Meet Grace Gatto | Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer

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

Hi Grace, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I love talking about risks! I started my business in February of 2017. In the few months prior to starting, I took some big risks that actually ended up being the catalyst for giving my business a shot.

In October of 2016, I made a very spontaneous decision to pack up my bags, take a corporate job, and move to Boston. I had never visited Boston before accepting the job. I said yes, packed up my car, and drove 30 hours. I was so excited and thought I was surely making the right move.

I lasted 4 months in Boston. I disliked my job, was away from beautiful Colorado, missed my family and friends, and had no time for taking photos, which was something I loved doing. I knew I needed to quit my job and move back to Colorado but was so nervous about being seen as a failure or giving up. However, I was at a point where, for my mental health, it was what I needed to do.

I took the risk. I put in my two weeks’ notice, packed up my car, drove 30 hours back to Colorado, and started my own business shortly after. Although I don’t have many great things to say about my time in Boston, I would never take it back. If it wasn’t for that period in my life, I don’t know if I would have ever taken the risk to start my own business. And it’s truly one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Risk-taking isn’t easy, and there is never a “right” time. But I firmly believe that if you feel it in your gut and are passionate about what you’re doing, it will be the best thing you could possibly do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Honestly, owning a business is hard work. I fell in love with photography and, with that, had to figure out how to run a business. I’m also pretty particular and like things done a certain way, so accepting help from others can be difficult for me. I’m still learning, day by day, what works and what doesn’t. I’m grateful that I get to continue learning, growing, and elevating my business every day. I feel lucky to own a business that evolves as I evolve. And I care deeply about how I present myself throughout the events and sessions I photograph.

I think most people don’t really love having their photo taken. This means it’s important to me that I come in with a welcoming, fun, extroverted, supportive, hype-girl attitude. I want my clients to feel comfortable and have fun. While I understand that my energetic, sarcastic personality might not be for everyone, I pride myself on knowing that every person I work with leaves feeling comfortable, confident, and beautiful AND had fun doing it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love, love, love to eat and drink! I feel like there are so many great people doing amazing things in the hospitality scene in Denver. And, for balance, I like to try to start most days with a workout!

If I had friends in town, I would make sure we hit at least one hike, maybe in Boulder or Colorado Springs! I would also take them to my favorite gyms in Denver: Duality and Barry’s! I also love grabbing coffee at Hello Darling or The Wild and walking through LoDo and Commons Park (which is also a great place for a bottle of wine and a charcuterie board picnic)! Some of my favorite restaurants and bars I’d make sure to hit include Brasserie Brixton, Sunday Vinyl, Pony Up, Run for the Roses, Temaki Den/The Source, and Uncle!

Lastly, a little mountain day trip is a must. Whether it’s visiting hot springs, hitting the casino or spa at Monarch Resort in Black Hawk, or ziplining in Evergreen, I always try to get out of the city and into the mountains for a fun activity!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends. Even though this is my eighth year of owning a business, it’s still a challenge. I always say I’m an artist first and a business owner second. I’ve gone through hard times, as most do, and have always been supported and uplifted by my friends and family. I’ve missed many events, canceled on things last minute, and needed business advice. Through it all, my close friends and family always understand, listen, and back me up vigorously. I couldn’t do it without my tribe.

Website: https://gracegatto.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracegattophotography

Other: Google Reviews!
https://www.google.com/search?q=grace+gatto+photography&sca_esv=d05fce14889cf0fa&sca_upv=1&sxsrf=ADLYWIKVFgiRcjcQkhBvcQeBEoynJkYxZA%3A1723755568592&source=hp&ei=MGy-Zo2eH_ye0PEP2c3H8AM&iflsig=AL9hbdgAAAAAZr56QEdOVABPbyropS39VreSVne-VYvp&oq=grace+gat&gs_lp=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&sclient=gws-wiz

Image Credits
My headshot was taken by the one & only Lauren McKenzie of Ren Creative Photo