Meet Lindsay Brady | Photographer

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

Hi Lindsay, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Being a message of hope for those still trapped in addiction. Everyone needs hope, especially the still suffering alcoholic & drug addict. Our services feature what life is like on the other side of addiction. Our photography sessions are visual story telling pieces that feature the abundance of life and strength each individual that’s been on a journey of recovery has. It’s truly about being a messenger of hope – strength – and change!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I found photography when the pandemic started. It was a natural progression as I had started spending more and more time outside, and found I really enjoyed the healing aspects of time spent in nature. I was using my cell phone to capture and share some of my adventures, and one day out of the blue I had a thought that I could learn how to become a photographer. I then realized I could use photography as way to give back to the recovery community and be of service – which is a core principle in the 12 step program. Life is so much sweeter when you’re selflessly helping another.

The concept of my nonprofit, Recovery Rising Photography is to provide no-cost portraits for individuals wanting to mark a new beginning in their life… their new life in recovery, or to celebrate a life well lived in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Professional photographers are expensive, and not everyone has the means to afford them. If I can give someone something tangible for them to have that reflects the beauty of their being and life, then we’ve succeeded.

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.
First things first… we are heading up to Rocky Mountain National Park for a sunrise hike to one of the many alpine lakes and waterfalls. Every hike needs a sweet ending, and Cinnamons in Estes Park is the perfect, locally owned eatery that will wow you with their from scratch cinnamon rolls.

Evenings in Denver are fun and vibrant, and Awake is the perfect place to enjoy an array of mocktails and non-alcoholic libations. This watering hole specializes in all things non-alcoholic and has the same jovial and energetic vibe of a traditional cocktail hour – plus a well curated menu of yummy snacks and finger foods to accompany their mindful mocktails.

Afternoon strolls along the Boulder Creek are calming and light. The creek offers a well groomed walking trail that goes all the way up the Boulder Canyon. Grab a cup of coffee before or after from Ozo, a local coffee roaster and cafe. If your sweet tooth is especially curious, stop by Gelato Boy on the Pearl Street Mall. Their non-traditional and traditional concoctions will leave you feeling like a kid again.

If you’re craving some comfort food, Zoe Ma Ma off of 10th and Pearl will temper your craving. This house-made menu of Vietnamese street food has something for everyone… enjoy indoor and outdoor seating while people watching on Pearl.

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?
The fellowship of AA. This group of amazing and humble humans come together to share, support, encourage and love… freely and without expectation of anything in return. I have made a few strong connections with some of the women in this fellowship. Due to the anonymity of the AA program I can not name each person individually, but without a doubt I wouldn’t be who I am today without this amazing fellowship!

Website: www.recoveryrising.org

Instagram: colorado.lindsay

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lindsaybrady1

Image Credits
Photo Credit: 1) Headshot of Lindsay- Lacy Elam 2) Couple photo – Recovery Rising Photography by Lindsay Brady 3) Landscape & astrophotography – Lindsay Brady