Meet Mia Gorrell: Lifestyle Photographer

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

Hi Mia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I started out as a Fine Arts major in college after discovering how much I loved creating through a series of high school photography courses. However, I instead ended up with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, thinking I wanted to go into social work instead. Photography became a hobby of mine, and didn’t develop into the business I have today until after my twins were born (my second and third children). As I became more confident in my skills, I was reminded of how it excited me in the first place. It became an outlet for me to explore my creativity and also get out of the house once in a while. It was the perfect career for a stay at home mom as I could make my own schedule, and I had lots of little models to practice on. I loved being able to document my children growing up. I considered and even tried going back to a “normal” job, but photography and the desire to create always called me back. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The thing that excites me the most about photography is vulnerability. That is, being vulnerable with other people and allowing them to be vulnerable with me. Something that sets me apart from others is that desire to insert myself in someone else’s life, and document their story as honestly as I can. It is something that I am continually striving toward, as it’s not something that comes easy to many people. One aspect that I am particularly interested in is motherhood. As a mom of four and someone who has experienced postpartum depression and anxiety, I want nothing more than for other women’s voices to be heard. As a society, we are bombarded with how perfect and seamless motherhood should feel, so we are left to think that something is wrong with us if we don’t feel a certain way or look a certain way. Photography has the power to be very healing, and I want people to know that they can use it to not only document the happiest moments of their lives, but also the most difficult and challenging.

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 consider myself an introvert and a homebody, so the places I am drawn toward are nature. Any hiking trail is bound to be beautiful in some way. I also enjoy places such as Highlands Square and Olde Town Arvada.

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 would like to give a shoutout to two people. The first is Ashlee Burke with Ashlee Burke Photography. She came to my home to do an in-home newborn session after my twins were born. After learning that I “dappled” in photography, she asked me to second shoot a wedding with her later that year. And from there my confidence and my business really took off. The second person is Chesney Midcap with Chesney Louie Photography. We have been friends since high school, and she taught me a lot about the logistics of digital photography when I was first starting. She always believed in me and has given me many opportunities to photograph her personally and alongside her professionally through the years.

Website: miagorrellphotography.com
Instagram: instagram.com/miagorrellphotography
Facebook: facebook.com/miagorrellphotography
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mia-gorrell-photography-denver