Today we’d like to introduce you to Senaiet Hagos.
Hi Senaiet, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My path to photography has been anything but traditional. By day, I work as the Executive Assistant to the Chancellor at the University of Denver, but creativity has always been a driving force in my life. Photography began as a creative outlet and gradually evolved into something much more meaningful.
Over time, I realized I wasn’t interested in just taking photos. What inspires me is the ability to create experiences and visual worlds that allow people to see themselves in a new way. Whether I’m photographing a graduating senior, developing an editorial concept, or working with a small business owner, I’m drawn to the process of translating an idea, aspiration, or feeling into something tangible and visual.
In recent years, I’ve become increasingly focused on portrait and editorial photography. My goal with my work is to blend portraiture, fashion, and world-building. I’m especially interested in creating concept-driven images that feels cinematic, transformative, and emotionally resonant. Some of my favorite projects have come from collaborating with people who don’t see themselves as models and helping them step into a version of themselves they may not have had the opportunity to express before.
Photography has also connected me to a broader intention of building community. Outside of my creative work, I’ve started organizing local events and gatherings designed to bring people together and foster genuine connection. I’ve realized that whether I’m behind a camera or hosting an event, I’m ultimately trying to do the same thing: create spaces where people feel inspired to show up as the best version of themselves.
Today, I’m continuing to invest in my craft, develop more editorial work, and expanding my creative vision. The journey has not always been linear, but every challenge, collaboration, and creative risk has reinforced my belief that growth happens when we’re willing to step beyond what feels familiar and into what feels possible.
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?
It has not been a smooth road, but I think that’s what has made the journey meaningful.
One of my biggest challenges has been balancing my creative ambitions with the realities of everyday life. Photography has grown alongside a full-time career in higher education, family responsibilities, and all the other commitments that come with adulthood. There have been many times when I’ve questioned whether I had enough time and experience to pursue photography at the level I see for myself.
Another challenge has been learning to put myself out there. Whether it’s reaching out to models I want to work with, photographers I admire, organizing creative collaborations, submitting work, or sharing personal projects, I’ve had to get comfortable with uncertainty. Building confidence as an artist is an ongoing process.
At the same time, those challenges have taught me resilience. Every shoot has taught me something. Every person I’ve photographed has helped me grow. Looking back, I realize that progress wasn’t happening in one big breakthrough but in small steps at a time.
Today, I have a much greater appreciation for the journey. I’ve learned that success isn’t about having a perfect path. It’s about continuing to show up, keep learning, and stay committed to creating work that feels authentic and meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a portrait and editorial photographer based in Denver. While I photograph everything from personal branding sessions to creative portraits, I am drawn to editorial work that explores identity, transformation, and human connection.
What excites me most about photography is world-building. I love the idea that a single image can transport someone into a different place, mood, or narrative. Whether I’m creating an editorial concept, a personal branding session, or a portrait, I’m always thinking about the story we’re telling, the atmosphere we’re creating, and the emotional experience we want the viewer to have.
I’m less interested in capturing how someone looks and more interested in who they are, who they’re becoming, and how we can translate that into a visual image. Before I ever pick up a camera, I’m interested in learning about someone’s story, what inspires them, and how they want to be seen. From there, I work collaboratively to create images that feel authentic and true to them.
What I’m most proud of is creating experiences that help people see themselves differently. Whether someone comes to me with a fully developed concept or a feeling they want to capture, I love helping them bring that vision to life. Seeing that transformation unfold from an idea, to an experience, to a finished image, is what continues to inspire me.
My goal is to create a feeling and invite people into a story that lasts long after they’ve looked away.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is connection.
Whether I’m behind a camera, organizing a community event, or sharing a idea over coffee, I’m drawn to experiences that help people feel more connected, more confident, and more fully themselves. I think so many people are searching for belonging, creativity, and opportunities to be seen beyond the roles they play in their everyday lives.
Photography has become one of the ways I explore that idea. I love helping people translate a feeling, aspiration, or aspect of their identity into something tangible and visual. At the same time, I’ve discovered that some of the most meaningful experiences in my life have come from bringing people together and creating spaces where connection and creativity can happen.
At the end of the day, what matters most to me is creating experiences that leave people feeling inspired, understood, and more connected to themselves, to others, and to the possibilities of who they can become.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ofmidnightsunsphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofmidnight_suns/?hl=en
