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

Written By Jay Cupcake

I am incredibly honored to finally share a project that has been a major highlight of my career: I was hired by Civilian Magazine to photograph the Mayor of Denver for their featured story, "From Huddles to Mile High Mayor."

The Assignment

When a publication like Civilian reaches out, you know the stakes are high. The goal was to capture a series of portraits that reflected the leadership, energy, and vision of the Mayor. Moving from my usual world of vibrant drag and surreal collage into the realm of high-profile political editorial was a challenge I welcomed with open arms.

Behind the Scenes

Photographing a public figure requires a mix of speed, precision, and the ability to make a very busy person feel comfortable in front of the lens instantly. We spent our session focused on capturing the human behind the office—the grit, the determination, and the person dedicated to the Mile High City.

Seeing my work across a multi-page spread in a glossy magazine is a feeling that never gets old. It’s one thing to see your photos on a screen, but seeing the layout, the typography, and the physical ink on the page is a reminder of why I love this medium so much.

Bringing that Editorial Eye to You

Whether I’m photographing a Mayor, a drag queen, or a local business owner, my goal is always the same: to create an image that feels like a "cover story."

Check out the full digital feature here: From Huddles to Mile High Mayor - Civilian Mag

Scroll down to see the magazine spreads and some of my favorite selects from the gallery!

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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