Meet Randi Atwood | Photographer & Mental Health Clinician

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

Hi Randi, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Fall down 7 times, get up 8.” -This quote reflects the true essence of success. We must experience failure to gain deeper understanding, enabling us to build stronger and better solutions. It is a common misconception that the most successful individuals achieved their goals without facing challenges, rejections, or setbacks; however, many have endured difficult circumstances, financial struggles, and repeated rejections. We stand up not to repeat the same mistakes, but to try again with a different approach. Just as in sports, learning to fall is part of the process, and what truly defines us is the next steps we take.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art has been a central part of my life. I am deeply connected to my art—drawing, painting, charcoal work, photography, Photoshop, and related mediums—as they provide a means to find shared understanding with the world and to express myself. From a young age, I aspired to be a “starving artist.” I have never equated success with material wealth or monetary gain; rather, I find it in the beauty of the world around me. I have always perceived the world differently, which has felt like a source of strength. As I matured, I became more pragmatic, yet this also brought feelings of uncertainty. I initially pursued college degrees in fine arts and graphic design but became uncertain about how to utilize these skills professionally. I spent several years exploring different paths to define what success meant to me.

During this period, I welcomed two daughters. I wanted to share my perspective of the world with them. As a busy mother, traditional painting and charcoal work often proved impractical due to their messiness, so I purchased a new camera to explore the world through it with them. This hobby blossomed into something I loved and began sharing through social media. Eventually, it developed into a successful portrait photography business. I definitely feel most myself when I have a camera in hand.

Along the way, I pursued further education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master of Social Work. I now work as a mental health clinician, primarily serving LGBTQIA+ clients, using art therapy techniques as main part of my approach.

I have achieved success, although it involved significant challenges, numerous VERY busy days, and limited financial resources. There were many tears and days of self-doubt, moments when I questioned whether my dreams were too ambitious or unrealistic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Grand Junction is a wonderful area due to its proximity to many scenic destinations. This is an easy question. On the first day, we will spend the entire day in Ouray, Colorado, visiting waterfalls, exploring downtown, dining at Maggies, and relaxing in a hot tub at one of the most beautiful locations in the world. The following day, we plan to take a more leisurely approach by visiting downtown Grand Junction to shop and enjoy sushi at Suehiro Japanese Restaurant. It would be an added bonus if the farmer’s market is also taking place. On the third day, we will travel to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to enjoy the hot springs and explore Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, including all the caves. There are numerous dining options downtown in Glenwood before heading back home. The last two days are dedicated to hiking in Grand Junction and Palisade. Our first hike will be Liberty Cap Trail at Colorado National Monument, followed by a visit to Handlebar Tap House for a drink. The next day, we will hike the Palisade Rim Trail and conclude with a local beer at Palisade Brewing Company.

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 have two daughters who have been supportive and encouraging, even during more challenging times. Everything I have achieved over the past ten years is due to their support.

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

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

Image Credits
Image credit is myself, Randi Atwood, I certify that I have the rights and permissions for the images.