We had the good fortune of connecting with Sylvie Van Helden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sylvie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I moved to the Denver area 3 years ago from Baltimore where I taught photography and studio art for over 15 years. I knew that the move out here provided an opportunity to try something else. While in Baltimore, I explored making a living as a studio artist and regularly exhibited and sold some works through shows, studio sales, and public art opportunities but couldn’t generate enough income. I knew that I still wanted to be creative, but be an area that was more commercial, with a more predictable income. I’ve always wanted to be my own boss and have the opportunity to create unique artwork tailored to my clients. Starting ColorfulspacesCO allows me to do what I love: have an active job, meet new people and be in my creative “zone” behind the lens!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
ColorfulspacesCO is a woman and minority-owned business. I”m the sole employee at my business so I am behind all aspects of the business, from reaching out to find new clients, bookings, contracts, the photography, and the editing, Definitely, small business!
I’m invested in my clients. Most often, they come to me looking for photos to sell a home. Having recently moved from the east coast, I know that moving is a big deal. A house is more than a physical shelter, it’s a place tied to memories and a period of life, so moving has a large emotional component to it. My job is to make part of that easier. I get to know my clients and what makes their home special, in order to create impactful photos that highlight the character and unique attributes of their space. My job is to create and “curate” a selection of images that will grab and keep a viewer’s attention on a competitive platform like the MLS (listing databases like Redfin and Zillow)
I also work as a contractor for a nationwide real estate photography business and this has given me some perspective on what type of product I want to offer. My goal is to provide a more tailored approach for clients. This can be in the form of a custom order like a small set of photos, or unique combination of products. Many images in real estate are shot as a wide angle whole room view, with no particular focus within a scene. I enjoy creating images where I focus on smaller sections of a room, vary depth of field, use creative angles and/or unexpected compositions to highlight specific features. I think these types of images tend to be memorable in a sea of images like those on the MLS.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Denver has so much to offer. The outdoors and the mountains is high on the list. I would suggest a trip to Rocky Mountain national park to explore the trails, lakes and mountains from different elevations. I live just west of Denver so I regularly bike along the Clear Creek trail so perhaps a bike ride along the trail with lunch or a tubing in Golden.
The Denver Art Museum and Botanical Gardens are among my favorite places. for food, Edgewater Market has a ton of choices at a reasonable price and one of the best Ethiopian restaurants in the area… shoutout for Konjo Ethiopian. I’m definitely a fan of ethnic food. On the east side, really tasty Vietnamese at Dan Da. Lastly, Somebody People on Broadway. Their prix-fixe dinner menu is delicious!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My boyfriend, Jim Frelinger. He is my sounding board, cheerleader, picture reviewer, supply buddy and 100 more roles, and all around amazing person. Secondly Susan Cain’s book Quiet. As a creative, time alone to daydream, generate ideas, and make things brings the out the best in me. Her book helped reframe introversion and solitude as positive things.

Website: https://colorfulspacesco.mypixieset.com

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

Image Credits
Profile photo: Jim Frelinger

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