Two for Two: Celebrating My Second DIVA Nomination!

Written By Jay Cupcake

It is officially awards season in the Colorado drag and variety community, and I am incredibly honored to share that for the second year in a row, I have been nominated for Best Photographer at the 5th Annual DIVA Awards!

The Journey Since 2023

Being nominated back in 2023 was a whirlwind, and standing as a finalist again in 2024 feels even more special. It’s a testament to the incredible year I’ve had capturing the brilliance, grit, and glamour of our local performers. Whether I'm shooting under the neon lights of a club or the immersive art of Meow Wolf Denver, my goal is always the same: to make the magic of this community permanent.

A Field of Excellence

The competition this year is fierce, and I am humbled to be listed alongside some of the best eyes in the business:

  • Brian Degendfelder Photography

  • Danny Love Ramirez

  • Monica Lloyd Photography

  • Tony Graham - Broken Glass Photography

How to Vote

The DIVA Awards are fueled by the community, and your support means the world to me. If you’ve loved the photos we’ve created together this year, I would be honored to have your vote!

Whether I take home the trophy or not, being "two for two" on nominations is already a win in my book. Thank you for letting me be your photographer!

Jay Cupcake

I’ve always believed that a great portrait is a collaboration, not just a click of a shutter. My name is Jay, and for over a decade, I’ve been capturing the vibrant, the surreal, and the unapologetically authentic. Recently relocated from the mountains of Colorado to the Twin Cities, I bring an editorial eye and a 'laughter-first' philosophy to every session.

My work spans the spectrum of the human experience—from photographing the Mayor of Denver for Civilian Magazine to creating high-concept digital collages featuring the icons of the drag and variety scene. Whether I’m building a complex 100-layer digital piece or capturing a clean, professional headshot, my goal is to make my subjects feel like the most powerful version of themselves. I don't just take pictures; I help personalities shine through.

https://www.jaycupcake.com
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