We recently had the chance to connect with Christina Cookson and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Christina, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
How incredibly hard people really are on themselves.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a headshot photographer here in Denver. My primary focus is on professional and business headshots for companies and individuals. My journey to photography started later in life. I practiced law full-time for 15 years and eventually felt like I was going to burn out, leaving little time or joy in my personal life. I decided to start photography as a sort of side hustle, and it eventually grew into a successful and incredibly fulfilling career. I am the sole photographer but my husband and business partner, John, comes with me on most every shoot at our studio and always on all corporate headshot sessions on site. He is my right-hand on shoots, created / manages my website and also does my post-production and retouching.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
This is an interesting question, and the more I think about it, I honestly thing it’s just something that was innately within me. I am constantly in competition with myself to work harder, longer and more efficiently. While my parents always expected that I work hard, it’s not something they necessarily “taught” me. It was just expected.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Failure. I think most people are afraid to fail and that keeps them from pursuing new challenges in life. Once I stopped worrying about failing, trying new things and pursuing my dream of working for myself came much easier.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Respect. I think respecting each other is of the utmost importance and forms the basis for all of our relationships and their success. Respect doesn’t just apply to the larger things like someone’s beliefs, values, etc. It’s as basic as respecting someone’s time. If you’re going to be late, send a short text to let the person waiting for you know. If you can’t make an appointment, respect the person you have a meeting with enough to let them know in advance.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Working so much.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://denvercorporateheadshots.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccooksonphotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-cookson-312795149
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaCooksonPhotography
Image Credits
All images taken by me, Christina Cookson.
