A Milestone Moment: My First DIVA Award Nomination

Written By Jay Cupcake

There is something incredibly special about the first time your community looks at your work and says, "We see you."

I am beyond thrilled to share that I have been nominated for Best Photographer at the 4th Annual Colorado DIVA Awards! This is my first time being recognized by the DIVAs, and to be included in a category with such talented peers is a victory in itself.

Capturing the Magic

Since I started Jay Cupcake Photography, my mission has been to document the grit, glamour, and heart of the Colorado drag and variety scene. Whether it’s a high-concept studio session or a sweat-drenched performance at X Bar, I strive to honor the artistry of the performers who make our community so vibrant.

Being nominated alongside names like Brian Degenfelder, Danny Love Ramirez, Monica Lloyd, and Tony Graham is an absolute honor. These are photographers I admire, and I’m proud to be in their company.

Thank You for the Support

To everyone who has sat in front of my lens, trusted me with your image, and supported my small business—thank you. This nomination belongs to all of us.

Regardless of who takes home the trophy at the ceremony, I am so grateful to be part of this "DIVA" family. Let’s celebrate our community and the art we create together!

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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