Meet Heidi McNulty | Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Heidi, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote is definitely ‘This too shall pass’ – I have it tattooed on my forearm! What I love about it is how it works in two important ways for me.

Firstly, when things are tough or stressful – maybe I’m facing a setback or just having an off day – it’s a really grounding reminder that no difficult situation lasts forever. It helps me keep things in perspective and push through, knowing there’s an end point.

But secondly, and just as importantly, it reminds me that the good times don’t last forever either! So, it encourages me to really soak in and appreciate positive experiences and successes when I’m in them, rather than letting them fly by unnoticed. It’s a call to be present and grateful.

So for me, it’s all about maintaining balance and perspective, appreciating the good and weathering the bad.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey into photography felt incredibly natural, stemming from a lifelong creative drive – I was the weird kid making flyers for drawing custom portraits – that truly ignited when I fell in love with film photography in high school. There was something captivating about the intentionality required for each shot and the suspense of waiting for the image to develop, a feeling that solidified this path for me even as I explored other creative outlets before eventually pursuing a Digital Media degree that formally blended these passions.

What I believe sets my work apart now, and what I’m most proud of, is a deep commitment to the client experience – ensuring it’s positive, generous, and accessible, directly inspired by overcoming the frustration of a transactional, restrictive photo session I once had where accessing my own photos felt like a costly hurdle. This means providing clients with all their wonderful digital images upfront to prevent that ‘Photo FOMO’, and recognizing that the real magic in portraiture often lies less in the camera settings (that’s maybe 20% of it) and more in the 80% that is connecting with people, making them feel genuinely comfortable, and capturing authentic smiles and ease.

Getting here professionally involved less about overcoming external roadblocks and more about consciously setting boundaries to protect that creative joy and prevent burnout. It’s a lesson learned alongside realizing the importance of focusing on people. This means strategically limiting bookings – typically capping it at one shoot per day, and ideally no more than 2-3 a week – and largely avoiding high-stress niches like weddings. This structure is intentionally maintained, supported by having a primary job, ensuring photography always feels like a fulfilling pursuit, not an obligation.

Ultimately, I want my art and brand story to be known for this positive and adaptive approach: making beautiful memories accessible so capturing milestones isn’t a rare luxury, and genuinely finding creative opportunities even when challenges arise – like embracing a sudden downpour as a chance for unique, steamy photos! I strive to exude a warmth and optimism that hopefully has a positive ripple effect, leaving clients feeling not just happy with their photos, but perhaps a little lighter and more joyful simply from having shared the experience.

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’m definitely the planner in my friend group, so my best friend visiting would get the full, curated experience – especially since I’m a huge foodie! First things first, I’d have a list of restaurants ready to go. We’d hit some of my tried-and-true favorites, probably some classic dive bars, but I always use friend visits as the perfect excuse to finally try places from my ever-growing ‘want to go’ list. And yes, fair warning, a trip to Chili’s would likely happen – it’s my ultimate comfort spot! 🙂

Activity-wise, it really hinges on the season. If it’s summer, we’d absolutely spend a day paddleboarding and soaking up the sun at Big Soda Lake near Morrison. And if their visit lines up in June or July, the Colorado Renaissance Festival is a must-do, I get really into dressing up for that, complete with tailgating! If it’s fall, you bet we’re doing a scenic drive for fall colors with a quick photoshoot, followed by some spooky season fun at the 13th Floor Haunted House.

Beyond the seasonal stuff, I’d definitely check local event schedules beforehand. Maybe Downtown Denver Oktoberfest is happening, or a cool local event like the Northglenn Pirate Fest or even the annual Luau at the Old Man Bar – finding those unique happenings makes a trip memorable. Depending on how much time we have and their energy levels, a day trip up to a mountain town like Estes Park for Rocky Mountain National Park views or maybe Winter Park could definitely be on the table.

Ultimately, the goal is showing them the best time based on what they love, but it would definitely involve a mix of good food & drinks, enjoying the beautiful Colorado views, hitting some unique local events or festivals, and relaxing at some favorite casual spots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Success definitely isn’t a solo journey. My first shoutout has to go to my amazing friends. They’re my core cheerleading squad, always ready with encouragement when I’m feeling unsure, and they act like my personal marketing team, constantly sharing my work and referring me to their friends & family. Plus, they’re always down to model if I get a wild idea in my head (Awkward 90’s photos anyone?)

And right alongside them, a huge thank you and shoutout goes to my husband Trey. He’s incredible – he built my website and handles all my tech requests. Beyond that, he’s often my right-hand man on shoots, happily carrying bags or helping manage dogs. Most importantly, he’s consistently my strongest advocate, especially when I’m wrestling with doubts.

Having that combination – my friends’ infectious energy and my husband’s rock-solid support in every sense – makes all the difference. I owe them both a huge amount of credit!

Website: https://www.heidimcnulty.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidimcnulty/

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/heidi-mcnulty-photo-and-design-denver-2

Image Credits
Crane Weddings