Making Waves: My Feature in Shoutout Colorado

Written By Jay Cupcake

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the team at Shoutout Colorado to discuss my journey as a photographer, the risks of entrepreneurship, and what it’s like to build a creative brand in a bustling art scene.

Risk, Resilience, and Photography

In the interview, we dove deep into the concept of risk. For many, the idea of pursuing art as a career feels like a leap into the unknown, but for me, it was about trusting the vision I had for Jay Cupcake Photography. We discussed the balance of technical skill and business intuition, and how I’ve navigated the challenges of the "saturated" creative market by staying true to my specific aesthetic and community roots.

A Tour of My Favorite Spots

One of my favorite parts of the conversation was sharing my "local's guide" to the city—from the vibrant energy of the Santa Fe Art District (a place that has become a second home to my work) to the best spots for a drink and a show.

Community and Connection

At its heart, this profile is a love letter to the community that has supported me. Photography isn't just about the person behind the lens; it's about the connection with the person in front of it. I’m so grateful to Shoutout Colorado for giving me a platform to share the stories of the people and places that inspire me every day.

You can read the full interview here: Meet Jay Koepke | Owner, Jay Cupcake Photography

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far. I can’t wait to see what we capture next!

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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My Gallery Debut at the Curtis Center