Speechless | Portrait Photographer Denver

So, I'm going through a set of stunning photos from a photo shoot in my studio yesterday and just HAD to share this glimpse of the process, as I'm DYING at how gorgeous they all are! It was one of those days where everything just clicked... the light, the conversation, and most of all, this absolutely beautiful young woman -- gorgeous and so talented, inside and out!

Above is an iPhone shot of my monitor, of a straight out of camera shot which I converted to black and white in Instagram (if you're on Instagram, come say hello @merrittphoto!) just because I was curious... The result took my breath away!

Sarah's awesome mom took these pictures of my assistant (and son) and me doing our thing, which I just love! And the final shot below is a phone picture by my boy (I'm loving his over-the-lens, behind-the-scenes shots!).

Actor Head Shots on Location | Portrait Photographer Denver

I do enjoy a creative challenge...

So not too long ago I took on the crazy task of shooting over 150 amazing young actors for the Denver School of the Arts' Theatre Department annual head shot project.

They could only be scheduled in the hottest light of the day. In August.

And did I mention that this is a parking lot in the background?

Fortunately for me, these kids are totally amazing and were TONS of fun to photograph, even at a such a quick pace!

Natural Light. 

Expression. 

Connection.

I. Love. This.

Enjoy a few samples from the day!

Photos from the... NEW STUDIO!! | Denver Portrait Photographer

Meet Mica!

I had such a blast photographing this lovely young woman in my new natural light photo studio!

Mica is such a darling person -- and her vocal talents will blow you away (check out her website).

I'm so excited about this unique photo studio, located in a turn of the century historic cotton mill just west of Santa Fe on Evans.

Historic architecture makes for a wonderful backdrop, and throughout the building is the kind of incredible light that can best be found bouncing through historic leaded windows and off brick and whitewashed walls.

It is simply DREAMY.

The studio also features fun sets as an integral part of its authentic history, and the possibilities for amazing portraits, from traditional to more unique, are endless. 

I photographed this set right in the middle of the day, on a day mixed with direct sunlight and clouds. 

I am positively IN LOVE.

And then... there's this amazing blue wall... don't you just love it?!

And yes, more traditional studio photographs are possible in here, too... What a blast!!

Thank you to my amazing friend and model from today -- Mica, your radiance shines so brightly from within you!!

Portrait Book | Denver Portrait Photographer

WOOT!!

I'm crazy excited to share a little something -- my newest MAGAZINE -- at which I've been hard at work:

Portrait Book 2013

By jennifer koskinen in Merritt Design Photo Portraits

24 pages, published 4/10/2013

Welcome to Merritt Design Photo's First Annual Boutique Portrait Photography studio book! Located in Denver Colorado, specializing in seniors, head shots and super fun family photography, this book details session packages, our studio portrait process and introduces our new Senior Model Team!

You can preview the whole Portrait Photography Welcome Book on MagCloud (or ask me for a hard copy -- even better!).  Includes details on our brand new SENIOR MODEL TEAM!!

Also see new photographs on the MDP website PORTRAIT page!

Head Shot Shoot-Off [ Denver Portrait Photographer ]

My boy and I both needed our head shots refreshed, so yesterday we took advantage of a lovely Sunday in Denver to have fun taking portraits of each other. He assists me on photo shoots from time to time, so thought it would be fun to let him be in charge of the camera and direction, to see what he could do.

In addition, since he's an actor, I have discovered this is a great way for him to learn what its like to be on BOTH sides of the camera.

He's a fine young photographer as well as actor, as it turns out!

We do have fun... I'm a lucky mom!!

Environmental Portraits, Kids! | Portrait & Head Shot Photographer, Denver CO

I swear, every time I do this lately I end up with this feeling that these are my new FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHS EVER! I'm thinking that's a good thing, right? 

But seriously, finding a spot in an alley (new favorite locations here!), using natural light to my advantage, and most of all, being entrusted by such amazing people to capture their portraits and head shots... and those of their incredibly talented children! 

I seriously LOVE my job. 

Actor Head Shots | Portrait Photographer, Denver Colorado

There's nothing so satisfying to a photographer as combining an expressive and devilishly handsome face with an evocative spot of natural light in the city. I love my job!