and Rizutos for ice cream!

I love taking people from out of town to Red Rocks for concerts. It is the best venue in my opinion.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I need to thank my husband for always believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I am grateful for the people I have met in my networking circles. They are always encouraging and supportive.

I love all of Brene’ Brown’s books. They teach so many valuable lessons.

My mentor’s in photography showing that it is possible to love what you do and succeed. Sue Bryce, Kara Marie, Sal Cincotta are a few that I must thank.

Website: http://www.blackforestphoto.com

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