We love asking the folks that inspire and excite us about what inspires and excites them. Check out their responses below.

Jessica Miller

I grew up constantly outside, playing house in the woods, building mud castles for bugs, looking under logs for toads, you get the picture. Now that I’m grown up, I find that in my spare time I’m drawn to the outdoors where I hike long distances, my senses honed to discover what’s around me and my mind miles away from daily thoughts. I’ve come to discover first hand that time spent in nature is great for our bodies and minds, but not everyone has made that connection, or could use even more of it. Read More>>

Sabrina Sandberg

Like many artists I am inspired by so many things in our everyday life. I find myself continually inspired by the other creatives in Denver. We have a really unique group of people here who love fashion and to create for fun, which in my opinion makes us all better artists. The creativity that flows through our shared indoor and outdoor spaces keeps me on my toes and always looking for new ways to create. I am so grateful that through the Denver Photo Collective I have found many like minded artists to collaborate with and I’m lucky enough to call them friends. Read More>>

Thomas Archuleta

I love this question as it’s really fits for anyone to consider with the work they do. I feel the answer guides our decisions each day and gives us the drive we need to move forward. For me, I’m inspired by the beauty in this world and that is why I love photography and videography. Now, beauty is a bit subjective and I don’t necessarily mean it in the typical sense, but I’m also talking about beauty in the moment. When a mom hugs their child, when two friends share a joke, or even when someone helps another person up a flight of stairs…. these are all moments I’ve captured through my lens and are the uplifting beautiful moments that inspire me to capture and share. Read More>>

Layne

Photography has been in my soul since early years of life. It’s a passion that I’ve carried with me throughout my life journey and different careers, allowing me to connect with diversified backgrounds and families who bring me all sorts of inspirations when it comes to capturing unique moments and milestones. Visual and emotional connections, that I see in families, inspire authenticity and intimacy, which are core to powerful human connection and storytelling. Read More>>

Margarita Gonzalez
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During architecture school, my favorite courses were those on the history of Modern Architecture. I’ve always been fascinated by the movement’s quest—both intellectually and technically—not only to create affordable housing that was hygienic and comfortable, but also to educate the public, shift cultural mindsets, and reimagine the built environment as a joyful, enriching space to live in. Today, we often take those ideas for granted, but I was deeply inspired by that vision. It ultimately led me to become both a researcher and a professor. My goal today is to design architecture for all income levels— Read More>>

Ori Gutin

I’m inspired by the possibility of life. In Buddhism, they say that the chance of being born a human is as rare as a blind sea turtle, who only surfaces once every 100 years, poking his head through a small ring floating on the surface of the ocean when he comes up for air. I’ve always resonated with this metaphor a lot. Being a human on this planet — right here right now — is such a unique and incredible opportunity, and just by merely being here, our lives contain so much possibility. I am inspired by making the most of my life in an authentic and meaningful way, and I’m inspired by helping others do the same. Read More>>

Amanda Ford

I’m inspired by my community. I’ve been involved in community organizing and local politics for years, and I’ve seen how powerful we are when we come together. I worked on a grassroots, people-powered state house campaign that helped flip a competitive district—an experience that showed me the real, tangible change that collective action can bring. Read More>>

Tom Byron

The people I work with. I’ve had the chance to work alongside incredible volunteers, candidates, organizers, and activists, and they all inspire me in different ways. I’ve worked with people who’ve been knocking doors in their neighborhoods since my parents were children, people who’ve just moved to my town but are so eager to get involved, and everyone in between. It’s hard to be cynical about politics when I see how many incredible human beings are dedicated to making our home a better place. Read More>>

Kristen White

Absolutely EVERYTHING. There is beauty to be found in everything we see on a regular basis. It’s all about how YOU see things.
For years of my adult life, I fought tirelessly just to keep my head above water and I spent a lot of time with my head down. After making some substantial life changes, my view changed drastically.
I have been blessed to spend more time outdoors with my camera in hand and sharing moments eith new and interesting clients as well as to spend a ton of time with the people I cherish most. Read More>>

Mallory Bouchard

Honestly, so much of my inspiration comes from nature. I’ve always been drawn to the organic beauty of the outdoors—there’s something grounding and effortless about it. That’s why I love biophilic design; it’s about creating spaces that breathe, that feel alive and connected to the natural world. I love incorporating the outdoors into my designs, but living in a colder climate that might be executed by large unobstructed windows and less walls so that nature is the artwork in the home! Read More>>

Suzanne Pedersen

I am inspired by many things in this world, but I do feel like people are high on the list. The way we move, the way we interact with our world and each other, the way we show ourselves to others is big in my book. I am also heavily inspired by nature, mostly the details and subtle elements and how they interact, although the grand landscape can be inspiring too. If I feel I can connect on some level, with humans or nature, I am inspired. Music can help inspiration flow as well, although in nature I prefer to be surrounded by the sounds of silence. Read More>>