Meet Josie Skinner: Photographer & Artist

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

Hi Josie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The arts always called to me while growing up. My mother taught art lessons in the back of our house. Of course, I was one of her first students, and with the addition of art lessons with her, and art lessons with impactful teachers at school, I knew in my soul that there was no other choice but for me to do something creative. I think when you are a creative person, it calls to you over everything else. That call beckons over all the other avenues. I only knew that I wanted to do something creative. I had no idea what shape or manner that would be. I just knew that when I am creative, I am my best self. When I am creative, I can be in the present moment, to be in flow. This flow state would be unattainable outside of an artistic career. I also had the hunch that if I were creative, I could learn how to work for myself. To pursue my passion, create my hours, and lifestyle. Outside of my call towards the arts, I have always hoped that my work will impact people. There are so many art pieces, albums, movies, and works that evoke deep emotion within me, which have changed my views on the world and my views on myself. I think part of the allure of a creative career is the idea that you may be able to evoke that response in someone else. To have them look at your work and feel something, to change a small part. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is known for bold colors matched with the honesty of the subjects. I strive to create work that feels true to life. There is so much beauty in the world around us and one another. I aim to draw out what is already there, to coax the magic of life. I am most excited by the idea of transforming the ordinary into a captivating image, an alchemy of sorts through the lens. I swell with pride when someone tells me that I capture their essence, stripped down, and comfortable. I got to where I am today through a combination of persistence, play, and passion. I did many things wrong at the start, but I never took clients for granted, never took the work for granted. I had challenges learning the technical side of things and running a business, but I gave 100% to my clients from the start. I am so grateful to the people who put their faith and trust in me to document the moments of their lives. I’ve learned that the connections you make will help lift you and bring you to the next opportunity. There are always more things to know, more goals to achieve, and no one gets there alone. I am curious to see where the road takes me, what I create next, and what path art will lead me. The Josie V brand is always expanding but consistently lead by honesty, integrity, and passion. One of the most important things to me is striving to create a better world, where everyone has a seat at the table, and everyone is valued, including our mother earth. I can create a broader perspective for those who view my work. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I recognize that our stories have the power to change hearts. I hope that Josie V Photography can keep telling these stories, open more hearts, and help craft a new earth.

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?
Oh wow, there are so many wonderful spots in Denver, not to mention the surrounding areas! 1. I love to eat so I would definitely do a mini food tour starting with El Five for excellent views of the city, Uncle for the BEST ramen, Rosenbergs for a classic bagel, Blue Pan for pizza, Crema for coffee, and Sweet Cow or Little Man for ice cream. 2. Check out some of the art in RiNo, the Contemporary Art Museum (complete with a rooftop beverage at their cafe), the galleries on Santa Fe, and the Denver Art Museum. 3. Take some day trips to surrounding areas! My favorites are Red Rocks Amphitheater + Park (a bonus if you can see a show here!!) Chautauqua in Boulder, and Roxborough State Park. 4. If bars ever open again post-pandemic check out: Nocturne, a super cool jazz bar in RiNo Forrest Room 5, an eclectic bar, complete with its own outdoor forest Block Distilling for killer cocktails made with their handcrafted spirits The Cooper Lounge, check out Denver’s Union Station from the coolest spot There are so many great things to in Denver, if you’re ever in doubt just ask a local!

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’d love to shoutout From the Hip Photo! When I started as a full-time photographer, I met them through the Colorado Photographic Arts Center. We kept in touch, and after working part-time with them on several shoots, I was brought on as a full-time team member. Nina and Danny, the husband and wife team that owns From the Hip, were encouraging, educational, and incredibly generous. I learned so much working with them and their team. They helped me hone my technical skills and introduced me to different parts of the business and community. My time with From the Hip helped me gain confidence photographing, create new connections and find a place in Denver. I am incredibly grateful to From the Hip for taking a chance on me as a growing photographer and running an environment that fosters creativity.

Website: https://josiev.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephine_virginia/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiev/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Josie__V
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JosieVPhotography/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/josie-v-photography-denver

Image Credits
All Josie V Photography