Beyond the Pose: Why the Outtakes are My Favorite Part

Written By Jay Cupcake

One of the best perks of this job is the chance to connect with people I might never have met otherwise. There is something "wicked fun" about the process of peeling back the layers and letting someone’s real personality shine through the lens.

In my studio, that process usually sounds like a lot of laughter. While these candid moments might not be the "winners" for your formal corporate headshot, these outtakes are often the images I treasure most. They capture the genuine joy and the real human connection that happens when the camera stops being a barrier and starts being a bridge. If we aren't having a laugh, are we even doing it right?

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
Previous

My Gallery Debut at the Curtis Center
Next

From the Studio to City Hall: Photographing the Mayor for Civilian Magazine