We had the good fortune of connecting with Gavin Lopez McKinnon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gavin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to finally turn the hobby I had been doing since I was 16 years old into a career. I love taking photos, and editing. Seeing the way my clients light up with excitement when they’re looking through their final gallery. Being able to capture those special moments that people can have forever is an amazing thing to say the least. Giving someone those memories to treasure forever is what I was thinking about when I started my photgraphy business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My Business is Lopez McKinnon Photography LLC. I’ve been taking pictures since I was 16 years old. It was always just a hobby. I had gotten a Nikon D3200 DSLR camera through Amazon. And had just started taking photos for friends for fun. Then that turned into doing senior photos for friends and friends of friends. Then doing family photos for family friends. My photography had taken a bit of a stop for a while due to life. It wasn’t always easy trying to navigate working a full time 8-5 with another job on the weekends. But now here I am years later running my own photography business and am able to focus on my photography full time with a supportive partner and two beagles at home. I now take photos using a Sony A7RIV and my favorite lens to use is my 35mm. I am very excited to be running my business in such a beautiful state. Colorado Springs has never ending locations for photo sessions. As I am a natural light photographer, I use the light provided by the sun. Therefore most of my sessions will take place out doors.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our day would start with making sure I have everything in my camera bag ready to go. We would have to get Dutch Bros before we go anywhere. I love to go places with beautiful views for hiking that are in the city. I like to get up early to go checkout any possible locations I can use for a photo session. Plus its nice to do a morning hike with views. And in Colorado Springs YOU HAVE OPTIONS. On a week long trip we would definitely be visiting the rocky trails of Ute Valley, Seeing the mountain views you can get when hiking the trails in Palmer Park. And listen to the mountains streams when hiking around Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center. And in between all of the adventuring and taking pictures. We’ll be making multiple stops at Daniels Tacos for burritos and horchatas.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family and my best friend Kayla. Most importantly my husband Trevor. He has always been so supportive of me running my own business. As he knows this has always been my dream. Thank you for pushing me to be the best photographer I can be. Also thanks for carrying all the camera gear sometimes, you’re the best!

Website: https://LopezMcKinnonPhotography.mypixieset.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lopezmckinnonphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575154805111

Image Credits
Photos captured and edited by Lopez McKinnon Photography LLC

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.