Meet Imani and Vanessa Frazier | Co-Owners and Photographers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Imani and Vanessa Frazier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Imani and Vanessa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
We both discovered a passion for photography and individually we were considering starting a business on our own. It just so happened to come up and conversation and I, Imani, suggested we go into business together. My mom is more artistic and had amazing ideas of how to use photography to help new business owners and business owners who are established, define their brand. She has a knack for taking big, lavish ideas and doing them within a reasonable budget which is what every business owner wants. As for me I like doing portraits and capturing genuine moments. I just didn’t think there were many photographers who encouraged for there to be natural moments around us. I also felt like I saw a lot of people doing beautiful poses and taking beautiful pictures but I could tell they were uncomfortable. So I just wanted to provide a service where people feel comfortable and their natural personality comes through the pictures. So with all that we thought why not start a business that we both enjoy that can service a range of people. We want to be everyones one stop shop when it comes to photography. But at the end of the day we started our business because we just wanted to capture special moments. Whether that be a business owners first launch, their new products or maybe someone just wanted to take photos in the city because they need a confidence. Whatever the reason we want them to look at their pictures and smile because our pictures help tell a story and capture a special moment they can remember forever.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Photography is the chosen art medium specific to our business. What sets us apart as photographers is the collaborative approach that we take with our clients. We meet with potential clients prior to scheduling a photo session to get to know them and understand what their purpose and vision are concerning their request for photography services. It is more than just taking a picture for us. When we hold portrait sessions, it’s about creating a fun and transforming experience for our clients that captures their personality and leaves them feeling confident, beautiful, and proud. When it comes to events and personal branding sessions, we like to be creative and not only provide the client with professional photos for their website and social media but also some photos with a touch of artistic drama that feels as though it is straight out of a magazine.

In terms of where we are today with our business, it took research, courage, and the encouragement of those around us to take the leap and step out as part-time entrepreneurs. It has required a lot of time management and ongoing development of systems to develop our flow. We are still learning and improving but day by day, it gets a little easier.

Communication is one of the lessons that we have had to learn along the way. Communication with clients as well as the two of us. Being a mother-daughter photography team is a different dynamic that requires a mutual respect not just in terms of our familial relationship but also in terms of being business partners. We both bring different ideas and life experiences that together, help us provide a multigenerational photography business.

We want Bona Fide Photography to be known for our ability to make people comfortable in front of the camera, to provide an a fun experience as opposed to just taking a picture, ability to provide professinal and quality services, and great story tellers for businesses.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If we had a friend coming for a week in the summer here is what we would suggest:

Monday: Go visit some museums either the Denver science museum or the art museum. For lunch find a local food truck, then for dinner go to Los dos Portillos for some amazing Mexican food and a margarita tree.

Tuesday: Make the drive to Colorado Springs, stop at the Castle Rock Outlets, Then continue on up to Garden of the Gods or the Incline if their adventurous. Stop at Mimi’s Cafe on the way down.

Wednesday: Play tourist downtown and visit 16th Street mall, Go see the blue bear, for lunch go to Maria Empanadas, then go to the selfie Museum

Thursday: Drive up to Boulder and explore Pearl street, Visit the Dushanbe Tea House, come back to the city for happy hour at the Welton Room

Friday: If its the first Friday of the month Sante Fe Art District, meet up with some friends and spend the evening at some of the bars downtown and of course go to view house to play some corn hole or jenga.

Saturday: Start with a nice brunch downtown, Go to to RIHNO District and visit some of the breweries and take pictures in front of the different murals, and get dinner at Blue moon for some more beer.

Sunday: A nice day at the Denver Zoo. Personally we think the zoo is fun for all ages and great all year round especially if they wanted to come back in the winter. Denver Zoo Lights is also a great thing to see and walk around with some hot cocoa.

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?
Kavi’s Hibachi, Temira Lofton, Sarah Frazier, Asha Wallace, Faith K These people have given us a chance to showcase our talents and are always singing our praises and sending clients our way.

Website: bonafidephotography5280.com

Instagram: bona_fide_photography

Facebook: Bona Fide Photography, LLC

Other: Website Launches 5/1/2021

Image Credits
The photos upload were done by Vanessa (i.e. the first four photos) and Imani (i.e. the last four photos) of Bona Fide Photography.