Life & Work with Miranda Deblauwe of Front range

Today we’d like to introduce you to Miranda Deblauwe.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My photography journey started when I was a little kid. My mom gave me my very first camera when I was in 4th grade. She knew I was interested in this art form and has supported me ever since. I was a hobby photographer through high school, occasionally taking senior photos for friends. I actually ended up going to CSU for Music Performance (French Horn). While there, I took on a few gigs here and there taking headshots for friends. Over time I realized how much I enjoyed the art form, but I had to stay focused on music to finish my degree.

I graduated college in May of 2020… and quickly faced the reality that there would be little to no job opportunities in the classical music industry during a pandemic. I got a minor in Arts Business while I was in school so decided to utilize my skills from that experience and I got a job doing sales and marketing for a local business. It was low paying, really basic stuff. And honestly, I didn’t fully know what I was doing. But I was smart, creative, and unafraid of failure. I started taking pictures of all of our products and quickly used that work to get a few more product photography gigs around town.

I enjoyed marketing, but it wasn’t where my heart was. I loved graphic design and photography. In May 2021, my partner and I moved to Boulder. I decided then that I would focus on photography. Fast forward a few years, many side jobs, and a lot of soul searching, and I’ve built a business I’m deeply proud of and passionate about. I’ve developed my voice as an artist and I’ve grown into my role as a business owner.

This last summer I hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, a 2200mi trek from Georgia to Maine. It took 6 months. It was scary to take time off from my work, but since finishing the hike in September I’ve felt more alive and inspired than ever before. Each and every day is a blessing. I’m overjoyed to work with all of my amazing clients!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As I mentioned, hiking the Appalachian Trail meant taking a lot of time off. I had to turn down some really incredible opportunities. However, the hike has changed my life. I’ve become a better, more intentional version of myself and I’ve grown as an artist. I have no regrets and I’ve learned that empowering myself makes me a better artist and a better photographer for my clients.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in documentary portraiture. I specifically work in the realm of weddings and elopements, but at my core I’m a storyteller. I approach each session as a great big narrative that I get to watch unfold. I work hard to be intentional with every image, analyzing how it fits into the bigger story and what it says about my subject. I’m wildly passionate about life, and my clients tend to be so too. So really, whether it’s a wedding or not, if there’s a unique story to tell I’m so there!

What matters most to you?
I’m an artist before I’m a photographer. Photo just happens to be the medium I feel called to at this point in my life. It’s important to me that my clients understand that I’m not just one of these show up, press a button, and email you some photos kind of photographers.

It’s also important to me that my clients recognize I’m a human being, not a business. My love of nature and exercise, my partner, my family and friends, my love of reading and cooking… it all betters my life and my art.

One last thing – My art is and always will be a safe space for you to express yourselves and your love wholly and authentically. In this corner of the world, we practice love and protect our loved ones, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. Love is beautiful!

Pricing:

• Wedding packages available all over the US starting at $2800
• Full day elopement packages available anywhere in the US starting at $5000
• Portrait sessions starting at $450

Contact Info:

• Website: mirandakatecreative.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/mirandakatecreative

Image Credits
Miranda Deblauwe